Sunburns

[Dansgrizz]

Dogs can get sunburned too. Dogs that are white or lighter in color are more susceptible to the sun just like in people. Areas comonly affected are the dogs bellies from laying in the sun with the belly exposed, the snout where it is common for some dogs to not have much hair, and behind the ears for the same reasons. Just because a dog has hair doesnt necesarily mean that it cant get burned! Our breed is of the short hair variety and even among our dogs the thickness and density of the hair can vary. A short haired breed dog of any color can be sun burn if it spends enough time outside. If your dog gets sunburned there are 3 types of sunburn an dog can get. Superficial partial thickness burns are similar to first-degree burns. Only the top layer of skin is involved. The hair (if present) may still be attached to the skin. The skin appears red and no blisters are seen. Deep partial thickness burns are similar to second-degree burns. The surface layer and some deeper layers of skin are involved. Unlike in humans, these burns usually do not have blisters. The skin is red and some layers of the skin may be exposed. Full thickness burns are similar to third-degree burns. The burn extends through all layers of skin and may even include tissue beneath the skin. If sunburned to a mild degree it is wise to bathe your dog in a cool bath with aloe in it or oatmeal to ease his itching and pain. you can also aply a cool towel that is damp. If your dog has a 3rd degree burn or a full thickness burn take your dog to the vet.

When choosing sun protection for dogs, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least fifteen and is nontoxic. Avoid ones that have PABA or zinc oxide which can be toxic to dogs. To be safe, it's best to use a sunscreen specifically designed for dogs. Your veterinarian may be able to make a recommendation. An alternative to a sunscreen made for dogs is to use sunscreen designed for children.

I hope this helped everyone on taking better care of there dogs health. I know my little grizz needs sunscreen his nose is constantly red from the sun. he loves laying out there and getting his belly and nose burned. THANKS FOR READING.

[APBT_MOMMA]

I always use baby sunscreen on one of my dogs cuz she sunburns also. I use the SPF 80, it sprays and it is baby safe. I also use it on my light horse. Been using it for years for the dogs and horses. Gotta love it. Great thread Dan. :)

[Leon]

Good read, never gave any serious thought to it till now. I will pick one up this weekend.

[belindabone]

i know what you mean!moose gets sunburnt VERY easy.i have been using my daughters sunscreen on him.his nose and forehead is especially prone.good post dan!

[Peanutsmommy]

yep we have always used baby sunblock on our dogs here in my family and all summer last year Peanut was covered in his sunblock. I am not taking any chances.

[titan1]

careful~ Human sunscreen is not made for dogs and if it has zinc you could poison them. Use Epi-pet sunscreen it is the only FDA approve sunscreen for dogs. Here is a cut from my site about it.
The only sunscreen in the pet industry that meets the FDA's ingredient testing standards as required by the FDA for such a product to be legal.
Human sunscreens are not formulated nor are they prepared to be compatable with the skin of pets.

NOT TO BE USED ON CATS
Who needs Sun Protector Sunscreens?
Short and thin haired pets
White and light haired pets
White and pink skinned pets
Hairless dog breeds
Breeds predisposed to skin tumors (i.e. boxers, dobermans, bull dogs, pit bull terriers, bull terriers, bichons, poodles, schnauzers and others)
Outside living pets
Shaved down pets
Pets with allergic and inflamed skin
Working dogs
All pets subjected to excessive sun exposure as during activities such as boating, hiking, visits to the dog park, walking and visits to the beach.

Why use Sun Protector Sunscreen?
To prevent sunburns, especially on light skinned pets
The prevent the pain associated with sunburn
To reduce exposure to damaging UVA and UVB sun rays
To protect against the development of malignant skin tumors such as melanomas, carcinomas, sarcomas and mast cell tumors type II
To prevent skin inflammation that can lead to dermatitus which can aggravate pre-existing skin diseases

Why use Epi-Pet's Sun Protector Sunscreen?
It is the only pet sunscreen that meets the FDA guidelines for ingredient stability
Waterproof
Quick Dry Formulation
Non-Greasy, it doesn't leave an oily film like human sunscreens
It includes sunscreen ingredients that rate equivalent to 30-40 SPF in human sunscreens
It is effective in blocking both UVA and UVB sun rays

The unique bag on valve spray can is environmentally friendly and it provides a constant spray from all angles
It contains vitamin E and other ingredients that act as antioxidants and skin enrichers
It offers a pleasant vanilla fragrance after application
Ingredients and Functions
Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate (Sunscreen
Octyl Salicylate (Sunscreen)
Homosalate (Sunscreen)
Benzophenone-3 (Sunscreen)
Alcohol Denaturated (Disinfectant, Grease Cutter)
Aqua (Water)
Ethyllhexyl Salicylate (Sunscreen + Solubilizer)
C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (Emulsifier - provides the "good skin feel")
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer (Resin Barrier for Water Proofing)
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin-E, Antioxidant, Skin Conditioner, Skin Desensitizer)
Parfume (Vanilla Fragrance)

[APBTMOMMY]

Thanks for the information on the sun block... very informative post ;)

[Miakoda]

Just so people will know, here is a pic of what a sunburn looks like. My dog got severely burned on her head thanks to be using an out-of-date sunscreen. :o

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y4/Miakoda15/05-13-07074.jpg

[APBTMOMMY]

Damn, poor thing, that just looks so painful, thanks for sharing and give us an idea of what one looks like though, just sorry it had to be your baby that went through that.

[Dansgrizz]

Omg!! Is that burn on her leg too?

[kumhomomma]

oh my and yeah i got beat about the human sunscreen being dangerous..another thing is the UV ray sunshirts and hoods if you really think ur dog will leave it on

[APBT_MOMMA]

I have ALWAYS used baby sunscreen on my horses and my dogs and it has worked perfect. It was actually recommended by 2 veterinarian's that I know. It has always worked and never had any side effects on any of my animals. I love it and swear by it.

[titan1]

One of the main problems is a lot of sunscreen (http://www.nutra-9.com/epi-petsunprotectorsunscreen.aspx) has zinc in it an that is poison to dogs. The other reason is the dogs skin is different from humans.