We all know the dangers of sun exposure and sun damage, which is why we are taught to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays with sunscreen. But if you’re heading for a beach trip this summer, you may be wondering: what about my dog?
Are dogs at risk for sun damage? Should we be using sunscreen on them? And if so, will any regular sunscreen work or will it need to be a special kind of sunscreen? In this blog, we answer all those questions and more to put your mind at ease the next time you bring your dog out for a day in the sun.
How Safe Is It for Dogs to be Outdoors?
We all know that dogs love being outdoors no matter if it’s raining, shining, or anything in between. There is no limit to the activities your dog can do in the outdoors, including biking along with you. But if you live in hotter and sunnier climates, there may be some worry that the heat might not be good for your fur baby.
Excessive sun exposure and heat are dangerous to our dogs’ health. Not only can it lead to a bad sunburn, but it can also lead to skin cancer, dehydration, and heatstroke. Skin cancer is especially prevalent in dogs with shorter and more coarse hair.
But those risks should not get in the way of you and your dog enjoying some quality time in parks, on trails, and on various outdoor adventures. By understanding your dog’s outdoor needs and the precautions you will need, you can better prepare your dog for a successful and safe day out!
What Do Experts Say About Sunscreen on Dogs?
The simple answer: experts agree that sunscreen is not just safe, but that it is absolutely essential for dogs who spend time outdoors. This is especially true for dogs at risk for more sun damage, like dogs with lighter-colored fur and shorter hair. But generally, all dogs spending time outdoors should have some sort of sunscreen applied to them.
That also means that if your dog is spending a lot of time outdoors when the sun is at its peak, sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day on various parts of their body. That ensures that they will have even consistent protection throughout the day.
But not all sunscreens are created equal. While it may seem like a good budget-conscious idea to use your own personal sunscreen on your dog, there is evidence that these can, in fact, be harmful to your dog in the long-term.
For example, common ingredients in sunscreen like fragrance and zinc oxide are toxic to dogs when ingested. And because your fur baby is likely to lick themselves out of curiosity when you apply sunscreen to their bodies, it is extremely important that you carefully choose the sunscreen you use on your furry friend.
What Sunscreen Should I Use on My Dogs?
Luckily, we live in a day and age where canine-specific sunscreens are widely available. These dog sunscreens don’t have any of the harmful ingredients that you may find in other commercial sunscreens.
When buying a dog sunscreen, there are a few factors to consider. Make sure you’re getting the right coverage appropriate for your dog; if you expect your dog to spend a lot of time outdoors, choose a sunscreen with more coverage for sun protection.
You should also consider the best application method for your fur baby and choose the sunscreen best for them. For example, if you think a spray applicator will be easier or if you find sunscreen balms easier to apply, you can filter out results to only look at these kinds of sunscreens.
Here’s a good sunscreen for dogs that’s developed by veterinarians:
It’s easy to apply (you just need to spray it). It doesn’t contain chemicals harmful to dogs (and horses, actually). Best of all, it won’t break the bank as it’s priced very fairly.
But what if you don’t have access to any dog sunscreens where you are? Or what if you’ve run out of dog sunscreen and urgently need an alternative?
While it may not be the best solution for your dog, it is possible to use sunscreens formulated for babies on your dog. This is because baby sunscreens are made to be mild and free of toxins. Just make sure that you carefully go through its ingredients before you use it on your dog. Remember – fragrances and zinc oxide are big no-nos!
Check out this helpful video to learn how you should be applying sunscreen to your dog:
What Else Can I Do to Protect My Dogs?
Aside from sunscreen, there are a few other things you can do to protect your dog from sun damage and to help them cope with the heat. It is important to give your dog access to water whenever they need it, especially when they’re doing strenuous exercise outside. Dehydration is surprisingly common among dogs but relatively easy to avoid.
If you know your dog has a hard time adjusting to heat, keep them inside when temperatures are at their highest. When you allow them outside when temperatures are cooler, it allows them to enjoy more without risk.
You should also keep a constant eye on them when they go off-leash. And if your fur baby has a longer coat that may be cumbersome during the summer months, consider giving them a “summer haircut” to help them along.
However, if your dog is particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion, remember that there are other options available for you to help your dog stay fit. For example, many of the best dog treadmills are easily available. They’re easy to install in your home and are a great way to exercise your fur baby.
Conclusion
If you are planning to spend any time outdoors with your dog, it is worth it to check out sunscreens for them to make sure they’re fully protected from the sun. That’s especially true if your dog is very young or very old and has a shorter coat.
There are many sunscreens on the market exclusively formulated for dogs, but you can also use baby sunscreens in a pinch. Keeping your dog safe from sun damage is easy and simple when you know what to do!