It’s fun to take your dog to the lake or let your cat hang out with you outside. However, even if they are supervised and you’re providing the best pet care, your animals could get sunburned. It’s important to learn about this issue so you can save your pets any unnecessary discomfort.

A Brief Guide to Pet Care & Sunburns

Which pets are most susceptible to sunburn?

Any pet can get sunburned; however, some are at a higher risk. A white-haired dog or cat has a much higher potential for sunburn and can get a worse burn than a black-haired pet in the same amount of sun. Dogs with short hair, like Greyhounds, Dalmatians, and Boxers, are more likely to get burned because their skin is more exposed.

Where is my pet most likely to get a sunburn?

This can affect all pets, no matter their coat color or breed. Watch out for sunburns on areas that have little to no hair, like the nose, ears, belly, groin, eyelids, and lips.

What happens when my pet gets a sunburn?

If your pet gets a sunburn, their skin will be red, warm, and tender to the touch. You may also see dry, cracked skin or the edges of their ears might curl. They might scratch and whimper at the same time. To give them the proper pet care, put a cold compress on the affected area. Aloe might soothe them. If the sunburn is bad enough, or if your pet has a fever, you should consider taking them to the vet.

How can I prevent my pet from getting sunburned?

If your pet doesn’t need to be outside from the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., it may be best that they stay inside, since the sun is most intense during that time. If you’re going out for a long time in the sun, you should apply dog sunscreen to your pup. You can find this pet care product in pet stores, and it should be applied to all of the parts of your dog that are most vulnerable to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen every four to six hours. Unfortunately, there is currently no cat-safe sunscreen on the market. 

Almost Home Pet Resort is a caring and fun pet care and boarding facility in Covington, KY. Pets receive personalized attention from animal professionals, and dogs stay in a combination of indoor and outdoor kennels. There are security systems that monitor the building 24/7, and there’s always someone present to handle emergencies. Visit their website to learn more about their accommodations or call (859) 356-8181 to schedule your pet’s first visit.