Puppies can get sunburns when they get too much sun. The same thing can happen to humans when exposed to harsh sun rays for an extended period. Whether sunburns happen to animals or humans, they can be equally painful.
Dehydration, seizures, and heat strokes are other risks of taking your canine fur baby out on a hot day. Provide your precious pooch with fresh water to drink now and then to avoid such episodes when spending time outdoors.
Sunburn causes symptoms such as:
- Crusting
- Itching
- Flaking
- Pain
- Blisters
- Redness
At the same time, consider being prepared with the best pet insurance so your four-legged friend is comprehensively covered and you don’t have to bear the financial heat during distressing health situations and medical emergencies.
Contemplate purchasing dog medical aid so getting your pet quality medical assistance doesn’t have to be a significant economic struggle. In the meantime, read this article to learn the steps you can take if your little puppy gets sunburned.
Dog breeds are highly susceptible to sunburns.
Any pup can suffer sunburn when exposed to the sun’s radiation for an extended period. However, certain dog breeds are more prone to burns because of their unique physical characteristics. Puppies with light-colored fur/patches, white dogs, and hairless and sparse/thin fur canines are highly vulnerable to sunburns. For instance, Greyhounds, Pit Bulls, and Chinese Crested are more likely to get burned when spending time outside on a hot summer’s day. On the flip side, thick fur and a dark and heavy coat should protect a furry baby from the sun’s harsh rays. However, thin-coated dogs will most likely suffer from sunburns irrespective of the coat color.
1. Home remedies
Various home remedies exist to treat minor sunburns. A quick search online will fetch the top pills one can quickly try at home. Although a cold compress or a cooling bath can soothe your dog’s pain and discomfort, know that it doesn’t help heal the wound. Try an oatmeal soak to help alleviate your furry baby’s pain, but it doesn’t aid in healing the burn. Aloe vera gel is another effective solution to treat sunburns, but it’s a plant that is poisonous to pets, so please avoid using it. Instead, Vitamin E oil offers much-needed relief from pain, helps heal burns, and avoids scarring. Consider trying these home remedies to help your precious fur baby get through minor sunburns; however, medical assistance might be required to tackle more severe sunburns.
2. Over-the-counter medications
Many over-the-counter medications are available to treat a canine’s sunburn, and they can be as efficient as the ones made for human use. Medications like topical ointments and sprays made for doggy use are the most efficient and less irritating.
Preventing sunburn
If you need sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, your pet will need even more protection if they have thin or patchy fur. Below are some tips to save the feline.
Keep them away from the sun
During summers and hot days, avoid walking your dogs in the noon; instead, walk them during the evenings.
- Don’t allow your pet to sunbathe in direct sunlight.
- Ensure they always have access to plenty of trees; Shade and shrubs make great shade for dogs and cats, and a blanket draped over part of their run is an easy way to create shade for rabbits and guinea pigs.
Apply sunblock
- The application of sunscreen is essential. Apply sunscreen to areas where your pet’s fur is thin, i.e., their nose, ear tips, and tummy.
- Make sure the sunblock you are using is pet/child safe, SPF30 or higher, and waterproof – check out our pet-safe sunblock range.
- Apply two layers at least 15 minutes before your pet goes outside, discourage them from licking it off, and remember to reapply as necessary.
Keep a watchful eye on your pet because ingesting them can pose grave health risks. When unsure, contact your vet for advice and assistance. Suppose the burn seems to have affected several layers of skin or there are blisters; meet an experienced vet immediately. Timely testing and treatments help lower your pet’s distress and quicken the recovery.
You don’t have to worry about unplanned vet costs if you already have pet insurance. The best dog medical aid helps deal with unexpected pet health expenses more effectively and provides your fur companion the medical care it deserves.
