3 Must-Read Ways to Protect Your Puppy from the Sun This Summer
As much as we love chillin’ poolside, it’s no big secret that the sun can do a lot of damage to our skin. While we know tons of tips and remedies for kid sun protection and non-obvious sun tips for grown-ups, it’s easy to forget that our fur babies can also suffer from too much sun too. According to Daily Vet’s Dr. Patty Khuly, many pet parents assume that dogs simply adjust to the warmer weather — which is just not true. Here are three common heat-related injuries and how to protect your sun-kissed pooch from them this summer.
Pooch Footsie Care
Although many dog parents assume that the pads on pups’ feet will save them from the hot ground, dogs can actually be seriously injured from walking on super hot asphalt. While the treatment for burnt paws is painful and uncomfortable, it just takes a simple adjustment to prevent it. “Put booties on your dog before you walk them on the street,” suggests Dr. Khuly. Most adorable suggestion ever. “Or preferably, wait for a cooler time of day to walk them,” she says.
Puppy Heat Stroke
When the summer months finally replace the rain, your active pup probably can’t wait to play a long game of Frisbee in the warm sun, but that doesn’t mean that they should stay out there all day. More common in dogs with long hair and/or short, flat faces (AKA Pugs and French Bulldogs), heat stroke and non-fever hyperthermia can be very dangerous for dogs. Look out for some of the warning signs — excessive drooling, reddened gums and muscle tremors (full list here) — and keep your dog hydrated and as cool as possible.
If you think your dog is overheating, try spritzing them with cool water, but do NOT give them cold or ice water, as it may actually stop their doggie body’s process of cooling off, warns Pet M.D. If your pup’s symptoms worsen, take Fido in for an emergency vet visit, as the consequences of overheating can be quite serious for small dogs.
Doggie Sunburns
If you thought your pooch was safe from the sun’s harmful rays, even as you slather on the SPF, think again. Sunburns are a common problem for our outdoor-loving friends, and can be pretty painful and just plain bad for their skin. Not all dogs can sunbathe equally — dogs with white or light-colored fur are far more susceptible to burns. “Chronic dog sunbathers [should] be kept indoors at the time the sun’s rays are the most powerful,” suggests Dr. Khuly. If possible, try using a dog-friendly sunscreen like Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets ($18) to keep your pup’s skin healthy and happy this summer.
Do you have any tips or tricks to keep our pups safe this summer? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Featured photo via Getty)
