Your pets need sun protection too

Are you one of those who uses sun protection for your dog or cat or one of those who doesn't? Whatever the answer, you should know that, despite their fur, they can also suffer skin problems due to sun exposure. Therefore, especially during the summer, when the sun's rays are much more intense and you spend more time outdoors with your pets, you should take certain precautions to protect their skin. We tell you some of the keys that you should keep in mind when using sunscreen for your dog or cat and avoid dermatological problems.

Hair, natural protector

Dog and cat fur not only keeps them away from the cold in winter but is also a fantastic natural sunscreen. Therefore, before shaving your pet in summer thinking that it will be “cooler”, you should keep in mind that this will make its skin more exposed to the sun's rays and it can suffer burns more easily.

However, there are certain areas of their body that need extra protection because they lack the defense barrier that is the fur, such as the snout, the tip of the nose, the tip of the ears, the belly or the internal areas of the body. The paws. Applying sun protection to your pet on these parts of its body will be a safe bet to avoid dermatological lesions or more serious problems, such as skin cancer.

The breeds that need the most care

Certain breeds of dogs and cats are more delicate and vulnerable to the sun's UVA and UVB rays, so care for them will be more necessary. The dog breeds that are most likely to suffer skin burns are Dalmatians, pit bulls, boxers, whippets, Staffordshire bull terriers and, of course, those that are albino. In general, dogs with short, soft hair and white or light color and light or pinkish skin are more delicate in terms of skin conditions, compared to those with dark fur and long hair, which are less vulnerable to sun exposure.

The same happens in the case of cats, so breeds with less, thinner or white fur will be the ones that need the most protection, such as the Angora, the Ragdoll or the Sphynx, which lacks hair.

What products to use

Today the market offers a multitude of specific products to protect your furry companion from the sun's rays, with different factors and textures. You can find them in cream, gel or spray format, everything will depend on your taste. But always keep in mind that it is best to use a sun protection factor equal to or greater than 30 spf, which is hypoallergenic and does not contain artificial fragrances or colours. Also make sure that the lotion's ingredients do not include zinc oxide, octyl salicylate and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), since they are harmful to animals.

If you do not have special sunscreens for your pets, you should not use sunscreens for humans, since the pH of their skin is different and the composition of the lotions is not the same. In case you have an emergency and cannot go to a pet store, the best alternative will be to apply sunscreen for babies, since they are more delicate on the skin and do not contain artificial colors or aromas, but you should always check that they do not contain any. of the ingredients toxic to animals mentioned above.

How to apply protection

• Apply the lotion or spray with a gentle massage to your pet's most vulnerable areas, such as those named above.
• If your dog or cat lacks hair, apply the product all over its body.
• Always read the instructions for use of the product before application.
• Avoid licking the area where the lotion has been applied in the minutes after applying it to promote its absorption.
• If you discover a burn or strange spot on your furry friend's skin, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.