Think sun protection is just for humans? Think
again. Your dog needs a safe haven
from those harsh ultraviolet rays, too. Here are five pointers to help
Spot enjoy the great outdoors this summer, without feeling the burn.
· Don't
shave your long-coated dog for the summer. When
you shave your dog's coat, it exposes his skin to sun damage. The hair coat
acts as a protective barrier against the sun's ultraviolet rays, and shaved
skin is much more vulnerable to
sunburn. Instead, thin out your K9's coat using a Furminator or an
undercoat rake, so your pup carries a
lighter load in the heat. Think of this
as the difference between a cotton T-shirt and a wool sweater!
· Dogs experiencing hair loss need special treatment. "Dogs
most at risk for sunburn include dogs who are experiencing hair loss due to
health reasons, such as allergies or hormonal changes," explains Dr.
Heather Peikes, board-certified staff dermatologist at New York City Veterinary
Specialists. "Chemotherapy can also thin out a dog's coat."
· Protect serious sunbathers. Some
dogs are serious sunbathers, and could happily fry themselves for hours. But
don't let them sizzle (especially if his snout is pink!). When you notice your
sun-worshipping Spot panting, it's time to bring him back indoors.
·
How
to help a sunburned dog. If Spot
did sustain a sunburn, give him a soothing
bath with cool water & a gentle, soap-free product such as TheraNeem
Pet Shampoo. Before lathering up, add 5 drops of Neem Oil to the shampoo in
your palm, then work the mixture through your dog's fur, down to the skin. Wait
a few minutes before rinsing with cool water. Non-toxic Neem works quickly to
heal heat as well as chemical burns.
·
Select the proper sunscreen. For an ounce of prevention, use sunscreen on
Spot. Select a sunscreen that's safe for human babies. There's also an
all-natural balm designed to prevent
& soothe doggie sunburn called The Natural Dog Snout Soother(SPF 10).
