On a hot summer day, keeping your pet protected from the sun may not even cross your mind. After all, doesn’t their fur coat offer protection? However, just like you would keep yourself safe in the sun, it’s important to protect your cat or dog, too. Here are our top tips for when the heat is well and truly on.
Does pet fur offer sun protection?
Your pet’s coat will provide a certain amount of protection, but it isn’t the impenetrable barrier you might expect, especially for cats and dogs with light-coloured fur. This is because their skin doesn’t have the pigmentation that can protect other animals from sun damage, such as pigs or buffalo, which naturally produce more melanin in their skin.
Hairless breeds, white cats, and dogs with thin or pale coats are often more vulnerable to sunburn. However, even if your pet has a thicker or darker coat, their ears, nose and tummy can still get sunburnt – particularly if they’re light-coloured or have thin fur in these areas.
Do pets need to wear sunscreen?
We find this rule of thumb is the simplest: if it’s hot enough outside that you need sun protection, then it’s hot enough for your pet to need it, too.
Whether you’re walking in the shade, using cat or dog sunscreen, or installing a pet shelter in your garden, minimising exposure to UV rays will keep your pet protected from sun damage. In short, there are ways to have fun in the sun without the risks – one of them being the use of cat-safe and dog-safe sunscreen.
How can I tell if my pet has sunburn?
While prevention is key, it’s also important to know what sunburn can look like in cats and dogs. Common signs can include:
- Red or flaky skin
- Sensitivity when touched
- Dry or cracked ears
- Hair loss in affected areas
- Unusual scratching or discomfort
Severe or repeated sunburn can increase the risk of skin damage over time, so it’s important to plan ahead, keep an eye on your pet when outdoors, and speak to your vet if you notice any changes to your pet’s skin.
Sun safety tips for cats and dogs
- Keep pets indoors between 10 am and 3 pm, as these are peak hours for sun intensity.
- Make sure your pet always has access to clean drinking water.
- Give your pet access to a shaded spot if you’re outside – whether that’s a blanket under a tree, a shaded bench during a walk, or a portable pet shelter in the garden.
- Remember that you should never leave your dog in the car on their own, even if the car is in the shade. Dogs in hot cars can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes, so leaving them alone is never an option.
- Explore pet cooling products such as cooling mats, sprinklers, paddling pools or cooling toys. These can make a fun addition to your garden during summertime.
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas of your pet’s skin, such as the tips of their ears, their nose, inner legs and their belly. If you can’t get hold of dog sunscreen or sun lotion for cats, pick one designed for babies with SPF 30 or above, making sure it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain zinc oxide, as this can be toxic to pets.
Enjoy the sunshine safely
As the sun continues to shine, keep these helpful tips in mind to help your pet stay safe. A few simple precautions can make all the difference to their health. Keeping them cool, limiting sun exposure and using pet-safe sunscreen can help prevent sunburn while still letting you both enjoy the best of the summer months.
