At The Beach With Your Pet

I recently saw a white cat with a very sore nose. The cat, named Johnny Cash, loves the sun. And unfortunately, white cats have very little pigment and are prone to sunburns and skin cancer. Sunburn is also common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose, the abdomen, groin, and insides of the legs.

Your pet's belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk, or if your pet spends a lot of time at the beach, she can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from the hot sand.

Repeated, excessive exposure to UV radiation, and sunburn, can lead to skin cancer. In particular, squamous cell carcinoma - it's similar in dogs and cats as it is in humans. Breeds that are predisposed to cancer, such as boxers and Weimaraners, therefore will need extra protection from the sun.

Sunburn also can cause ulceration of the skin, and this can leave the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure can also worsen autoimmune skin diseases (in which the immune system actually attacks skin cells), such as pemphigus and lupus.

So what is a pet owner to do?

To protect pets from sunburn and its consequences, apply sunblock on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the bridge of the nose and the ear tips. You can also apply a line of sunblock along any part in the fur along the head or back. For cats, sunblock is usually sufficient. For dogs, sunblock is usually not effective on the abdomen, since it can rub off in tall grass, wash off at the beach, or be easily licked off by the dog or its playmates.

You can purchase spandex-type bodysuits that are designed to block UV radiation. I strongly advise these for dogs who spend a lot of time outside, especially dogs who regularly visit the beach. And although the idea of bringing a bodysuit-wearing dog to the beach may sound embarrassing or ridiculous, it may be the most important - and the most effective - sun protection you can provide for your dog. Doggie bodysuits are becoming more and more common at some beaches, and they don't look ridiculous if all the other dogs are wearing one

You can find sunscreen made for pets at pet supply stores, or you can apply zinc oxide or PABA-free sunscreen. Be careful not to get the sunblock in your pet's eyes. Now that you're prepared, enjoy the dog (and cat) days of summer.