Our Pets May Need Our Help To Keep Cool And Safe in Hot Weather
During the warmer summer weather, our pets can easily become overheated and even be at risk from sunburn...
The risks of sunburn in cats
- If an animal's skin gets too much sun exposure, it can lead to sunburn and even the risk of skin cancer.
- In the same way as humans, dark skin can naturally withstand more sunlight than pale skin. This means we have to be especially careful with our cats if they are white or pale with pink skin. While hair/fur is a good protection, it may be that not all of our pets' skin is covered in fur. A good test is if you can see the pink skin yourself with your eye, then the sun can get to it.
- Most vulnerable are the tips of the ears and the skin next to the nose. While all pet owners need to check their pets for vulnerable skin, vets most often see problems with ear tips of white cats. Unfortunately, their ears are prominent with really short hair.
- If an older cat has bleeding or scabs on the ears, the damage could already be done and the pet should be seen by your vet as a matter of urgency.
- Hairless cats and any pet where the skin has been shaved for an operation may also be vulnerable.
How can you protect your cat from sunburn?
Limit their time in the sun and provide plenty of shade both indoors and outdoors.. Keep your cat indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
For those cats with light-colored fur or hairless cats, consider using a cat-safe and all natural sunscreen on exposed areas like the nose, ears and belly. Use a natural product specifically designed for cats - not a human sunscreen. When applying a natural sunscreen, focus on areas where fur is sparse or absent, such as the nose, tips of the ears and belly.
Consider using blinds or UV-filtering window film to reduce sun exposure for indoor cats who like to bask in the sunlight.
Keep your cat occupied with toys or treats after applying sunscreen to prevent them from licking it off. I grow Nepeta (catnip) and if you pick a sprig of this, it provides a great distraction.
The risks of sunburn in dogs
Yes, too much fun in the sun can cause sunburn in dogs. As with humans, sunburn is most common during summertime and outdoor activities, but a dog's skin can be susceptible at any time of year when UV exposure is high. In particular, you should pay attention when walking with your dog in higher-altitude locations (even if it doesn't necessarily feel like a hot day).
What breeds are most susceptible to sunburn?
Like pale-skinned, fair-haired humans, dogs with a lighter complexion tend to burn more easily than their darker-haired counterparts.
Some examples of breeds that are more at risk of sunburn include:
- Australian sheepdogs
- Boxers
- Bulldogs
- Chihuahuas
- Collies
- Dalmatians
- French bulldogs
- Hairless breeds, e.g., Chinese crested
- Pitbulls
- Weimaraners
- Whippets
There are also certain medical conditions and coat problems that can increase susceptibility to sunburn. For example, allergies, hormone imbalances or parasites like fleas and ticks.
It is important to deter such parasites and to keep your dog's coat well groomed.
What are the signs and symptoms of sunburn in dogs?
Sunburn in dogs is most commonly found in exposed areas with less fur, in particular:
- Nose and ear tips
- Around the eyes and mouth
- Tummy and groin area (especially if your pup likes to get really relaxed and lounge on their back in the sun!)
- Any parts of the body where fur is more sparse
Depending on the severity of the sunburn, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
- Red or pink skin
- Skin that is tender and sore to touch
- A cracked nose or ear flaps - these are particularly vulnerable areas
- Skin ulcers, blisters or a rash
- In more severe cases, you may notice that your pup feels unwell or even develops a slight fever
With prolonged or consistent sun exposure, there may even be skin changes over time. If you notice any particularly scaly, thick or bumpy areas that don't return to normal within a week or so, a visit to the vet for for a check-up in case it's a sign of something more serious is advisable.
How to avoid sunburn in dogs
- Avoid taking your dog out at peak times of the day. You may find that surfaces such as tarmac pavements are too hot for sensitive paw pads between 10am-4pm, too. If you are going to be out and about, make sure your dog always has access to shade and plenty of drinking water, helping them to stay cool and hydrated. Heat stroke is a more immediate risk that can be fatal, so there are plenty of reasons to stay out of the sun in higher temperature
- Protect your dog on sunny days with an all natural dog sunscreen paying particular attention to noses and ear tips, as well as pink tummies. Make sure you reapply regularly too, especially if your dog is a keen swimmer.
How to Treat Sunburn in Dogs
- Pop a cool compress on the worst-affected areas.
- Place a damp, cool towel down for them to lie on or drape one over their body to soothe dog sunburn.
SOURCES:
https://www.belovedpetz.com/products/be-sunsafe-sun-protection-balm
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.
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