*** Dogs suffering from hair loss require special treatment and you should consult your veterinarian for proper care. ***
You’re thinking with all that hair and skin you don’t have to worry about protecting your pup from the sun, right? mistake. Do not underestimate the power of the big ball in the sky. Dogs can sunburn just like people.
So here are 7 ways to protect your pup from the summer sun.
1. Provide shade.
This person does not think. Wherever you decide to play outside, look for any natural shade in the area that trees or buildings provide.
2. Don’t shave your pup.
This does not mean no grooming, but the dog should retain as much of his natural fluff as possible. Their hair will not only block out the sun but will help regulate body temperature.
3. Consider protective clothing.
No, that doesn’t mean digging all your winter shirts in your bedroom out of the closet. You can find something to help your pup breathe that can be worn comfortably in the heat that also prevents unnecessary UV exposure, like Body Glove’s “dog guards.”
4. Limit sunbathing.
Dogs love to lie in the sun. Some prefer laying on their backs, which increases the chances of developing tumors in their stomachs. Keep it at least! (Come to think of it, this applies to people, too.)
5. Find a dog-friendly sunscreen.
Oh yeah, it definitely exists, but make sure you choose the right one. Avoid any products that use zinc oxide, as it is toxic to dogs. And since almost every human sunscreen uses zinc oxide, Do not use sunglasses on your dog.
Epi-Pet Skin Treatment At the moment it is the only FDA-compliant sunscreen for dogs on the market.
6. Accessorize!
Products like Doggles are designed to protect your dog’s eyes from the sun. You can try a lightweight mask for more protection.
7. Playing inside!
It should be noted that as much as you can play outside as it is fun, you should always reinforce positive associations with indoor play; So the dog will be happy to be out in the sun when it has been too long.
The peak hours of sunlight tend to be between 10am and 2pm, so consider setting indoor playtime, or maybe just a good time to rest in the shade!
