The heat of summer is just around the corner. While we are
constantly reminded to apply sunscreen on our skin, our pets are not
always so lucky. Your pet’s nose, ears and tummy are susceptible to
burning.
Vitamin E: Ideally take a vitamin E capsule, open it up and spread the oil on the area affected once or twice a day. Using vitamin E will help keep the area moist and prevent scarring.
Moisturize: Dry skin is often a side effect of pets getting too much sun. Apply a moisturizer to the burned areas that contains coconut oil if you have it or plain petroleum jelly if you don’t several times a day.
Herbs: Spraying of Witch Hazel over a burned tummy can give temporary relief from the pain and itching. Use a cotton ball to apply to burns on the ears and nose.
Water: Misting areas with cool water or a cool water bath will help alleviate the pain. Adding baking soda to the bath will help calm the itch.
Remember to keep you pets hydrated and protected during the heat of summer. Sunburn can happen in as little as 30 minutes.
Signs of Sunburn
- Redness on your pet’s ears, nose and tummy
- Tenderness on the tummy
- Dryness and cracking on the edges of their ears
Natural Solutions
Aloe Vera: Ideally use the gel from an aloe vera plant. Break off a leaf and squeeze out the gel onto the burned areas. It contains natural substances that help prevent infection, reduce inflammation and speed healing. You can also use an aloe vera cream if you don’t have a plant.Vitamin E: Ideally take a vitamin E capsule, open it up and spread the oil on the area affected once or twice a day. Using vitamin E will help keep the area moist and prevent scarring.
Moisturize: Dry skin is often a side effect of pets getting too much sun. Apply a moisturizer to the burned areas that contains coconut oil if you have it or plain petroleum jelly if you don’t several times a day.
Herbs: Spraying of Witch Hazel over a burned tummy can give temporary relief from the pain and itching. Use a cotton ball to apply to burns on the ears and nose.
Water: Misting areas with cool water or a cool water bath will help alleviate the pain. Adding baking soda to the bath will help calm the itch.
Preventing Sunburn
Prevention is always best. Consider using sunscreen on their ears and nose if they are going to be in the sun for extended periods. SPF of 15 or higher works well. There are sunscreens made specifically for your pets but you could also use baby sunscreen. Regular sunscreen could contain toxic ingredients to your pets such as PABA and zinc oxide. Remember to apply liberally and regularly.Remember to keep you pets hydrated and protected during the heat of summer. Sunburn can happen in as little as 30 minutes.