Too much sun can take its toll on our pets. You can spot the first indications of sunburn through reddened, painful skin.
Next may come itching. If your pet scratches their damaged skin, this can cause further harm and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to infections.
Animals that have recently been sheared or have short, white coats – such as Dalmatians and Bull Terriers – are particularly prone to sunburn. They have far more sensitive skin so need special protection from intense sunlight.
Veterinarian Tina Hölscher from German animal welfare organisation Aktion Tier advised dog owners to avoid long walks and extended swimming trips on particularly hot days. This is because, as well as sunburn, dogs are also at risk of heatstroke and sunstroke.
Well protected in the sun
If you cannot avoid direct sunlight, ensure that sensitive areas of your pets’ skin, such as the bridge of the nose and the ears, get extra protection.
Ideally, use a waterproof sun cream with a high sun protection factor. You can find them specifically for dogs and cats.
Otherwise, it’s best to avoid the sunlight altogether. If you head to parks or outdoor areas, find a spot in the shade to lie down with your four-legged friend. Cooling off in the water can also help prevent them from overheating.
Medicines: an underestimated risk
Many of us fail to realise that certain medicines can make skin more sensitive to light, for both humans and animals. That increases the risk of sunburn. Watch out for diabetes tablets and certain antibiotics, among others.
If animals are taking such medicines, try to avoid intense sunlight wherever possible. Otherwise, you may see their skin responding with redness and swelling, even after only being briefly exposed to UV rays.
