During the summer months, some of us want to let our pets enjoy every minute of outdoor time they can while the weather is warm and sunny. They seem to love it and it is a good thing for them to get out in the fresh air and exercise. Sometimes, however, we forget that all the outdoor play time goes hand in hand with prolonged exposure to the sun and its damaging UV rays. We all strive pretty hard these days to protect ourselves and our children from this hazard and leading canine health experts are now trying to make us all aware that the same precaution must be used for our furry friends as well. Dog sunburn can be a real problem.
Much like humans, dogs need sunlight to help keep them healthy. Exposure to the sun can supply your dog with vitamin D and help balance their calcium levels. It can also improve their wellness and the outdoor activities can help them keep fit. But prolonged exposure to the sun and ultra-violet radiation can cause irritation to dog’s skin in much the same way it does for us humans.
The canines most at risk for dog sunburn are those with a pale color or short hair. Areas that are commonly affected in these breeds are the nose, stomach, groin, and legs. Most dogs travel fairly close to the ground and are exposed to not only the sun rays from above but the reflected sunlight from the surfaces they walk and play on. If your dog’s breed is predisposed to cancer then you must be extra careful and protective of them while spending time in direct sunlight.
Preventing dog sunburn and overexposure is really as simple as doing so for yourself. Humans are normally advised to stay out of the sun during peak hours, which in most cases is around noon to 3pm. We also apply sunscreen and wear protective apparel such as hats and sunglasses. Those same suggestions certainly can apply to dogs as well.
It is important to make sure your dog is inside or in a very well shaded area during those peak sun hours, even if it seems to be overcast outside. You can apply sunscreen to your dog’s nose, ears and any other small, sensitive areas when you are planning on a long period of outdoor play time. There are also specially made dog apparel items that will aid in blocking the sun from areas of their body that are more likely to become burned.
 | Our pets give us so much pleasure and love. In return, we only have to love them back and keep them safe from hazards that they might not be able to avoid themselves. It is always a good idea to let your dog enjoy the sunshine and lots of recreational outdoor activities, but it is critical to know the risks involved with extended sun exposure in order to prevent your pet pals from suffering the pain of getting a dog sunburn and the long-term consequences that going unprotected can have. |
| Knowing how badly sunburn can hurt humans when they forget to apply the right amount of sunsceen, Russ Barker hates to think of the discomfort dog sunburn could cause our animal pals. Russ holds the title of Operations Manager and chief blog engineer at DogTagArt.com, an established e-commerce business that seeks to provide pets all over the world with an added element of safety with their unique pet ID tags. Their awesome product helps ensure a safe return when a pet gets lost through their complete line of awesome personlized custom dog tags that are sure to be a hit with any pet and their owner. |  |
