Sun Screen

[mara]

Is there a sun screen that is made for dogs or is it OK to use what I use?

[doglover_427]

What do you use and what type of dog are you trying to put it on?

[BabyElephant]

Yes, you can get sunscreen for dogs (at least in the UK you can). I'm not sure about human sunscreen though - I'll check my e-mails because I asked the vet once when we thought Poppy was going to need it. Are you thinking of using it for Mara?

[BabyElephant]

OK - they don't recommend using human sunscreen due to the fact that dogs may lick it off and it can contain substances that are toxic. BUT if you can't get hold of dog sunscreen then they say that you can use human sunscreen specially formulated for babies as this tends to be hypoallergenic and less likely to contain the more harmful stuff.

[fairlight]

I never even knew they made sun screen for dogs.

[mara]

Thanks guys. I'm going to have to look out for something for dogs. Mara has been getting quite pink even when I only have her out in the early morning. With such a high rise in melenoma cases in dogs I really want to protect her if I can.
There are some baby formulations around I could try then wash it off her after our walks.

[minnie50]

http://www.pawshop.com/sufordo.html

I would think you could spray some on your finger and rub it on Mara's nose in the intense heat but her body is what I know you were concerned about. Crystal and I can't handle the heat. We walk at about 6:30 am and 8 pm.
Thank god for pee pads.

for humans you must use sunscreen with helioplex and Neutrogena has the patten on it.

[BabyElephant]

Originally Posted by mara

Thanks guys. I'm going to have to look out for something for dogs. Mara has been getting quite pink even when I only have her out in the early morning. With such a high rise in melenoma cases in dogs I really want to protect her if I can.
There are some baby formulations around I could try then wash it off her after our walks.

It's only an issue with baby formulations if Mara were to lick it and injest so if you put it on and then go for your walk (I'm assuming Mara won't lick when she's out walking if she's anything like Poppy) and then wash it off so she can't lick it sounds like a good plan.

Mara is lucky she has such a wonderful mommy who cares for her so much

[doglady]

I checked my V board and they are talking about using a lipbalm with spf in it for their dogs noses. I remember I had some kind of lipbalm I use to use on Roo's nose.

I have to put that on my list to pick up for Star also.

[Bosley Slave]

Mara, I found this on the web. I know I was out in my car for the whole day with SPF 45 and I am beet red!


I can hear people snickering now. "Sunscreen for dogs? What next?" But the risks of overexposure to the sun can indeed be a problem for many dogs. For information on which animals are at risk and how to best protect them, I turned to a top veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Peter J. Ihrke of the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
"Unfortunately, dogs can develop a wide variety of sun-associated problems beyond sunburn just as humans can," says Ihrke. "Repetitive sun exposure can lead to chronic skin changes and sun-induced skin cancer just as it can in people."
Ihrke says the animals most at risk for sun-caused skin disease and cancer are those with short, white coats, light-colored skin and sparse tummy fur. Breeds that fit these characteristics include Dalmatians, bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, whippets, Italian greyhounds and greyhounds. The more sun, the greater the risk, he says, noting that dogs who like to sunbathe and are permitted to do so are at the greatest risk.
Skin cancer can hit dogs as young as 4 years old, he says, which is why prevention is extremely important. Decreasing exposure is the only way to protect an animal from sun-related problems.
"Preventing sunbathing, roofs over outdoor runs, and solar protective T-shirts or dog shirts can be very helpful," says Ihrke. "We also recommend waterproof pediatric or children's sunscreens. Sunscreens designed for children are less likely to be irritating and commonly do not have scents added."
Brand names mentioned by Ihrke as being safe for use on pets include Johnson & Johnson's Waterbabies, Bullfrog waterproof and EltaBlock waterproof. The benefit of waterproof products, says Ihrke, is that they're also dog-saliva-proof.
To find a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, go to the Web site of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (www.acvd.org) and click on "Find a Dermatologist."