Why You Should Use Pet Sunscreen and Bug Spray
While most humans know well the annoyance of summer insects and the dangers of sun exposure on our skin, we often overlook how these issues affect our pets.
But pets can suffer from sunburn just like we can—especially furry friends with thin or lighter-colored coats. As for bugs, mosquitos can bite our pets’ faces, bellies, and paws as easily as they bite us.
Today, the team at Crossroads Animal Hospital shares why pet sunscreen and bug spray are an important addition to your summer toolkit.
Sun Protection: Why Pets Need It
While thick fur can protect places like your pet’s back and legs, many areas on a dog or cat’s body offer sparse protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ears, noses, and bellies are all prime spots for sunburn, and like humans, repeated sun damage can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer in pets.
Using pet-specific sunscreen on your pup or kitty’s nose, ears, belly, and any other not-so-furry spots can help prevent sunburn. Dogs or cats with thinner or lighter fur may even need sunscreen on their coats to help prevent skin damage.
Our favorite pet-safe sunscreens include:
Above all, avoid using human sunscreen on animals. Make sure you carefully check the label of any sunscreen to make sure it’s safe for the species you’re applying it to.
Bug Protection for Pets
Mosquitos, ticks, and fleas can carry harmful diseases that affect pets, but be careful as you approach bug protection for Fido or Kitty. Your veterinarian can recommend the best flea and tick preventive for your pet. As for mosquitos, avoid spraying your pet with whatever you have on hand for human use.
Many bug sprays made for people aren’t safe for pets, largely because many contain DEET. This common insect repellent is extremely toxic to animals, and even ingesting the smallest amounts can cause vomiting and neurological issues.
Citronella, another popular mosquito repellent ingredient, is also bad for pets.
Instead, go with a pet-safe alternative, like a Thermacell diffuser with pet-safe chemicals. This type of device helps keep bugs away from the immediate area where you and your pet are hanging out together.
For hikes and outdoor adventures, use pet-safe bug spray like Farnam Flys-Off.
Application Tips
Along with always using pet-safe products, follow these tips to lower the risk of toxic ingredient exposure for your pets:
- Test small areas first to check for any reactions
- Apply sunscreen and bug spray only to exposed areas, and avoid putting it anywhere near your pet’s eyes, mouth, or any broken skin
- Reapply as directed, especially if your pet goes swimming or gets wet
Need extra help keeping your pet safe from bugs and sun this summer? Our caring team at Crossroads Animal Hospital can help. Reach out to us at (540) 832-1751 to schedule an appointment today!