Skin care is just as important for pets in the summer as it is for their human companions. During the warmest months of the year, the hot weather and intense UV rays can cause several potential issues you should monitor. Help your canine or feline enjoy summer with these animal skin care do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Brush your pet regularly.

Brush your cat or dog every day in the summer, especially if they’re a long-hair breed. Shedding can make your pet itchy and irritable during warm weather, especially if the excess hair isn’t removed. Brushing stimulates the skin underneath to keep it healthy and dander-free. If your furry friend gets ticklish from being brushed, purchase a brush glove that lets you pet and groom at the same time.

Apply sunscreen.

Apply organic sunscreen to your dog’s nose and ear flaps if they spend ample time outdoors during the summer. You may also want to add sunscreen to the dog’s belly and other areas of exposed skin. Any exposed skin is vulnerable to UV rays, including thinner patches of hair and bald spots. Canines, specifically boxers, Dalmatians, and greyhounds, with thin hair and/or pink skin are the most susceptible to sunburn. Cats with no hair or light fur also need sunscreen on their ears and stomachs if they spend time outdoors. Since many ingredients in human sunscreen are dangerous for pets, talk to your vet to find an animal-safe product.

Don’t:

Overbathe your pet.

Cats wash themselves and generally do not require bathing unless they have fleas or something stuck in their fur. Bathe your dog no more than twice a month unless they are excessively dirty. Overbathing your pets can lead to dry skin and excessive shedding.

Forget about heartworm.

Protect your dog from heartworm this summer with preventive animal skin care medication. While cats can get the parasite, the risk is much greater for dogs because it severely affects their health and can be fatal. Mosquito bites are the only way heartworms are transmitted; check your property for standing water, and be proactive by planting herbs, such as mint and basil, that repel insects.

Work with the dermatologists at Veterinary Dermatology Services to keep your pet’s skin healthy throughout summer and beyond. The animal skin care clinic serves dog and cat owners throughout southwest Ohio, southern Indiana, and northern Kentucky. Whether your pup needs a routine screening or your kitty needs laser surgery, the doctors can perform an array of services and will treat your pet as their own. Call (513) 489-4644 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the pet dermatology center online for more animal skin care information.