Although it might not seem like they are predisposed to having sunburn issues and other skin sensitivity, dogs too will suffer from exposure concerns when they are out in the sunlight for an extended period of time and oftentimes require sunscreen for dogs.
Though they have layers of hair to help protect their skin, the radiation from the sun can still damage them. If you plan to take your pet outside for a long period of time in the hot sun, or even if you will only take your pet outside for a brief period of time but you know that he suffers from sensitivity to sunlight, it's a good idea to consider different types of sunscreen.
Avoid Zinc Sunscreen for Dogs
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that human sunscreen is very different from canine sunscreen. Many different types of human sunscreen are formulated from zinc compounds. Zinc is highly toxic to dogs. It causes a number of gastro intestinal and skin problems. Therefore, you cannot simply lather your dog up with a human sunscreen formula. Instead, be sure that the sunscreen that you choose is specially formulated for canine use, and that it contains no traces of zinc whatsoever.
Avoid PABA Sunscreen for Dogs
PABA is another compound that is likely to be found in many human sunscreens. This compound is not dangerous to your pet when it is applied topically, but it is toxic to dogs if consumed orally. Because your pet is very likely to begin to lick himself and to ingest some of the sunscreen after you've applied it to him, it's crucial that you avoid any sunscreen that has PABA or any other potentially harmful or toxic chemical.
Sweatproof Sunscreen for Dogs
Because dogs do not sweat in the same way that humans do, you do not need to spend any extra money or time looking for sunscreen formulas that are sweatproof for your pet.
Other Factors
It's important to realize when and where to put the sunscreen that you do purchase onto your dog's body. The most susceptible areas that are most likely to suffer from sun damage will be those that are around the thinner parts of his skin.
This includes the ears, groin, nose, abdomen and any other areas that have less fur than normal.
Some dogs that are especially furry and have thicker hair may not require sunscreen. However, there are a number of other dangerous situations that your pet can enter into if he is out in the sun for too long. Sunstroke and heat exhaustion are responsible for a great many deaths in dogs each year; be sure to give your pet adequate water throughout the day and to ensure that he has time to cool off in a different type of environment as he needs.