Last blog we discussed the potential for dogs to get skin cancer, and the veterinarian in the article mentioned using sunscreen for your pup. We just found this article and thought it might help when chosing if and when to use sunscreen for your dog, and what kind(s) of products are available and safe.
Disclaimer
The Puppy Up Foundation does not endorse nor recommend any particular product, service, or treatment. We offer information strictly for educational and/or informational purposes. We believe it is the pet owner’s responsibility to do the research and draw his or her own conclusions.
By Mike Clark
From Dog Time
The days can get pretty long in summer, and that means that our dogs spend more time in direct sunlight this time of year.
Sometimes we can forget that our pups can get sunburns, just like us, and that can lead to skin damage, secondary infections, and skin cancer. And just like sunscreen helps protect us, it can help reduce the risk of burns and skin cancer for dogs. A fur coat isn’t always enough protection from the sun’s harmful rays. There are many ways you can help reduce the risk of sunburn for your dog in the summer, including keeping them indoors during the hours when the sun is highest, sticking to shady areas on walks, putting protective clothing on them, and avoiding a full shave of their coat, but many owners forget to include sunscreen as another protective measure for dogs. Here is what you should know about using sunscreen on your pooch.
Which Sunscreens Are Safe For Dogs?
The best thing you can do to find a safe sunscreen for your dog is to discuss it with your veterinarian. They can make individual recommendations for your specific dog that this article might not be able to. Your vet will have more experience with these sunscreens and be able to provide you with more detailed information. You should absolutely NOT use sunscreen that is designed for use by human adults, especially on areas that your dog can lick or chew.
If you’ve discussed with your vet and are looking for sunscreens online, the best choice is to stick to sunscreens that are specifically made for pets. It may be hard to find one that is trustworthy, as there is only one FDA-compliant sunscreen for pets at this time – it’s Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the only effective sunscreen for dogs, but you’ll need to read reviews and check with your veterinarian before you pick a brand of dog sunscreen.
If you’re in a pinch and you absolutely must use sunscreen that is not designed for dogs, you may be able to get by with a sunscreen for babies or children that is SPF 15 or higher. You must still check the ingredients before you apply it to your dog. Avoid any sunscreen with zinc oxide, which is a common ingredient in sunscreens, because it is toxic to canines and can cause anemia. Also avoid para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and artificially scented sunscreens, as these may also be toxic to dogs.
With any sunscreen, you should test a small amount on a patch of your dog’s skin to see what their reaction will be. Any substance can cause an allergic reaction or irritation, so you should absolutely check to see how your dog handles it before you cover them in sunscreen. If their skin shows signs of irritation you may wish to try a different brand. You should also make sure that they are not trying to lick the sunscreen off.
Which Dogs Need Sunscreen?
Any dog can benefit from sunscreen protection, but certain dogs are more at-risk for sunburns, and sunscreen can help prevent that. Dogs with white or lighter coats or skin, dogs who are suffering from hair loss, dogs who have been shaved, and dogs with thin coats–including Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, Greyhounds, and other short-haired breeds, are all at greater risk for sunburns and skin cancer from exposure to sunlight. Obviously, dogs that spend more time outdoors in direct sunlight are also more at-risk, as are dogs that like to lie down in sunny spots when they are indoors. Dogs that have suffered from sunburns in the past should definitely wear sunscreen to prevent further damage. Keep in mind that sunscreen is only one of many ways you should be protecting your dog from the sun’s rays.
When Should You Apply Sunscreen To Your Dog?
Sunscreen should be applied to your dog when they will spend more than a few minutes outside in direct sunlight, or if they like to lie down in sunny spots while they are indoors. This is especially important during the hours when the sunlight is strongest, between 10am and 2pm. It should be reapplied throughout the day. You should also apply sunscreen when you are going for long walks or hikes, trips to the beach or dog park, boat rides, and any other fun outdoor activities.
Where Should You Apply Sunscreen To Your Dog?
Sunscreen can be applied everywhere if necessary, but it is most important that it be applied to areas that are exposed or where there isn’t much fur coverage. Areas you should focus on include the snout, face, ears, lips, belly, and groin. If your dog has any areas of light skin, especially pink skin around the nose and snout, pay special attention to those areas. For dogs that suffer from alopecia, be sure to get any patches where hair has thinned, and if your dog has suffered from a sunburn in the past, cover those areas to avoid further damage. Follow any instructions on the packaging or ask your vet for more information on how to properly apply sunscreen to your dog.
Which Sunscreens For Dogs Should You Use?
Dog sunscreens come in many different forms. These include creams, sprays, wipes, and sticks that are applied like deodorant. You should seek your veterinarian’s advice and decide which works best for you and your dog. As for which brand of dog sunscreen you should buy, there are many options on the market, and you should rely on your vet’s opinion, online reviews, and recommendations from friends and family to make your decision.
As mentioned earlier, Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets is the only FDA-compliant sunscreen for dogs. You can buy it in a 4 oz. spray bottle, and it is recommended that you work the sunscreen into your dog’s skin manually or with a brush. My Dog Nose It! is a popular cream that is recommended for use on dogs’ noses and sensitive pink areas of the face. It has intentionally not been given an SPF rating, which the maker claims is because they don’t want there to be any confusion with human sunscreen. The ratings for this product are high, so it seems that most customers are satisfied with the protection it offers.
You can find these products on Amazon.
Always consult your veterinarian before applying anything topical to your pet.
