![]() ![]() 'Human's sunscreen has a number of additives in them and fragrances which can be an irritant to dogs' skin. 'Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to keep our pets cool and safe as temperatures climb.'ĭr Anna Ewers Clark, veterinary research and standards lead at Blue Cross, advises how often to put sunscreen on your pooch and what to use. 'In fact, research from 2020 shows that 74 per cent of heat-related illness in dogs seen by vets is caused by exercise in high temperatures – taking your dog out for a walk during this kind of heat can result in serious illness, or even be fatal. 'One of the biggest heatstroke triggers is exercise in hot weather. 'Signs of heatstroke vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, collapse or even seizures. 'In warmer weather, dogs can be at risk of dangerous heatstroke, which is a serious situation as severe cases can develop quickly and have fatal consequences,' said Shauna Spooner, a vet nurse from PDSA. Male and younger dogs are also slightly more at risk as they are more likely to over-exert themselves while playing or exercising. Pugs and other flat-faced breeds are more prone to overheating because there is less surface area available in their noses for heat exchange and they cannot pant as efficiently. They cool themselves down by panting which isn't very effective, and can only sweat through their paws. They also must be kept out of direct sunlight until the skin is fully healed.ĭogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans because they do not sweat like we do. If owners do notice their dog has been burnt by the sun, the PDSA advises the gentle application of a cold compress to cool the skin. It is important to ensure the human sun cream does not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as these are both toxic for dogs if licked off their body. However, fragrance-free, waterproof sun creams designed for babies and children of minimum SPF 30 can be used as an alternative. ![]() There are special sun creams available that are designed for canine use which can be bought from pet shops or through a vet. To ensure their dog is properly protected, owners should apply two layers at least 15 minutes before they go outside, and continue reapplying throughout the day. They also recommend monitoring the pooch or distracting them with a toy until the cream has fully dried and soaked into their skin, as they could lick it off. Vets advise to stay well clear of the eyes when rubbing in the cream as it may cause irritation, and to test it on a small patch of skin first to check they don't have a reaction. Owners are encouraged to rub sunblock onto exposed areas of their skin, like their nose, ear tips, eyelids and belly. They will then dip slightly between tomorrow and Friday - but bounce back at the weekend with an unprecedented 40☌ (104☏) possible.Īs well as sunburn, dogs are also at risk of a rare type of skin cancer called 'squamous cell carcinoma' that is caused by exposure to the sun's UV rays. Temperatures have already hit 31.4☌ (88.5☏) today after getting to 32☌ (90☏) yesterday. 'This is particularly important for white dogs, but also breeds such as English Bull Terriers, Dalmatians and Boxers.' 'To prevent your pooch's skin from burning, you can buy pet-friendly sunscreen, which you should apply regularly to the top of their ears and any areas of thin fur. ![]() 'It's best not to let Snowy lie out in the sun for long periods of time and try to avoid going for walks during the hottest part of the day, as this may also result in heatstroke. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Nina Downing, a vet from veterinary charity PDSA, said: 'Any pets with white fur are at higher risk of developing burns from prolonged sun exposure - especially on their ear tips. If a dog has white or particularly light-coloured fur they are even more at risk of sun burn, as more of the harmful UV rays can reach their skin. Just like humans, our pooches are susceptible to painful sun burns and skin cancer after prolonged sun exposure, which can also cause hair loss.Įxposed areas of skin on their lips, nose, ears and belly are especially vulnerable to sun damage, while breeds with short or thin fur are also at high risk. While many Brits are stocking up on sun cream at the prospect of a second weekend heatwave, vets are advising you pop a bottle in your basket for your dog too. ![]()
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