Dog sunscreen: when and how to use

Author: Peter Berry
Date Of Creation: 17 February 2021
Update Date: 7 November 2024
Anonim
How To Apply Sunscreen To Your Dog
Video: How To Apply Sunscreen To Your Dog

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We know that we must be very attentive to our dog's health, however, we usually don't care so much about its skin and sun exposure as with your diet. And that's a big mistake, because our best friend can actually suffer negative consequences like burns due to ultraviolet radiation. With this, serious health problems can arise, such as the appearance of crusts on the skin that cause itching, redness and even infections.

And that's why in this PeritoAnimal article, Dog sunscreen: when and how to use, let's answer your questions about this topic talking about the importance of this product with tips so you can buy the most suitable for your pet. Good reading!


Is sunscreen for dogs necessary?

If you are the kind of person who loves the sun and enjoys all the opportunities for leisure in open areas during the heat, such as taking a walk in parks, on the beach or hiking, you should pay attention to using sunscreen, right?

And you've probably already wondered if this same concern should exist with dogs. Is dog sunscreen necessary? The answer is yes. Despite the protection offered by the coat against ultraviolet rays, there are some areas of the canine body with less hair and that are more sensitive to sun exposure, such as the abdomen, muzzle and ears.

Also, dogs with finer, shorter and lighter fur are more prone to skin burns, as the rays fall more easily on these animals. That's why it's very important to use sunscreen for dogs if we know they will spend a lot of time exposed, because burns, in addition to causing pain in our pet, can also trigger skin cancer. Therefore, it is very important to protect your dog from the sun properly.


What sunscreen can I put on my dog?

Now that you know how important it is to use sunscreen for dogs, you may be wondering which sunscreen you should put on him, and even if can pass protector from people to dog. And yes, it is possible to use some of the same creams that we humans use, as long as it is a factor 30 option and does not contain substances harmful to the dog, such as zinc or para-aminobenzoic acid, also called PABA.

However, these days there are some dog-specific sunscreen options in pet stores. They are designed to respect the pH of the furry skin, in addition to being hypoallergenic. They are usually water resistant, do not contain perfumes or substances that can irritate the dog's skin.


Attention! Before deciding on any product, you should listen to the recommendations of a vet, as this professional will know which product is best suited for your dog's skin type and needs. It is also very important to read the components of dog sunscreen first, as some substances can be harmful to the dog.

In addition to using sunscreen, here are some instructions to protect your dog from the sun and high exposure to ultraviolet rays:

  • Avoid walking your furry in very hot times or when the radiation is too intense
  • Keep the dog's fur, as one of its functions is to protect it from the sun
  • If you find it necessary, there are clothes designed for dogs that protect them from solar radiation.

Perhaps you might be interested in this other PeritoAnimal article: Walking a dog before or after eating? and, in the video below, see the necessary care for your dog in the summer:

How to use sunscreen for dogs

Here are some tips on how to use sunscreen on dogs:

  • Apply only to areas most exposed and sensitive to radiation, such as around the muzzle, tips of ears, back of legs and abdomen.
  • Do not exaggerate the amount, as the product must be well absorbed by the dog's skin. In addition, if there is any excess, he can lick and ingest the product.
  • Follow the recommendations of each manufacturer, as most sunscreens for dogs should be applied a few times a day, as they usually lose their effectiveness after about 2 hours.
  • Apply dog ​​sunscreen before going out to areas where there is a high incidence of radiation.
  • Always check your furry friend's skin to see if he has not suffered any sunburn or if there is any area that needs more attention when applying the protective cream.
  • Check if the most sensitive parts of the animal's body start to redden when it spends several hours in the sun, even with the use of the product. Sometimes what you are using is not the most suitable for your pet

What to do if your dog gets sunburned

First of all, the first thing you should do if your dog suffers any kind of burn is to take him to a veterinarian, as the professional will prescribe regenerative creams, moisturizers and/or antibiotics depending on the degree of the burn.

You also need to avoid re-exposing your dog's already burned areas to the sun, as this can worsen the damage. Pay close attention to the Chemicals that you use to bathe the dog, as is the case with shampoos. It is necessary to check that its components will not further irritate the burned skin. There are some products made exclusively for this purpose on the market. In this other article you find out how to cure dog burns. Another reading tip that might interest you is how to relieve the dog's heat.

Why Dogs Like To Stay In The Sun

Solar lighting brings numerous health benefits to us humans and animals alike. In addition to the famous vitamin D, the sun is an important ally in combating stress and depression. Here are the main reasons why dogs like to be in the sun so much:

The sun is a source of vitamin D

This fat-soluble vitamin favors the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the dog's body and, therefore, helps in the correct development of its bones, in addition to preventing the appearance of diseases related to the bone system, such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D plays a key role in muscle development of the animal, favoring the nervous system and promoting muscle contractions, a fact that especially benefits large dog breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier. Likewise, this vitamin also benefits the animal's immune system.

Favors the production of serotonin

This chemical produced by the body acts as a neurotransmitter to keep the mood stable, so we can say that it is one of the natural antidepressants more effective. Thus, when lying in the sun, the dog favors the production of this substance, promotes the feeling of happiness transmitted by it and, therefore, improves his mood. So we can say that another reason dogs love the sun so much is simply because it makes them happier.

improves the dog's sleep

Exposure to sunlight promotes the secretion of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating the sleep cycle in animals. Thus, by secreting more of this hormone, the dog can increase the quality of sleep, as well as regulate them and rest peacefully.

Provides warmth in cold weather

Of course, sunbathing also provides warmth for dogs on colder days. So, in addition to exposing your dog to sunlight to get vitamin D, he feels better emotionally and physically, and does so to combat the low winter temperatures. Also, some dogs are more resistant to the cold than others, so the more vulnerable ones, such as Chihuahuas and other short-haired breeds, tend to need to spend more time in the sun.

Relief of joint pain in older dogs

The coat of older dogs is much weaker than that of young dogs, so they are more likely to feel cold and notice an increase in joint pain if they suffer from rheumatic diseases. In this sense, sunbathing alleviates this sensation and helps them not to feel so much discomfort.

And ready! Now that you know how to protect your best friend, don't hesitate to buy a good dog sunscreen if you're going to be spending a lot of time in the sun with him.

This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.