Protecting Your Dog From the Summer Sun
We are around the corner from fall which means a change in seasons and cooler temperatures are on the way! With at least another month of heat left in the forecast, let’s chat about the sun and your dog’s skin health.
Did you know your dog can get a sun burn?
Hairless and short-haired dogs are more susceptible to sun burns. Dogs with light–colored skin or thin hair should be more cautious when spending long durations of time in the sun. There are a few different strategies to ensure thin-haired or light-skinned dogs maintain fresh skin with little to no sun damage.
Sunscreen
Dog sunscreen is a common recommendation for hairless dogs but can also be useful for thin-haired and fair-skinned dogs. If you are considering applying sunscreen on your dog, please ensure it is a sunscreen brand specific for dogs and does not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). These ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you have any questions about sunscreen for your dog, please contact your veterinarian.
Protective Clothing
Sunscreen is an option to prevent sun burns in your pup, however an alternative to sunscreen is protective clothing. Clothing is a great option because it covers a larger area of space and unlike sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about the sunscreen washing off in the pool or your dog licking it off. Protective clothing can also be used after the application of sunscreen to prevent your dog from licking and ingesting it.
Inside Time
Regardless of sunscreen or protective clothing, all dogs need to bring their internal temperature back to a resting, healthy temperature. After a fun amount of play outside in warmer weather, dogs should be brought back inside or into the shade to cool off. When bringing your dog inside after outdoor play in the sun, take a few minutes to check for any skin irritation, redness or warm skin. If your dog shows any of these signs, please contact your veterinarian right away.
Too hot where you live? Need a way for your dog to get exercise while staying cool?
Do you have a rambunctious pup at home in need of getting some wiggles out during the warm, summer weather? Dogtopia daycare is a great option for your dog and a fun environment all year long! With up to 8-10 hours of open play, your pup will meet new BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) and plenty of exercise while being entirely shielded from the sun. Ready to get your dog into daycare? Use our location finder to find a Dogtopia near you.
