Dogs and Sunscreen: A Vet Reveals a Shocking Fact
Protecting Your Dog from the Sun: A Guide to Dog-Safe Sunscreens
As the weather heats up, it's important to remember that our furry friends need protection from the sun too. Here's a guide to help you choose the best dog-safe sunscreens and protect your pet from sunburn, skin damage, and other harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure.
Why Dog-Safe Sunscreens Matter
Just like humans, dogs require sunscreen to protect them from harmful UV rays. Thin-furred and hairless dogs, dogs with light fur, clipped areas, and dogs with immune-mediated skin problems like Discoid Lupus Erythematous (DLE) are more susceptible to sunburn. The likelihood of a dog needing sunscreen increases with lighter skin and thinner hair.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
When selecting a sunscreen for your dog, it's crucial to choose one specifically formulated for pets. Human sunscreens should be avoided as they may contain toxic ingredients for dogs, particularly zinc oxide. Instead, look for a pet-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and higher if possible. The best sunscreens for dogs are those with safe, non-toxic ingredients and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, ideally with SPF 30 or higher.
Recommended products include:
- Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen: The only FDA-compliant sunscreen for dogs, developed by veterinarians and chemists, offers reliable sunburn and skin damage protection.
- Aloha Dog Natural Sunscreen: A natural spray containing Monoï de Tahiti, aloe vera, argan oil, and vitamin E provides hydration and sun protection for sensitive and lightly furred areas.
- Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray: Rated best overall by experts for its versatility across breeds.
- Petkin Doggy Sun Mist: A good value option with effective sun protection.
- Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector: Uses high-quality natural ingredients safe for sensitive dog skin.
Applying Sunscreen to Dogs
When applying sunscreen to your dog, follow these tips:
- Use a pet-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or above that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid human sunscreens with harmful ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, zinc oxide, PABA, or salicylates, as these can be toxic or irritating for dogs.
- Spray or apply approximately 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow absorption.
- Focus application on areas with less fur or more exposed skin, including the nose, ears, belly, groin, tail, lips, and ear tips.
- Be cautious with spray sunscreens to prevent inhalation or eye exposure, especially for excitable dogs.
- Reapply sunscreen every few hours or after swimming and heavy sweating to maintain protection.
- Prevent dogs from licking the sunscreen or licking each other after application.
Other Sun Safety Tips
- Avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day reduces the risk of heatstroke and sunburn.
- A UV-protective thin dog t-shirt can be an alternative to sunscreen for dogs with large clipped areas or no fur.
- Playing in water can help cool off dogs, but should be done little and often to prevent water intoxication.
- For noses, a balm might be easier to apply and longer-lasting than a cream.
- In an urgent situation, a baby sunscreen with an SPF of over 15 (without zinc oxide) can be used as a temporary measure.
- It's okay to skip a walk and provide mental exercise indoors if it's too hot.
By following these tips, you can help protect your dog from the harmful effects of the sun while ensuring safety during outdoor activities. Enjoy the sunshine with your furry friend, worry-free!
