Protecting your pet from the summer sun

We love our New Zealand summers with their long days, warm weather and plenty of sunshine. While we’re careful to slip, slop, slap, it’s easy to forget that our pets need sun protection too. It’s worth taking a few small precautions to keep your furry bestie safe.

Just like us, animals can get sunburned. Sun damage can increase the risk of dangerous skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and cutaneous hemangiosarcoma. Aotearoa has one of the highest UV levels in the world, and it can only take 10–15 minutes to burn. For pets, areas with thinner skin, such as their ears, nose, and belly, are at higher risk of sun damage. Does your cat like to spend hours stretched out on a sunny windowsill? That can be a risk, too, as UV rays can get through windows.

While all pets benefit from sun protection, some are more exposed than others:

• Breeds with thin or light-coloured fur, like Greyhounds, Boxers and Dalmatians.
• Hairless breeds like Sphynx cats or Chinese Crested dogs.
• Pets with shaved areas from grooming or surgery.
• Cats or dogs with skin conditions or hair loss.

If your pet falls into any of these groups, extra care during summer is a must.

What to look out for

Mostly, you’ll notice the same symptoms you’d see in your own sunburn: red or peeling skin and blisters or sores. In animals, you might also notice they’re licking or scratching themselves more than usual, they seem to be sensitive to touch, or they’re whining or in obvious discomfort. If you notice behavioural changes like this, check for the physical signs of sunburn.

Prevention is better than a cure

Use a pet-safe sunscreen

Pet-safe sunscreen brands don’t contain zinc oxide, PABA, or salicylates: ingredients that are fine for human sunscreen but toxic to animals if licked. Look out for vet-approved brands.

Apply sunscreen to those vulnerable areas: the nose, ears, belly, lips, and anywhere with less fur If your pet has recently been shaved for surgery, protect the exposed skin from sunburn, but avoid applying sunscreen directly over the surgical site until it is fully healed. Once the skin has healed completely, you can use a pet-safe sunscreen on the shaved area. Reapply the sunscreen every 2-4 hours, especially after swimming or sweating, and don’t forget to reapply your own sunscreen while you’re at it.

Limit sun exposure

UV rays are at their peak between 10 am and 4 pm. Try to keep your pets indoors during this time. This could mean taking them for their walk in the morning or evening instead. You can also buy pet tents or put a beach umbrella in your yard, so your pets have a shady spot to sit when outside.

Remember, UV rays can get through glass, so consider a UV filter on your window, or move pet beds away from direct sunlight.

A few simple habits can make a big difference to your pet's comfort and health. Putting on a bit of sunscreen is a lot easier than treating serious health issues, and your pet will probably love the attention. With shade, sunscreen and a bit of sun awareness, you can help your pet enjoy the warm summer days.

This summer, before heading outdoors, make sure your pet is as sun smart as you are.