Catching your beloved cat or dog basking in a spot of sunlight is one of the most charming scenes of daily life. However, as cute as it may be, staying under the sun for too long can be hazardous, even if it’s indoors. Many windows, especially older ones, are not designed to block out ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can be as harmful to them as it is to humans. To minimize the damage, one of the easiest solutions is to have window tinting film installed.

Effects of UV Radiation on Dogs & Cats

Just like us, UV overexposure can cause sunburn, as well as increase their chances of developing a "solar-induced [skin] cancer.” As you may expect, pets with shorter fur are more susceptible to the damage because they have exposed skin. Pets with longer fur have more protection; this is part of the reason why veterinarians caution against a close shave in the summer. The same way that we can use clothing to block out excess UV radiation is identical to the way they use their fur.

Window Tinting

By reducing the brightness, window tinting film can significantly filter out UV rays. If you’re worried about the view getting obscured, don’t worry, it’s cleverly designed, so it doesn’t impede on visibility. Furthermore, the films are available in varying degrees of darkness, so if your home doesn’t get too much direct sunlight, you can choose a more transparent option and still get enough natural light. Your pet will still catch a sunbeam!

Other Benefits

In addition to your pets, window tinting will protect you and your family. For those with sensitive eyes, it also reduces the glare! Fade protection is another benefit. If you have wooden furniture or flooring, depending on the wood species and your personal preference, the change in color may be appealing, but if you have upholstered pieces, the fabric will only get duller. To preserve your favorite couch or chair, get window tinting.

Whether you have a cat who prefers to nap where it’s warm or a dog who loves to watch each passersby, installing window tinting is the easiest way to protect them from harmful UV radiation. For residents in the Greater St. Louis area, you can rely on Bi-State Glass Coatings to get the job completed. Based in Granite City, IL, they proudly offer Sunscape window films, which are specifically designed to block up to 99% of UV rays! You can learn more about this technology online, but if you have any questions, call (618) 451-7346 to speak with someone directly. They offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate to reach out. If you also need to protect your car or business, aside from residential work, they offer auto and commercial window tinting.