Sun Safety Tips for Pets This Summer

There’s no time like summer for getting outside and soaking up some sunshine and fresh air with your pet. But while you’re enjoying the gorgeous weather with your dog or cat, it’s always important to be sun-safe — for pets as well as people.

What can you do to protect your fur-baby against those harsh UV rays? Keep reading for our top sun safety tips for pets for summer 2021!

Yes, pets can get sunburned. And yes, it can be a serious concern. Those most at risk from the harmful UV rays are those that are hairless, have minimal fur, or have light-colored skin. And just like in humans, the amount of exposure your dog gets to the sun influences the likelihood of them suffering from skin cancer. 

If you’re unsure whether your pet is in a high-risk category, speak to a vet to find out what you should do to keep them safe this summer.

It’s not safe to use human sunscreen on our pets, so if your vet says your furry friend could do with a little extra sun protection, you’ll need to get some pet-friendly sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen that’s waterproof and that also has a high SPF rating to provide the best possible protection.

There’s also a range of UV-protective clothing and even eye goggles available to keep your pet safe from harmful UV rays. Once again, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to find out whether your pet could benefit from any of these protective summer accessories.

Need someplace to start? Check out our top picks for dog and cat sunscreens to keep all your furry critters safe.

If you’ve got a long-haired fur-baby, giving them a haircut might seem like a great way to help them beat the summer heat. But shaving your dog makes them more susceptible to sunburn, so a buzzcut isn’t the right option for your pooch this summer. 

Instead, for both dogs and cats, regular brushing can help remove loose hairs and ensure that your pet’s coat isn’t overly thick during this hottest time of the year. For thick-coated dogs, try using a deshedding brush or rake to get out all those undercoat hairs!

It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that your pet doesn’t necessarily need to go outside to be exposed to the sun. For example, if your light-haired cat has a favorite spot in the home to do a bit of sunbathing every afternoon, don’t forget to monitor them for any signs of sun damage.

If your pet will be spending any time outdoors on a summer’s day, it’s essential that they always have access to shade. This will allow them to escape the harsh sun and stay cool when the temperature rises. And if there’s no shade available in your yard, bring them inside with you.

Even though the mercury is rising, that doesn’t mean it should stop you giving your pup plenty of regular exercise. However, to help your pet stay in shape safely, it’s best not to walk during the hottest part of the day. 

While conditions vary depending on where you live, it’s typically best to minimize sun exposure between around 10 am and 4 pm. This is when the UV index is at its highest and the soaring temperatures can make overheating a real risk.

Instead, exercise your pet in the cooler periods of early morning and early evening.

That hot summer sun can heat up more than just you and your pet. One particular problem to keep an eye out for is hot sidewalks, pavements, and roads. These surfaces can be scorching hot in the middle of the day and afternoon, so they can cause painful damage to sensitive paws.

To protect precious paws, check the temperature with the back of your hand before deciding whether a surface is safe to walk on. You can also exercise your pooch on the grass instead, or consider other activities like swimming as a way to help your dog raise their heart rate. Dog booties are a furbulous investment that can protect your pup's paws and let them keep exploring!

Related: Top 5 Dog Booties to Protect Your Pup's Paws This Summer

Your pet needs an ample supply of fresh water all year round, but especially in summer. Provide multiple water dishes in case one gets knocked over by accident, and check their water regularly to make sure there’s an adequate amount of clean water available. You might also want to freeze some treats and water in an ice cube tray to create special doggy ice blocks that can help your pup stay hydrated and cool, or give them some delicious watermelon to munch on!

Related: 8 "Furbulous" Frozen Dog Treat Recipes to Try This Summer

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem for dogs and cats. It’s also more likely to affect certain animals, such as brachycephalic dogs and pets that are obese.

So when you’re enjoying the warm weather with your pet this summer, make sure you recognize the telltale signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats — these can include excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, and more — and act as quickly as possible to cool your pet down.

Finally, while it’s important to stay safe in the sun, that doesn’t mean it has to stop you enjoying summer with your pet. With a few simple precautions, your pet will stay happy and healthy while still making the most of all the wonderful outdoor adventures summer has to offer.