Dogs

ASK THE VET, with Dr. Pat: Protecting Your Dog from the Sun's Rays

by Dr. Pat Bradley, DVM

Dear Dr. Pat:

I am a teacher and have a rambunctious little Jack Russel mix that loves to be outdoors. We plan a lot of hiking and swimming this summer, while I am off from work. Can you give me some guidelines for keeping him safe from the sun's damage.

I'm not sure if there is some sort of sunscreen for dogs or if visors are advisable. Should I use a moisturizing treatment on his fur if we are outside in the sun a lot? Hope these questions don't sound too silly, but I want to take good care of Karma so he lives a long time. Any advice you can give me to care for him when we're outside a good bit would be very appreciated.

D.M.

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Dear D.M.:

At first I didn’t think this would be a good question to introduce myself, but as it turns out, it’s perfect! Thanks, D.M.! My answer to this, and most questions, is a resounding and definitive “That depends.”

If you had a fair skinned dog with an autoimmune skin disease triggered by sun exposure. then the answer would be, yes, use sunscreen. Better yet, only take her outside in the early morning and late evening.

But Dr. Pat, you say, "We’ve been invited to a once in a lifetime, all-day cruise to watch whales, and riding in a boat is her very favorite thing to do in the whole world, and I just found out I only have 1 week to live, and it’s my last chance to do something with her, and four million dollars will be donated to charity. And did I mention all expenses are paid? Then GO for goodness sake. And use sunscreen. And give her a bath when you get home.

More details? Let's jump in:

Is sunscreen effective for dogs? Yes, it definitely can prevent sunburn. Some are more effective than others. I recommend using sunscreens made for human infants because the manufacturers are held to more stringent safety precautions. And I also recommend products from a “natural” company, like California Baby, that takes into account the safety of the environment as well as my dog. I really like that.

Is it necessary? Before a day of riding, I sure think it’s necessary to use sunscreen on the white-skinned, easily sun-burnable nose and ears of my big horse, Mel (aka “the Melephant”). It’s very necessary on noses and ears of dogs with sun sensitivity, or all over in dogs with white skin that shows through the hair. Use sunscreen spray on a white-skinned dog only if the skin shows through the coat. (Haircoats and dark pigment are very effective in protecting the skin.)

Is there a less toxic alternative? I’m not aware of a non-chemical product that prevents sunburn. The two most toxic sunscreen chemicals are PABA and zinc oxide. I’d really try to avoid those, or use them sparingly and with extreme care to avoid licking.

Sun visors? They definitely help protect your dog’s eyes from sun damage. And your dog looks so darned cute when wearing one that I think you should buy several!

Now let’s stop worrying and go play with our dogs. That’s clearly a healthy choice for all of us!

Dr. Pat

Write to [email protected] with your question for Dr. Pat.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Don't forget to stop in at 5 Minutes for Fido to check out Xena's comments on Dr. Pat's thoughts. Xena has Hank the Hunk there helping her today!

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