Do you wear your SPF? Or make an effort to keep yourself safe from sun damage?
Did you know that our pets are also at risk of getting sunburnt or developing sun-related diseases?
Just like we make it a priority to protect ourselves from the sun, we should be doing the same for our pets! Here are a few common questions we hear about this topic, along with the answers to them.
But they have fur! Shouldn’t that protect them?
While it is true that fur, or a lack thereof, plays a role in how protected our pet is from the sun’s rays, it’s not the only factor to consider. There are areas where pets lack fur that tend to be the most common areas that they get burnt, like the nose, ears, and belly. So if you have a pup who likes to kick back in the summertime and lay on his back to catch a few rays in the backyard, having his belly exposed puts him at higher risk!
What can I do? Is there sunscreen for pets?!
Why yes, yes there is! Sunscreen for pets is specially formulated, so do not use human sunscreen on them! Ingredients found in human sunscreens, like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), are toxic to pets if ingested. You should be looking for at least 15 SPF, but 30 is more ideal, especially if you are less able to limit your pet’s sun exposure.
What other ways can I protect my pet?
The sun is the most intense between 10 AM and 4 PM every day, so walks or time outdoors are ideal either earlier or later than that. Get into the habit of an earlier morning or later evening walk schedule. If you have a sun-happy pet who will not take no for an answer when it comes to sunbathing, but you are not applying sunscreen throughout the day, limit their exposure to ten minutes at a time. Moderation is key!
While A little bit of vitamin D is good for everyone, pets included, it’s important to be smart about your pet’s exposure to avoid injury and disease. Enjoy the rays and stay safe!