When it comes to skin care, most of us are very conscious of protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays and the risks that come along with exposure to the sun.
Protecting our pets' skin from the sun is not usually top-of-mind, but just as for humans, UV rays can be harmful to pets. In fact, dogs and cats can sunburn and get various types of skin cancer.
It’s hard enough slathering sunscreen on the kids, and now I’m telling you the pets need it, too?! Yes, yes I am.
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk, and some pets are more vulnerable than others. Therefore, limit their exposure to the sun and protect them when they are outdoors.
Some pets need sunscreen: There are sunscreens on the market for pets. Who knew?
Whether a pet needs sunscreen can depend on many factors, such as how much time they spend outside, the part of the day they are outdoors, and the color and thickness of their coat.
The lighter the coat, the more dangerous the sun can be. If a pet has a light-colored coat or a relatively thin coat, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen as a precaution anytime it will be outdoors on a sunny day, even in the winter. For example, white dogs with pink noses are considered the most vulnerable.
What areas need protection? When applying sunscreen, the areas to pay attention to are the ears, belly (which often has little hair), and the tip of the nose. These are the places most likely to get the most exposure and to easily burn.
Not all products are equal: Not all sunscreens are created equal, and most human sunscreen cannot be used on pets. Make sure to use pet-safe sunscreen that is specifically for a cat or dog, as some sunscreens that are OK for dogs are not OK for cats, and vice versa.
For all pets, when choosing a sunscreen, make sure to avoid those containing PABA, zinc oxide and octisalate, or any other salicylates, especially in areas where the pet could reach and lick it off.
Sunscreen for babies may be a good option to look into. Note that it is best to consult a veterinarian before applying any medications to pets.
Inside is best: As summer approaches, it is a good idea to keep pets inside during the hottest parts of the day. When they are outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade available.
If the family pet likes to sunbathe in a windowsill, be aware that they can still get sunburn.
Now is also a good time to remind pet owners that the ground is heating up and our pet’s paw pads easily burn, so we want to keep walks to the early morning and evening times when the temperatures are cooler.
If any suspicious spots or bumps appear on the pet’s skin, get them checked out by a vet to get a proper diagnosis. If cancer, and if caught early, most are very treatable.
Events
May 17: Meet ARNO adoptable dogs at the Bar Dog Wine Bark Mobile in the parking lot of Rouses Markets (3711 Power Blvd., Metairie) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for wine tasting and puppy love. For more info, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.