Did you know that dog sunscreen is a must and that dogs are just as much at risk of getting skin cancer as we are? Seriously! Most of them are strongly susceptible to skin damage from sunburns, but not many people think that.
And with the temperatures steadily rising as we get closer to the spring/summer seasons, this can also mean more visits to the veterinarian if we are not careful.
This is why many dog experts often recommend the use of dog sunscreen whenever you are outdoors. The only problem is that with so many sunscreen products to choose from, most of us can be confused about which one to get. But, speaking from experience, there is only one product you should largely concern yourself with, and that is the Epi-Pet Dog Sun Protector Spray.
Why Sun Protection for Your Four-Legged Friend Is Essential
Why You Should Not Use Human Sunscreen On Dogs
With spring in the air and summer around the corner, many pet owners are looking to keep their canine friends safe from harmful UV rays by using human sunscreen. While it may seem like a good idea to protect your pup this way, it is important to understand that human sunscreen can cause side effects and potential allergic reactions in dogs.
When selecting a sunscreen for your pup, make sure it is formulated for canines, and you always read the ingredients carefully. Some chemicals found in human sunscreens can be potentially irritating to a canine’s skin or even toxic if ingested.
If your pup has sensitive skin or allergies, opt for specialized animal-safe sunscreens made specifically for dogs – they usually contain natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
It is also important to be aware that some sunscreens may have dyes or fragrances that could irritate your pup’s delicate skin and trigger an allergic reaction. Always test a small amount of product on an inconspicuous area of fur first and monitor for any signs of irritation (such as rashes, redness, itchiness etc.). If any sort of adverse reaction occurs, immediately discontinue use and consult with your vet.
In short, it is best to stick to specialized dog-safe sunscreens if you want to protect your pup from the sun’s harmful rays while avoiding any potential side effects. Doing some research beforehand will help make sure you pick the right product for Fido – one that provides effective protection without causing any lasting harm!
Protect Your Dog from Skin Cancer: The Advantages of Using Animal-Safe Sunscreen
As summer approaches, many of us will be lathering our canine friends in sunscreen to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. And while most people understand the dangers of human skin cancer, fewer are aware that dogs can also be vulnerable to this condition.
It is important to note that while sunscreen can protect dogs from UV rays, not all products are created equal. Some sunscreens meant for humans contain chemicals that can irritate or even be toxic to a dog‘s skin, so always read the ingredients carefully and select only FDA compliant sunscreen made specifically for animals if possible.
In addition to selecting suitable sun protection from uva and uvb sun rays, it is also important to consider other preventative measures such as limiting your pup’s sun exposure time during peak hours (usually between 10am – 4pm) and providing adequate shade in areas where your pup spends most of his time.
A visit to the vet for regular examinations can also help identify any potentially cancerous lesions early on when treatment options are more likely to be successful.
Remember, some forms of canine skin cancer are highly treatable if caught quickly enough. Taking a few simple steps like limiting excessive sun exposure and using animal-safe sunscreen and seeking professional care when necessary, can go a long way in protecting your beloved pup from developing skin cancer later down the road.
Hairless Dog Breeds: A Special Note on Sun Protection for Light-Coated Canines
Now that you are aware that your dog is also vulnerable to too much sun exposure, it’s important to note that hairless dog breeds are particularly susceptible as they lack the natural protection of fur. But even for dogs with white and light hair, short and thin hair, and other types of light hair, UV rays can still penetrate through to the skin.
That’s why it’s particularly important for these breeds, as well as completely hairless dogs, to have some form of protection when out in the sun. Sunscreen is one way to provide that sun protection, and there is a range of options available specifically designed for animals.
Types of Hairless Dogs
There are several types of hairless dogs. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Xoloitzcuintli: Also known as the Mexican hairless dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
- Chinese Crested: The Chinese Crested dog is a small, elegant breed known for their hairless body and a crest of hair on their head.
- Peruvian Inca Orchid: The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also called the Peruvian hairless dog, is a breed known for its affectionate and loyal nature.
- American Hairless Terrier: The American Hairless Terrier is a small, energetic breed with no hair and a friendly disposition.
- Argentine Pila Dog: This breed is native to Argentina and is known for its hairless body and affectionate nature.
These breeds are unique, and if you are interested in owning a hairless dog, you should research these breeds to understand better how to manage their skin type.
Sunscreen Ingredients For Dogs
It’s important to note that while sunscreen can be used on dogs, it should only be used as a last resort and under veterinary guidance. Dogs have different skin sensitivity than humans and applying human sunscreen can be harmful to them. That being said, some of the ingredients used in pet-specific sunscreen products include:
- Zinc oxide: This is a common ingredient in pet sunscreens as it provides a physical barrier against the sun’s UV rays.
- Titanium dioxide: This mineral reflects and scatters UV radiation to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA): PABA is a UVB-absorbing agent found in some pet sunscreens.
- Salicylates: Sunscreen octyl salicylate chemical compounds found in some pet sunscreens that can absorb UVB radiation.
Applying Pet Sun Protector
When applying sunscreen on dogs, make sure to choose one with pet-specific ingredients and avoid products that contain nanoparticles, as these can have harmful effects on the dog’s body. Always consult with your veterinarian before using sunscreen on your pet.
The application should be done regularly (at least every two hours), and any areas left unprotected such as paws and belly, should receive extra attention.
And don’t forget those earlier yard trips: Just like us humans, even when our furry friends like to sun bathe, they need adequate shade in order to protect them from harmful UV rays. This is even more crucial if you live in hot climates such as summer months in the Texas sun; you’ll need to shield your pup matter how much they try to convince you otherwise!
By taking a few simple steps like using animal-safe sunscreen and providing adequate shades in areas where Fido spends most of his time, you can help protect your beloved pup from skin cancer later down the road.
Epi Pet Sun Protector Spray For Pets
Epi-Pet Sun Protector is a pet-specific sunscreen specially designed for dogs. It is formulated with natural ingredients that protect a dog’s delicate skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Epi-Pet Dog Sun Protector Spray
Epi-Pet Sun Protector uses a combination of sunscreen ingredients, including Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Octinoxate, to create a powerful physical barrier against the sun’s rays. This product is water-resistant and hypoallergenic, making it safe and effective for dogs with sensitive skin.
Epi-Pet Sun Protector is available in different sizes and can be easily applied to a dog‘s exposed skin areas, such as the nose and ears. It’s a must-have product for dog owners who spend time outdoors with their pets to avoid sunburn and other skin-related issues caused by UV exposure.
The first thing you should know about this product is that the brand is well-known for outsourcing all its material from the USA. This means that this sunscreen is a locally-made product.
The Epi-Pet spray protector also happens to be the ONLY FDA-approved dog sunscreen in the current market. This means that it is non-toxic and safe for consumption by all dog breeds. So, if suddenly your dog licks itself, you can rest assured that it will pose no serious health risk to them.
Because it contains natural antioxidants and skin enrichers, like Vitamin E, it also works as an effective moisturizer and skin conditioner It is vanilla-scented, which made for quite a lovely surprise!
What we like:
- The spray makes covering all parts of your dog’s body easy.
- It is non-greasy and oily
- Safe to use on all dog breeds.
- It is water and sweat-resistant
- It’s eco-friendly.
Areas for improvement:
- It is a little pricey, at least compared to other dog sunscreens.
- The bottle only provides about a month’s worth of use
- The vanilla scent may not appeal to some dogs.
- It cannot be used on other pets like cats.
- Some dogs may be allergic.
How To Use It
I really liked that it is an easy-to-spray can. It lets out a light mist, which allows for convenient application at almost any angle. This meant that I could effectively reach practically any part of my dog’s coat pretty easily. There were some parts that I couldn’t just spray on for obvious reasons, like around the eyes, nose, and ears, for example.
I sprayed the product directly on my hands to apply the sunscreen on my dog and rubbed it on his fur. Luckily, the sunscreen was quick drying too, which I find really convenient. Because some brands have a greasy or oily formula which can be irritating for both you and your dog.
When I used this on my dog, the coating lasted for about 3 hours, which was a little sooner than expected. But because it is water and sweat-resistant, my pooch didn’t lose protection for most of the afternoon before I had to reapply it again. And quite frankly, that’s more than enough outdoor playtime!
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