Can Dogs Get Sunburned?
If your making plans and you know that you will be outside for an extended period of time, you may want to consider the chances of getting sunburned. Not for you, for your dog! That is correct like humans’ dogs can be affected by UV rays and heat from the sun which can cause burns or possibly cancer. Let us tell you how to keep your dog safe.
To be honest not all dogs are at risk of sunburn. For instance, dogs with white hair have much lighter skin under their coats. Also, hairless breeds and dogs with finer coats are clearly more susceptible to develop skin cancer or be burnt by the sun rays. Other reasons dogs may become sunburned. If your dog loves to sit in the sun because let’s face it some dogs love to bask in the sun much more than others. The more sensitive parts of your dog that may get sunburned are their snouts and between their hind legs. If you dog suffers from hair loss big or small. Dogs can lose hair for many reasons like hormones or allergies, if you dog has a blading spot on his fur where the skin is exposed it is as sensitive as human skin is to the sun in these hairless spots. If you dog spends most of his time outdoors more than a few hours at a time he could be more likely to be affected by heat and UV rays.
Breeds who commonly burn as discussed before are thin skinned or thin haired dogs and will need protection when in the sun. A few of the common breeds who need to be offered shade or pet friendly sunscreen when being exposed to the sun are White German Sheppard’s, Weimaraner, Whippet, American Staffordshire Terrier, Greyhound, Boxer, Dalmatians, Chinese crested, and possibly more. The sun does a great job heating up things like sidewalks and roads. On very hot days be sure to protect your pups’ paws. The best way to help protect their paws are to not go onto hot roads or sidewalks and avoiding walks in the hottest part of the day such as mid-day when the sun is very powerful. Possibly find a shaded trail way to walk your dog at a park is possible.
Ways to prevent and protect your dog from sunburn and heat. Providing shade is probably the most practical way to protect your dog from being sunburned or over heat. Dogs are not picky use and umbrella or lead your dog under a nearby table for cover. Use sun block, talk to your vet about buying sunscreen that is safe for your dog. Once you have purchased the sunscreen make sure you use it in a small test area to be sure the dog doesn’t have a reaction to the lotion. Use protective clothing for your dog such as a plain white cotton shirt this will reflect the light away from your dog. Stay inside and dog go outside, sounds silly I know but clearly not going in the sun is a sure way to make sure your dog does not get sunburned or overheat.
If you dog has gotten sunburned and you need to treat it, we recommend a lukewarm oatmeal bath to keep cool and help- ease swelling and discomfort. Aloe Vera with out alcohol works wonders as well. We do not recommend treating sun burn with hemp oils or coconut oil until a few days after the burn has gone away because the oil traps the heat in the skin and makes the sunburns feels much worse. Hemp oil can be used to treat your dogs’ skin on a daily basis as well as skin allergies. Hemp is proven to help the overall health of your dog and help keep his skin and coat in tip top shape