Sun Safety Tips for Pets

When the sun is shining, and your furry friend loves to lounge in its warmth or play outside, it's essential to consider sun safety for pets. Just like humans, our pets can benefit from some sun exposure, but it's important to take steps to protect them from potential sunburn, which can lead to more serious skin issues like cancer. Can pets get sunburned? They can, and ensuring their safety can be simple and stress-free. With the right precautions and the use of pet-safe sunscreen, you can keep your beloved companions safe and happy while they enjoy their time in the sun.

Pets and Sunburn

Pets without hair, like the Sphynx cat or Mexican hairless dog, are certainly at risk of getting sunburn. But any pet can get burned in areas with no or minimal fur, including the tips of the ears, lips, and mid-section. For instance, pets who like to sunbathe on their backs can end up with a burned belly.

Other pets more prone to sunburn include those with thin or light-colored coats or who suffer from health conditions that cause hair loss, such as allergies or Cushing’s disease. Additionally, if your pet has been shaved for surgery, you should be extra careful about their sun exposure.

You may also be surprised to know that indoor cats are at risk for sunburn. Regular windows do not filter out harmful UV rays, so cats who like to nap in windowsills or snooze in sunbeams can get sunburnt. Cats with white or beige coats tend to have lighter-colored skin, which can burn more easily.

Symptoms

Pets with sunburn will have the same symptoms as humans. For instance, burned skin will appear red, dry, and cracked. It will also be painful to the touch, and your pet may wince when you try to pet them. Some pets will scratch or bite at the affected area while they whimper in pain. More severe cases of sunburn can result in blistering and fever.

Treatment

While a minor case of sunburn will generally heal on its own, you should bring your pet to the veterinarian if the burn is red and painful. They can assess the severity of the burn and recommend the appropriate treatment. This usually involves shaving the affected area, carefully cleaning the burn, and applying a topical ointment. You may need to apply the ointment at home as well.

Prevention

You might wonder, "How can I keep my dog safe in the sun?" The best way to prevent sunburn is to keep your pet out of the sun as much as possible, especially when it is at its hottest. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go outside with your pet, but you can take steps to keep them safe from sunburn:

• Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas of skin.
• Have your pet wear clothing designed to provide sun protection.
• Take walks in the early mornings or late evenings when the sun isn’t as intense.
• Stick to shadier routes when you’re out with your pet.

If your pet is getting sunburned by basking near a window or sliding glass door, you can consider installing solar shades, which block harmful UV rays.

A veterinary-approved sunscreen is recommended to help protect areas prone to sunburns, such as your pet’s belly and the tips of the ears. Do not use human sunscreen products since they can contain harmful ingredients that may irritate your pet’s skin or make your pet sick if they lick it off. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best sunscreen for dogs and cats and get suggestions on how best to apply it.

Skin Cancer in Pets

Like people, pets can get skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Areas of the skin that are repeatedly exposed to the harmful rays of the sun are more prone to skin cancer, which makes it especially important to protect your pet from sunburn. 

Early detection can make a big difference in your pet’s prognosis, so be sure to look over your pet’s skin regularly. If you notice issues such as red spots, lumps that look like warts, flakiness, or inflammation, you should contact your veterinarian. Don’t panic—not every little bump or discoloration is cancer—but visit the veterinarian as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis.

If skin cancer is caught before it spreads to other parts of the body, it can usually be eliminated with laser surgery, surgery, or radiation. Topical ointments may be recommended for precancerous spots.

Hotspots and Pets

Hotspots are infected skin sores that tend to occur more often in the summertime. Hotspots can be red, oozing, and, as the name suggests, warm to the touch. They pop up when your pet excessively licks or scratches an irritated area of the skin. The initial irritation may be from flea bites, allergies, or matted fur, and your pet’s constant attention to the area only makes things worse. 

If your pet develops hot spots, take them to the veterinarian for treatment. This usually entails trimming the hair around the hotspots to improve air circulation and allow for careful cleaning. Your pet may also need topical ointments and antibiotics. Your veterinarian can also identify any underlying conditions causing the hotspots, so they don’t recur.

To Shave, or Not to Shave

While it can seem like a good idea to give your pet a close summer shave, there are good reasons not to shave them down: 

• Your pet’s coat acts as insulation, keeping them from getting too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. 
• Their fur provides protection from the sun. A shaved pet is more at risk for sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. 
• Shaved pets may get chilly when they’re inside with the air conditioning running. 
• If you shave a dog with a double coat, such as a German Shepherd or Pomeranian, the upper hairs may not grow back, causing a patchy, scruffy appearance. 

However, if your dog enjoys a shorter summer hairstyle and doesn’t mind the clippers, it’s fine to give their coat a trim. Some cats also enjoy having a shorter coat through the hot summer months. Consult your veterinarian about the least stressful way to give your cat a “lion” cut.

Keep in mind that pet insurance can help with all sorts of summertime woes—from heatstroke to skin cancer and other eligible veterinary care expenses. Now that’s a bright idea! Learn more by getting a free quote now.

_{An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}