Preventing Dog Sunburn & Keeping Your Puppy Sun Smart

As the weather heats up, dog sunburn is a very real concern for dogs everywhere. That’s right, you’re not the only one in your family that needs to be sun smart!

Sunburn can cause inflamed, reddened skin that is not only painful but can cause life-long health consequences. If your puppy suffers from sunburn, the risk of developing cancerous conditions later in life is increased.

Trying to convince your puppy to wear a sun hat may not be the easiest. Luckily for you and your puppy, there are simple and cheap solutions to reduce the risk of your pup being burnt!

Follow these simple tips and enjoy the sunshine!

This sunscreen for dogs is specially created with naturally-derived, non-toxic ingredients.

Why Is My Puppy At Risk of Dog Sunburn?

Just like you, your puppy is sensitive to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and, if overexposed, can suffer from burns. There are certain things that can put your puppy at an increased risk of experiencing sunburn.

These include

• Recent surgery that leaves an area unclipped and exposed
• Short or fine fur, typical of breeds such as beagles and boxers
• Being of a hairless breed such as a Chinese Crested
• White or fair ears, nose or tummy

How Will I Know If My Puppy Becomes Sun Burnt?

Worried your puppy has had too much sun? You will usually know pretty quickly if your puppy has suffered from sunburn. In most cases, signs of sunburn will develop from as little as 1 hour after exposure. If your puppy suffers from severe burns you may also see inflammation, swelling, or blistering.

Keep in mind, heat exhaustion is a very real condition for dogs, especially young puppies. If your puppy has been exposed to extreme weather conditions and is showing signs of weakness, severe burns, or dehydration contact your vet.

The Dangers Of Dog Sunburn

Research has shown that dogs who suffer from sunburn have an increased risk of developing skin tumors later in life. Dog skin tumors account for 30% of tumors seen in vet clinics. Many of these dogs require life-saving surgical removal and even radiotherapy. For some dogs treatment is ineffective and the disease can become fatal.

Sun safety is for more than just keeping your puppy comfortable today.

Prioritize sunburn prevention today to give your puppy the best chance of a lifetime of healthy skin.

Dog Sunburn Prevention – Keeping Your Pup Safe!

• One of the most effective solutions to keep your pup safe is to keep them inside over the most intense sunshine hours at midday. However, if this isn’t possible make sure your puppy has plenty of shade accessible.
• Invest in good quality, pet-safe, and water-resistant sunscreen for your puppy. I recommend Emmy’s Sun Skin Protector for dogs. Not only does this protect your puppy’s skin from harmful rays but it is made of all-natural ingredients and enriching vitamins and essential oils. When applying make sure to focus on your puppy’s ears, nose & stomach (particularly if they tend to sunbathe tummy up!).
• Provide your puppy with a sun shirt. Follow these simple instructions to transform an old t-shirt for your pup.
• Alternatively, for the fashion-conscious pups, UPF40 dog t-shirts by Zack and Zoey, to keep your puppy sun smart and stylish.
• If your puppy begins looking pink move to the shade and apply cold compresses and seek veterinary advice if burns develop.

Now, with these tips, you and your puppy can safely enjoy the sunshine!

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

I don’t know about you, but I hate the taste of water that has been sitting for a few hours. It tastes horrible.

Now I know that dogs drink from puddles of water on the side of the road, from streams, and all sorts of other seemingly dirty places. However, when I am at home, I like to think I can give my dog something better than that. And while I keep his drinking bowl topped up with fresh water I also like to use a Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain.

I know, it is a bit over the top to buy my dog a drinking fountain that has a built-in filter. But hey, he’s family. Right!

And there you have it, now you know how to prevent dog sunburn. Oh, and while you are at it, please remember to take care to protect yourself from the sun this summer.

Related article:

Are you planning a trip this summer that includes traveling with your dog? then you need to read this article: Traveling With Your Dog in The Car | Summer Holiday Tips