With the arrival of the warm season, the days get longer and the time spent outdoors with our four-legged friends increases. However, the sun can be a danger for them, exposing them to sunburn and heat stroke, with consequences that range from simple redness of the skin to more serious problems.
In this article we will see what the risks of sun exposure are, how to protect your dog with simple precautions and which specific products can help preserve his health on the hottest days.
Why is it important to protect your dog from the sun?
Ignoring precautions against heat and sun exposure can have very serious consequences for your dog’s health.
Dogs with short, light, or sparse hair are especially vulnerable to sunburn, which can cause redness, irritation, and in the worst cases, flaking and pain. Areas most at risk include the ears, nose, belly, and inner thighs. If sunburn becomes frequent, the dog may develop chronic skin problems and even an increased risk of skin cancer.
One effect that the sun can cause and that can turn into a veterinary emergency is heat stroke. This is one of the most serious consequences of prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures. It occurs when the dog is unable to disperse heat effectively and its body temperature exceeds normal levels (over 40 ° C). Symptoms include labored breathing, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and, in the most serious cases, damage to internal organs and death. If you suspect heat stroke, you must intervene immediately by taking the dog to a cool place and contacting the vet.
Tips for protecting your dog from the sun
To prevent your dog from getting sunburned or suffering from heat stroke, it is important to take some precautions. Here are the best ways to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being during the hottest days:
Avoid the hottest hours of the day
The sun is strongest between 11:00 and 16:00. During this time, it is best to minimize the dog’s physical activity, avoiding walks or intense outdoor play. If you must go outside, choose shaded areas and carry fresh water with you.
Always provide a shaded area
If your dog spends time outside, make sure he or she always has access to a shaded area, such as a gazebo, umbrella, or tree. Outdoor kennels should also be placed in a place that is protected from direct sunlight.
Protect their paws from the hot ground
Asphalt and sand can become scorching hot on hot days, causing burns to your dog’s footpads. To check if the ground is too hot, try touching it with your hand for a few seconds: if it’s hot for you, it’s hot for your dog. Alternatively, you can use special protective shoes.
Keeping your dog hydrated
Heat can cause dehydration, so it is essential to provide your dog with fresh, clean water at all times. If you spend time outside, carry a water bottle with a built-in bowl to offer him drinks regularly. In more serious cases, dehydration can compromise vital functions and require urgent medical attention.
Cooling the dog with water
If the heat is intense, you can gently wet the dog’s fur with a damp cloth or a light shower, focusing on the paws, abdomen and head. Avoid completely wetting the dog with cold water, as this could cause thermal shock.
Beware of dogs at risk
Some breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, are more sensitive to heat due to the shape of their faces. Older dogs, puppies, and dogs with health problems are also more sensitive to high temperatures. In these cases, it is even more important to take extra precautions and monitor for signs of discomfort.
Using sunscreen for dogs
Some areas of the dog’s body, such as the tips of the ears, the nose and the belly, are particularly sensitive to UV rays. There are specific sunscreens for dogs, free of toxic substances, that help prevent sunburn. Let’s see why!
Do dogs really need sunscreen too?
Many owners are unaware that dogs can also get sunburned and that, in some cases, using sunscreen is essential to protect them.
Applying a dog-specific sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin irritation, and the risk of long-term skin cancer. It is important to only use products specifically formulated for them, avoiding creams for human use that may contain ingredients that are toxic if ingested.
To effectively protect your dog from sun damage, choose Solar, the sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs and cats. This formula is ideal for the most exposed areas of the body, such as ears, nose, foot pads and all areas with little or no hair at all. It is also particularly ideal for dogs with light, short, sparse hair or with a light nose, as they are vulnerable to UV rays.
Its delicate formula, without preservatives or parabens, is designed to respect the skin of animals and helps prevent sunburn, skin irritation and the risk of skin cancer. This cream is fully approved by veterinarians and is also a Made in Italy product, a guarantee of quality and safety.
Solar’s texture is light and quickly absorbed, leaving your four-legged friend’s skin soft, non-greasy and non-sticky. In addition, its delicate vanilla scent gives a touch of freshness and well-being to your dog.
How to use: apply a thin layer of product 10 minutes before sun exposure, avoiding the eye and mouth area. It is perfect for summer walks, outdoor games and holidays at the seaside or in the mountains. Reapply every 2-3 hours and after each swim. However, the use of sunscreen should not encourage excessively prolonged exposure to the sun.
