Most of us spend a lot of time outdoors with our pooches, so perhaps you’ve contemplated the idea of dog sunscreen before. If you’re not sure if or why your dog needs SPF, here’s a quick guide.
Why should I use dog sunscreen?
Dog sunscreen helps ensure that your furry friend doesn’t burn in the sun. it also helps prevent an array of skin cancers like malignant melanomas, squamous cell carcinoma and hemangiomas.
Does my dog really need it?
Think about it this way: Some humans are more susceptible to sunburn. The fairer your skin, the higher your risks. Dogs are exactly the same. If your pup is fair-furred, he or she carries a higher risk of getting sunburnt. But this doesn’t mean that dark fur is in the clear. It never hurts to bring out some extra precautions. If you’re about to spend the outdoors with your dogs, dog sunscreen is the best way to prepare for it.
When is the best time to apply dog sunscreen?
Again, human rules come into play where dogs and sunscreen are concerned. Apply some canine sunscreen just before your dog heads outdoors, and make sure to reapply it throughout the course of the day. The sun’s rays are at their most potent between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and this is the time during which your dog is most likely to get burnt.
Where should I apply it?
Your dog has a few sun-sensitive areas, which have less fur or no fur at all. The checklist looks a little something like this:
- Nose
- Tips of the ears
- Groin
- Around the lips
- Belly
Be sure to patch test the sunscreen before applying it to your dog’s whole body, and for the love of all things furry, please avoid the eye areas. If your pet doesn’t show any weird reaction to the lotion, feel free to apply it generously to the areas that need coverage. Allow the sunscreen to soak in for a few minutes before exposing your dog to the sun and check to ensure that your pet doesn’t lick the lotion off.
Can I use my sunscreen for my pet?
This is a big NO. Only sunscreen that has been specifically formulated for use on dogs is safe for your pooch. Dog sunscreen doesn’t contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Those two ingredients are super toxic to dogs, and most human sunscreen brands contain both.
If you’re ever in doubt, the best way to protect your dog from sunburn is to limit the amount of time they spend outside in the sun. doggie hats, goggles and shirts can also be great additions to your sun-defence stockpile.
