Sunscreen For Your Pet

At this point in time, most people understand the value of sunscreen and the need to protect themselves and their family members from the UV radiation the sun is always producing. A surprising fact that still needs to be spread around is that many pets can benefit from sunscreen, too.

Fur provides a small measure of protection from UV rays, but it is a long way from impenetrable. Dogs, like humans, can get a sunburn from over-exposure to UV rays, and they may also develop skin cancer as a result of chronic exposure. Your pet will thank you if you invest a little effort in picking out an appropriate sunscreen product!

The first step you need to take is to look for products which are specifically formulated for use by pets. An excellent way to get started is to ask your veterinarian for advice. If you’re dealing with a limited selection, it’s generally safe to use a human sunscreen that’s designed to be used safely on infants.

Most commercial sunscreens rely on zinc oxide as one of their key active ingredients. This poses a problem because zinc oxide is toxic if your dog eats it. Check sunscreen labels thoroughly to confirm that your pet’s sunscreen does not contain it.

This is not the only potential problem ingredient to watch out for! Dogs might also experience allergic reactions to other ingredients. Even after selecting a pet-appropriate sunscreen product, you should first test it by applying a small amount to a limited area. After making a test application, monitor your dog’s behavior closely to see if there are any adverse reactions.

Once you’ve found a product that suits your dog, you’re ready for fun in the sun! Remember that dogs don’t need complete skin coverage to be safe. Apply sunscreen to the parts of your dog’s body that are going to receive maximum sun exposure when he or she plays outdoors.

We want you and your pets to enjoy the Arizona sunshine without getting burned and happy camping to all.