Are animals at risk of sunburn?

You may think that your dog — or your cat — is safe to lounge in the Sun. Well, think again! Because in the same way as for our skin, the UV put the skin of our pets to the test. It may suddenly blush — or even burn — in the sun. And this even if their coat is there to protect them.

Some areas remain more sensitive and risk sunburn. So the ears, especially when they are not very hairy and they are straightened. The muzzle, belly and truffle — devoid of fur — are also particularly sensitive.

As is the case with us, some dogs — or some cats — are more at risk. Those who carry pathologies like the allergies or alopecia areata in the first place. Or those taking medications that increase their sensitivity. Animals whose hair is white or light or those whose hair is sparse too. Worse still, those without hair. This is the case of the Mexican hairless dog, for example. Younger and older dogs and cats are also more at risk. And those whose skin is dewy.

How to protect animals from the sun?

To avoid problems, it is of course advisable to prevent your dog — or cat — from exposing himself to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A beach that can be extended at the height of summer. And it will also save him from risking the heatstroke. Also avoid mowing it in the summer. You can, however, try the Solar cream — a baby cream, preferably –, especially on the hairless parts. An index of 15 or more and ensuring that the animal does not lick itself afterwards. If your dog is really sensitive to the sun — and you just can’t help exposing him — you can even go so far as to put some clothing on him.

To conclude, know that in nature, animals develop many strategies to protect themselves from the sun. The first and simplest of them: get in the shade or take refuge in a shelter. And there are animals that have developed their own sunscreen. The skin of the zebrafish thus produces a compound called gadusol which protects it from UV rays. The elephant is covered in mud. Sea urchins seem to use algae. Hippos, on the other hand, secrete a substance full of polyphenolic compounds that absorb UV rays.