Your pet loves playing outside in the summer sun as much as you do, so it’s important to know how to keep your furry friend safe and healthy. Milford Animal Hospital has been providing Clermont County pets with expert veterinary care for over 40 years; services include routine wellness checks, spay and neuter surgeries, diagnostic radiology, and laser therapy to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. The veterinarians and support staff at this comprehensive animal clinic are dedicated to maintaining their four-legged patients’ health and providing pet owners with valuable information about their pets’ wellness needs to ensure a long and happy relationship.

Before you go outside on a bright, sunny day, you probably make sure to apply a layer of sunscreen to protect against harmful UV radiation. If your pet is going outside with you, his or her skin needs protection as well. Cats and dogs with short, thin coats and pink skin are especially susceptible to sunburn on their noses and ears. Just like a sunburn you might sustain, your pet’s healing process can be painful and the burn carries the risk of skin cancer.

Pets can benefit from wearing sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean you can use your go-to product. Many sunscreens rely on zinc oxide for sun protection, but this ingredient is toxic to both cats and dogs. Your veterinarian can recommend a pet-safe alternative; these products are fragrance-free, waterproof, and rated for UVA/UVB protection. Pet-safe sunscreen is available as both a lotion and a spray, so be sure to choose a product that is appropriate for your pet’s coat length and texture. Apply the pet care product to your pet’s ears, nose, and paw pads to protect exposed skin; if your pet likes to lie belly up, remember to apply sunscreen to any other areas of skin that will be exposed.

You can also protect your pet’s eyes with specially made goggles that feature shatterproof lenses with an anti-UV coating. Although some pet care companies make tiny sunglasses for cats and dogs, goggles offer more comfort features like foam padding around the eye pieces and an adjustable elastic head strap to ensure a close fit. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend a specific pet care product based on the size of your pet’s head. When playing outside, it’s important for your pet to have ample access to drinking water and shade to avoid heat exhaustion. You may also want to limit outdoor playtime to cooler parts of the day like early morning and evening.

Visit Milford Animal Hospital online to learn how your pet can benefit from their veterinarians’ expertise. Call (513) 831-5530 today to schedule an appointment.