Familiar words for anyone who lives in Australia – we’re all too aware of the need for sun protection for us. But did you know that some pets need sun protection as well?
Consider sun protection if your pet:
- Is light in colour or has a thin coat
- Is fond of sunbathing for long periods of time
- Has exposed pink skin on the ears, nose or tummy
Always make sure you apply a pet-approved sunscreen to your pet. Zinc oxide sunscreens can be toxic to our pets and since cats and dogs are fond of licking any cream you apply make sure it is safe to ingest! Anything containing salicylates can be toxic to cats too. Read the ingredient list and ask a vet if you’re not sure.
UV rash vests are available for dogs who spend a lot of time outside and may be a safer option for dogs than sunscreen. They’re not perfect as they don’t cover the whole body.
The best protection is prevention. Provide plenty of shade and keep your pets indoors during peak UV times (usually 10am to 2pm).
