Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the sun and good weather, but it also carries risks for our four-legged companions, especially due to the high temperatures brought on by climate change. Dogs and cats can be especially vulnerable to the dangers of the sun and heat dehydration. Therefore, in this article, we propose products such as sunscreen and we tell you the care that we must take into account to protect our furry friends during the summer months.
Sunscreen for dogs and cats
Like humans, animals can suffer skin damage from excessive sun exposure. Sunburn, redness, irritation and the risk of skin cancer are problems that also affect our furry dogs. That's why it's essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Fortunately, there are sunscreens made especially for dogs and cats that can help avoid these problems.
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen for your furry friend, it is essential to look for those that are specifically formulated for dogs and cats. Human sunscreens should never be used on animals, as some ingredients, such as zinc, can be toxic to them. In our herbalist dedicated to animal health, you can find protector solar specific for animals.
By applying the protector solar, we must make sure to cover especially the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the ears, nose, armpits and belly.
When to use sunscreen?
Sunscreens for dogs and cats should be used in situations where it is necessary to protect them from the harmful action of the sun's rays. Some moments and circumstances would be:
Direct exposure to the sun in closed places
If your dog or cat spends time on balconies, windows, patios or gardens where they receive direct sun exposure, it is important to apply sunscreen. Even through glass, UV rays can penetrate and damage skin.
Animals with certain types of fur
It is important to protect all dogs and cats regardless of their breed and their coat, but animals with short, white or shaved hair are especially vulnerable to the sun's rays.
Short coat: Dogs and cats with short coats have less natural protection against UV rays. Long hair provides a certain barrier of protection, but short hair is more exposed and needs more attention in terms of sun protection.
White fur: Animals with white fur are particularly susceptible to sun damage. The lack of pigmentation in their hair and skin makes them more vulnerable to sunburn and developing skin problems.
shaved coat: First of all, we do not recommend shaving the hair of animals, much less in summer because the fur protects them from solar radiation and also adjusts their body temperature more. If, for whatever reason, the animal has been shaved or has had a lot of hair cut recently, keep in mind that its skin will be more exposed to the sun. In these cases, it is essential to apply sunscreen to avoid burns and possible irritation.
Dermal problems and exposed skin areas
Dogs and cats with skin problems such as alopecia, allergies, dermatitis or scars may have areas of skin that are exposed and sensitive to the sun. In these cases, applying sunscreen is essential to protect those areas and prevent further damage.
Photosensitizing medications
Some medications used in dogs and cats, such as certain NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antibiotics, diuretics or antifungals, can make them more sensitive to sunlight. In these cases, it is necessary to use sunscreen to reduce the risk of burns and adverse skin reactions.
Outdoor activities
During outdoor activities, such as walks in the city or the countryside, excursions to the mountains, days at the beach or even playing in the snow, it is crucial to protect your animal with sunscreen. These activities that involve prolonged exposure to the sun increase the risk of burns and skin damage. Try to avoid the peak hours of solar radiation, which is usually between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
Heat dehydration
Another problem that usually occurs in the summer months is dehydration. The summer heat can cause our furry dogs to dehydrate quickly. Dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, making them more susceptible to heat stroke.
An effective way to prevent dehydration in dogs and cats is to ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water. During the summer months, you may need to increase the amount of water you offer, as they will likely need to drink more to stay hydrated.
Another option to always have on hand to avoid dehydration is to add mineral solutions to your furry water. These solutions, available in Herbalist for animals, contain electrolytes and minerals that can help replace nutrients lost during sweating and maintain the hydroelectrolyte balance of our animals.
Other precautions in summer
In addition to providing water and mineral solutions, it is important to take other precautions to prevent dehydration of dogs and cats during the summer and, in general, during periods of recent unpredictable heat waves. We must, for example, limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, provide cool shade areas for our animals to rest, and avoid leaving them in closed spaces without adequate ventilation. Of course, never leave your dog or cat in the car, whether in summer or any other season of the year!
As a summary, we insist that during the summer it is crucial to take precautions to protect our furry friends from the dangers of the sun and heat dehydration:
- Use sunscreens specifically formulated for them.
- Provide them with fresh, clean water, along with mineral solutions to avoid dehydration.
- Apply to them specific products to protect their paw pads and prevent them from getting burns when walking on hot surfaces.
Remember that in our websites You can find natural products and solutions for the health and physical and emotional well-being of your animal companion. We also encourage you to consult our blog AnimalEco for more advice and interviews from veterinary professionals.
By taking preventative measures and providing proper care, we can ensure that our furry friends enjoy a safe and healthy summer. Enjoy this season with your friend and make sure to keep him protected and happy!
