Sun protection for dogs – an important topic!

The first rays of sunshine herald summer and the temperatures are slowly but steadily rising. Just the right time to equip yourself with sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen. After all, you don't want a painful sunburn to dampen your mood.

Did you know that your four-legged friend can get sunburned? Despite having fur, there is a risk that the sun can damage the skin beneath your dog's fur.

Since you are regularly out and about with your furry friend, you should ensure that your dog has adequate sun protection in order to prevent reddening of the skin and itching. In this article we will show you what sun protection for dogs can look like.

Why is sun protection important for dogs?

It is true that your dog's fur offers his skin a certain amount of natural protection from the sun. However, this is not necessarily enough to avoid sunburn. How strong the protective effect is depends very much on the characteristics typical of the breed. Those dogs that are either genetically less hairy or tend to shed fur for other reasons are particularly at risk.

Especially hairless dog breeds need intensive sun protection for dogs. But you should also make sure you have adequate dog sun protection for Chihuahuas with light and very fine fur, as well as for Dalmatians or Beagles. The following applies: the lighter the color of the fur, the more comprehensive the sun protection.

But what happens if my dog ​​gets sunburned?

Since your dog's skin, like us humans, is the largest organ, the skin tissue and the protective layer are significantly damaged by the sometimes very aggressive sun rays. The consequences include skin redness and itching as well as painful burns.

If you have a very severe sunburn, blisters can form. There are also dogs that develop solar dermatitis, an allergy that is accompanied by inflammation and often affects the bridge of the nose. And ultimately, frequent sunburns can promote tumor formation.

If your four-legged friend is on medication, keep in mind that he may be more sensitive to the sun, which makes the need for careful sun protection for dogs even more essential. You should also attach importance to preventive measures for puppies, young dogs and dogs with illnesses.

How can I ensure sun protection for my dog?

There are several steps you can take to protect your dog from sunburn. We'll tell you what these are below.

Avoid the strong midday sun

The sun shines most intensely around midday. Try to avoid this time for a walk. It's better to go long in the early morning or in the evening. If your time doesn't allow otherwise, move primarily in the shade or, ideally, in the cooler forest.

Provide enough shade

Whether in the garden, on the balcony, on excursions or even indoors, always make sure that your four-legged friend has access to shady places or can retreat to a cooler environment. If you don't have any trees in your garden, a parasol can help.

Choosing the right sunscreen for dogs

Protect your dog from harmful UV radiation with the Simply Sunscreen Mineral sunscreen that has a sun protection factor of 30. Not only does it protect your furry friend from UV-A and UV-B rays, but it also contains skin-care ingredients such as marigold extract, chamomile and jojoba oil. Aloe vera provides additional moisture.

As with all of our products, we use 100% natural ingredients in the formulation and, in the case of the sunscreen, a mineral sun protection filter.

Dog-friendly sun protection

To prevent sunburn, apply sunscreen for dogs in the form of sunscreen before going for a walk. All areas that are not very covered by fur are important, such as the bridge of the nose, the ears, but also the stomach and the chest. Also apply cream to the inside of the legs and the mouth area.

If you are out for a long time, your dog sweats a lot or you go swimming, think about regular renewal. Even if your dog is just spending time in the garden, apply good cream to him beforehand.

Important when it comes to sun protection for dogs: Use special sunscreens for dogs that are suitable for them and do not contain any harmful ingredients. Sunscreen for humans often comes with preservatives, perfumes or emulsifiers that can cause intolerance to your furry friend.

In addition, your dog's skin has a completely different pH value, which requires a different formulation.

Dog clothing with UV protection

There are also special dog clothes with built-in UV protection that can help protect your dog's skin from the harmful ones UV rays to protect. Make sure clothing is loose-fitting and breathable so your dog feels comfortable.

What is the best way to apply sunscreen for dogs?

To ensure that sun protection for dogs works, here is a short step-by-step guide.

Step 1: The preparation

Before you begin, choose a quiet place where you can comfortably apply lotion to your dog. Cuddles or a short game can help calm him down. To ensure effective protection, make sure to apply cream around 30 minutes before sunbathing.

Step 2: The right places

Carefully identify those areas that are not adequately covered by fur and are therefore particularly susceptible to sunburn. Typically, as already mentioned, these are the bridge of the nose, the ears, the stomach, the inside of the legs and areas with thin fur or little pigmentation.

Step 3: The application

Apply the sunscreen generously to all previously discovered less hairy areas, washing your hand thoroughly beforehand or using a clean applicator to distribute the sunscreen evenly and ensure that all vulnerable areas are adequately protected.

Step 4: Massage

Gently massage the sunscreen into your dog's skin. This not only promotes even distribution of sunscreen, but can also help improve circulation and soothe the skin.

Step 5: The reward

After applying cream, reward your dog with praise, a pat or a delicious dog biscuit.

Step 6: The refresh

Refresh dog sunscreen every few hours, especially after swimming, intense outdoor play, and heavy sweating.

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