Sun Protection For Pets

The sunny outdoors is something that almost everyone enjoys. One of the countries that have the highest rate of melanoma in the world is Australia. On average, 1 in 34 women and 1 in 24 men at the age of 75 have skin cancer. With such alarming numbers, we often forget that melanoma is a type of disease that can also affect animals such as dogs. We spend so much time with them outdoors yet we presume that since they’re generally covered in fur, they’re protected from the harsh UV rays of the sun. But the reality is that there are dog breeds that are prone to experiencing sunburns which include Dalmatians, Whippets, Greyhounds, Staffordshire, Chinese crested, and Boxers. Other types of dogs not included in the list can also experience sun damage in parts of their bodies that have less fur such as their armpits, ears, bellies, and noses. Our animal best friends that have a family history of melanoma, burn easily, and have pale skin are also at a higher risk for developing skin cancer themselves.

Similarly, these factors are also applicable to humans. Those who get sunburned more often, have a family history of melanoma and have lighter skin tone are more likely to have skin cancer as well.

Going back to dogs, cancer typically starts as harmless tiny black/brown mass, otherwise known as benign tumors. These are often found on dark-skinned dogs. Although the chances of it becoming malignant are little, having a biopsy is still important just to make sure. Of course, excising the tumor is crucial for early cancer detection and treatment since this type of cancer cell is aggressive.

To decrease the chances of acquiring skin cancer, relying on sunscreen is certainly not enough. Avoiding the sun when it’s too hot outside, such as between the 11 am to 2 pm window, and opting to go to places that have shade are simple yet smart ways to protect yourself and your pet from the damaging effects of the sun.

With a ton of pet-friendly sunblocks available in the market, selecting the right kind can be quite confusing. Regardless as to whether you’re choosing a high-end brand or a low-end one, always remember to stay away from products that contain zinc oxide and high contents of Octisalate since these chemicals can be harmful to dogs when consumed accidentally. Apply sunscreen liberally after the dog is bathed and every other hour or so when outdoors. This method is necessary for the above-mentioned breeds. For our feline friends, however, sunscreen application is not recommended by veterinarians.

The slip-slop-slap method should also be applied to our pets whom we very much treated as family members. Our level of care for them needs to be almost equal to how we look after our children. However, it doesn’t mean that we can no longer enjoy the sun and the beautiful outdoors. Just always remember to implement the aforementioned steps and you’ll prevent your beloved pet from getting the disease.