Sunscreen Options for Pets

Does My Pet Need Sunscreen?

                Long summer days increase the risk for sunburn in people.  Did you know that dogs and cats can be prone to sunburn, too?  Those pets with very short coats, with hair loss due to allergy or illness or those with light colored skin and fur are at highest risk.  What can you do to protect your pet from sunburn?

                Dogs and cats can wear sunscreen, but there are some precautions.  If possible, purchase a brand of sunscreen formulated specifically for pets.  There are no products currently labeled specifically for cats, but there are a number of products for dogs.  If you cannot find a suitable pet product, sunscreens that are safe for babies can be applied to pets.  Look or a product that is fragrance-free, absorbs quickly and has an SPF of 15 to 30, however; be sure NOT to use products containing zinc oxide octyl salicylate or PABA which are toxic to pets if ingested. 

                Apply sunscreen two to three times a day to sun-sensitive areas like the ears, nose or muzzle, and maybe the groin or belly if your pet likes to lie on his or her back out in the sun.  The ear tips and bridge of the nose are the most sensitive areas in cats.  Sun damage can lead to skin cancer in pets, especially in white cats, such as squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma. 

                What does sunburn look like in pets?  Watch for red, irritated or painful skin or for hair loss and scaly skin on sun-exposed areas which can indicate signs of sunburn.  White cats with red, scabbed, non-healing wounds on their ear tips or nose should be evaluated for skin cancer, especially if they spend time outdoors.

                To recap, apply a sunblock safe for pets or infants that does not contain zinc oxide or PABA to sensitive areas like the ears and muzzle, especially if your pet spends long periods of time outdoors and has a short or thin coat and/or light colored fur and skin.

                Keep your pet safe and healthy this summer by keeping them indoors during the hottest part of the day during the peak hours of 10AM to 4PM and applying sunscreen to pets who spend most of their time outdoors or who swim frequently.  Have a happy sunburn-free summer!

                This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

Source:  https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102898&Id=4952515