Sunscreen for dogs? Yes, it exists. And it’s highly recommended, especially for certain breeds or those that are more vulnerable to the sun for various reasons. We recently talked about essential items for your dog’s travel bag . Well, don’t forget sunscreen for dogs , especially in summer.
The sun is undoubtedly the star of summer. But it can also be our worst enemy. Improper and excessive sun exposure can cause dermatological diseases in humans, and even in dogs!
Is it essential to use sunscreen for dogs?
If this is the first time you’ve heard of sunscreen for dogs , and you’re thinking you’ve been doing it wrong all these years for not slathering your dog in cream before going outside, hold on! Don’t feel bad.
In most breeds , sun protection isn’t essential , as dogs’ skin is usually covered by fur, which prevents direct sun exposure. However, it’s important to be aware of certain aspects to care for your dog’s skin and avoid dermatological problems that can be triggered by excessive sun exposure without protection .
In any case, the best protection against the sun’s harmful rays is responsible sun exposure. This means avoiding going for walks during the midday hours, staying away from areas without shade, and so on.
Which dogs need sunscreen?
In reality, we should offer sun protection to all dogs on areas of their bodies not covered by fur. However , some dogs are more vulnerable to the sun and therefore absolutely need a good sunscreen to act as a barrier between their skin and the sun’s harmful rays.
These dogs are:
Specific breeds with less fur such as Dalmatian, Boxer , Pitbull, Bull Terrier and Whippet .
Albino dogs . These are dogs that, due to a genetic alteration, have less pigment in their skin, eyes, and fur due to a melanin deficiency . There are no breeds of albino dogs per se, but some breeds are more prone to it, such as, in addition to those mentioned in the previous point, the husky, the shih tzu, and the Labrador.
Dogs with light or pink skin and short, light-colored fur . These characteristics in dogs make their skin more vulnerable to the sun’s rays.
Dogs with shaved coats , those suffering from hair loss , those with allergies , or those with shaved areas due to surgery, for example. Note: It is not recommended to completely shave dogs (even if you think it will keep them cooler in summer)! Their coat serves a purpose, one of which is protecting their skin.
Which sunscreen should I use for dogs?
You’ll find several sunscreen options specifically for dogs on the market . We recommend choosing one with at least SPF 30 ( sun protection factor ) , although higher SPF is even better.
Choose one that is water-resistant , especially if your dog enjoys cooling off in any fountain, beach, river, or pool.
If you don’t want to buy a specific sunscreen for dogs, we recommend opting for those sold for babies . Since they don’t contain chemical filters or fragrances, they are gentler on the skin and are also hypoallergenic.
Make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients for dogs, such as zinc oxide . It’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Sunscreen for dogs: where and how to apply it
You should apply it to areas without hair. Pay special attention to the muzzle, the area around the mouth, the ears, the belly, and the groin area.
To apply it, be patient! Your dog might not be thrilled about being slathered in cream. But remember, it’s for their own good. Dog-specific sunscreen
can be applied with a massage. Let it absorb, leaving a thin but firm layer of ointment on their skin. If your sunscreen isn’t specifically for dogs , spread it evenly so it absorbs quickly. This way, your dog won’t be able to lick it off.