SUN! SUN! SUN! SUNBURN?!

We have all been there. Hoomans love those hot summer rays of sunshine sat in the garden drinking pimms or an ice cold beer only to realise a little too late that their skins has become red and tender. Many hoomans are now well educated in the need and use of sun cream and also the dangers of skin cancer. So why are they not when it comes to us poor pooches? Yes that is right dogs can get sun burnt too! So how can you help you fur babies in this hot weather?

1. Limit our time in the sun

I love to sun bath to my hoomans dismay. The best thing you can do is to try to limit this, especially during the hottest parts of the day (10am-4pm). Try to avoid walking your dogs during this time and if they, like me, enjoy sunbathing bring them in after a few minutes and always provide a shaded space.

2. Use suncream

This sounds insane if you are thinking about putting human suncream on your dog… but hear us out! Hooman suncream is actually incredibly dangerous to put on your dogs. It contains certain chemicals (zinc oxide and PABA) that are deadly to your fur babies! So why am I even suggesting this? Petkin SPF15 Sunscreen Spray:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Petkin-5403-SPF15-Sunscreen-Spray/dp/B008FL1NES

Yes thats right you can actually buy sunscreens specifically for your dogs. So why not try it this summer and keep your doggies safe in that sun.

3. Grooming

Over the past few months we have had many requests for clip offs for summer. Keeping your dog cool in this heat is incredibly important but believe it or not clipping off can actually cause more problems during those sunny summer days. Cutting your dogs coat short can leave the skin exposed leading to an increased chance of sunburn.

4. Shade

Just like hoomans, dogs need a place to escape from the sun. Put up that umbrella and make sure there is some shade in you back garden. Summer is a great time to be outdoors but make sure there is a place where your pooch can go an relax in the shade.

Also keep in mind that some dogs are more prone to sun burn than others:

• White dogs

• Light coloured dogs

• Dogs with thinning hair

• Hairless dogs.

While all dogs are at risk of sunburn these dogs need to be watched carefully in the sun.

Enjoy the heat wave that is coming next week guys but keep yourselves and your fur babies safe in that sweltering heat!

Scruffy Pup X