Just like it’s important for humans to protect themselves from the sun with sunscreen and shade, it’s important for us to take care of our pets in that way too. This is because pets can develop sunburns and even skin cancer, just like humans. But where it’s easy for humans to leave the outdoors, pets tend to stick by their owners. This means that even if you’re basking in the sun, they may be suffering in the heat.
So, what can you do to help? The first step is paying attention, and understanding that they’re affected by the sun just as much—or more so—than you are. From there, you can learn how to be the best pet parent you can be! And to help you on your road to pet safety and success, we’ve listed out some of the best ways to protect your pet from the sun. Check them out and see what you can do for the safety of your furry friend!
Provide Your Own Shade
A lot of pet owners make the mistake of thinking that trees provide enough coverage. But sometimes there aren’t trees, and sometimes it’s not concentrated enough for your pet. That’s why you have to do what you can to provide your own shade. Of course, we suggest keeping your pop and play portable playard in your car so that it’s there whenever you need it.
In general, our Pop ‘N Play Pets Playpen is just what you need to give your pet the shade they need. It’s a comfortable, shaded tent that will give your pet the break from the harsh sunshine whenever it’s needed.
Be Cautious with Grooming
Cold weather tends to mean a growing coat for our pets. But when summer comes, they need to rid of that warm coat, so we take them to the groomers. This can cause some issues, especially when our pets are shaved, and even more so when we subject them to the sun. We tend to think that getting rid of their entire coat with a shave will help them cool faster in the heat, but that’s not the case.
Yes, we want to get rid of the fluff of winter, but they should keep as much of their natural coat as possible. Which simply means no shaving! Not only will it protect their skin from the sun, but it also helps them regulate their body temperature.
Limit Sunbathing Opportunities
This one may seem pretty obvious, but it’s an important one to remember. Think about it in regard to yourself. When you’ve had too much sun, you don’t want to go outside. Instead, you limit the moments of you out in the sun, and you put some more time limits on how long you stay outside. This is the same mindset that you should have with your pets. If they were out in the sun a lot on a hike or at the beach the previous day, then don’t have them out in the sun all day the following day.
When you limit these sunbathing moments, it’s better for their health overall. It’s a good reminder to keep for yourself as well!
Research and Find a Pet-Friendly Sunscreen
Did you know that pet-friendly sunscreen exists? If you didn’t, then you definitely need to do some research and order some sunscreen for your pet. But here’s the most important thing to remember: do not use human sunscreen on your pets. There are quite a few ingredients in human sunscreen that are not safe for dogs.
When you’re looking for their sunscreen, avoid any products that mention zinc oxide. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite pet-friendly sunscreens:
- Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray
- Warren London Dog Screen
- My Dog Nose It! Sun Protection Balm
Get Some Protective Clothing
In a similar sense, make sure to have some protective clothing on hand for your pet. This doesn’t mean that every time you go outside you have to strap your dog in clothes, but it does come in handy for those days where you might spend more time in the sun than others. For example, if you’re headed to the beach for the day, not only should you bring your pet-friendly sunscreen and portable playard, but you should bring some protective clothing as well.
This does not mean that you should go to the attic and pull out some winter sweaters. Instead, you want to bring items that are breathable that help prevent unnecessary UV exposure. They make rash guards for dogs—get one for your pup and make the beach day a safer experience for them!
Grab Some Visors and Goggles
When you’re ordering some protective clothing, don’t forget about their eyes! You wouldn’t head out for a long day in the sun without bringing some sunglasses or at least a hat along. It’s the same idea with your pet. They make doggles—sunglass goggles for your dog—so get your dog a pair and keep their eyes nice and safe from UV rays. Not to mention it’s incredibly cute!
Take it a step further and grab a visor for your pup (you can try one for your cat, but they probably won’t like it). They make plenty of different sizes for all dogs, and it provides that extra safety measure your pet needs to stay protected from the sun.
Stay Inside
Finally, one of the best ways to protect your pet from the sun comes simply from staying inside. Especially on those super hot days, where yes, the sun looks pleasant, but it could bring about a lot of harm—stay inside. You don’t have to take your pup with you every time you go to the beach, and you probably shouldn’t. Even on those days where you don’t leave the house, but head to the backyard, limit the moments of sunshine. When you stay inside, you give yourself a better opportunity to protect your pet from the harsh rays of the sun. Be smart about how often you head outside—both you and your pet will benefit from these smart choices.
Like we said, one of the best decisions you can make for your pet is to provide them with a place to escape from the sun. That’s where we come in! Here at the California Beach Co. you can check out our pet playpens and give your pets a comfortable, breathable, and safe space to enjoy the outdoors without the harmful sunshine! Shop our collections now and see what a difference this can make for your family and your pets!
