![]() ![]() There’s also a technique to applying sunscreen to your dog. Its best to speak with your vet if you have any questions about specific sunscreen products and before using any human products on your pet to ensure they are safe for pets.” So for dogs, avoid zinc-containing creams and avoid PABA-containing creams. Zinc oxide in human sunblock can cause zinc toxicity if the dog ingests a certain amount. “Some substances in these can be toxic to animals and dogs also tend to lick sunscreen off, especially when it is applied to their face. They are available from your local vet and should ideally be waterproof, protect against UVA and UVB and be fragrance-free. Pet-specific sunscreens are designed just for dogs and these are the only ones that should be used, Norris says. There are also a number of products on the market to make the job of keeping your dog sun safe a lot easier. Protecting your pet from the sun can be as simple as making sure you keep them out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day either by bringing them inside or providing a shelter or shade to which they can escape if you’re not home. Norris says certain types of UV-associated cancers can unfortunately be fatal as they usually spread to other parts of the body or other organs. Treatment could involve supportive care, palliative care, surgery, chemotherapy or a combination of these. The type of treatment the animal gets also depends on its age and whether it has any underlying medical conditions. ![]() “The treatment they receive is determined by the type of cancer they have and the stage to which it has progressed.” “Just like humans, we treat each dog and its skin cancer on a case-by-case basis,” says Norris. If your dog is unlucky enough to be diagnosed with a skin cancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence. You should also try to keep your pet out of the sun because it can cause even more damage to the already burned tissue,” Norris says. ![]() They should be able to dispense some creams to soothe the area and can provide any other necessary treatments. “You should see your vet if you think your dog is sunburned. With such dire consequences, its important that if you suspect your dog has a case of sunburn you seek treatment as soon as possible. Another cancer thought to be UV-induced is dermal haemangiosarcoma. UV radiation is a factor in some dog cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant cancer which can spread to other parts of the body. Just like humans, sunburn on dogs can have nasty consequences. Unfortunately, once these signs appear damage has already been done,” Norris says. The sunburned skin may be painful and uncomfortable and may also become itchy. “There may also be scaling, flaking and the area may feel hot. “Sunburned skin in dogs generally looks like it does in humans red and inflamed and there may also be hair loss in the sunburned area,” Norris says. And with all that hair its often hard to tell if your dog has actually spent too much time in the midday sun without your knowing. Of course, prevention is better than cure but its not always possible to be there to catch the beginnings of bad dose of sunburn. ![]() “And as the concrete can reflect UV rays, male dogs can also suffer from sunburn on their scrotum.” “Some dogs like to lie in the sun on their backs, and can get burnt on the belly area and inner thighs, where the hair is generally thin,” she says. Norris says any exposed area of a dog can get sunburned, especially where there is white or pink skin, but the most susceptible places are the ears (both outer and inner surfaces), nose, lips, snout, eyelids, and chest. Outside living pets and shaved pets are also more susceptible.” Signs “But hairless dogs, white- and-pink skinned pets, white and light-haired pets and short and thin-haired pets are particularly susceptible. “Any dog can get sunburn,” says Dr Jade Norris, RSPCA Australia Scientific Officer. They may be covered in fur, but the sun can do some serious damage to dogs if they’re not properly protected in the heat of summer.Īnd while we can escape into air-conditioned comfort, dogs are often left outside in the blazing sun. Slip, slop, slap isn’t just for humans its also a message we should keep in mind for our four-legged friends. But how important is sun protection for dogs? Keeli Cambourne investigates. Living in Australia, the importance of sun safety has been drilled into us for years. ![]()
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