Enjoying the great outdoors by way of lounging poolside, hiking to a beautiful lake, or just relaxing in the backyard is what spring and summer are all about. Your pet will also be happy to get out for some sunshine and fresh air with you as you walk, play, jog, and do other pet friendly activities together. But the sunny weather has many of us slathering on sunscreen and donning our hats and sunglasses. Did you know your pet needs protection, too?

In order to prepare for the sunnier, warm weather, your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital wants to stress the importance of pet sun protection. You may be surprised to learn just how important it is to protect your furry one from those harmful rays. 

Keep Them Shaded

Skin cancer is not so uncommon in our pets, especially dogs who spend more time outside. When the harmful UV rays are at their worst, it’s best to avoid the sun rays by keeping your pet inside during midday. Any time you are outside, make sure there is shade available to them. Go to a well shaded park or walk along a tree lined neighborhood. When on a boat or the beach or lake, give them shade through the use of umbrellas or other shade screens.

Use Pet Sunscreen

Even if your pet is especially furry, they can also be prone to sunburn if their nose, ears, belly, and other sensitive areas aren’t covered with pet sunscreen. Hairless breeds must be protected when outdoors, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Never use human grade sunscreen on pets as it is toxic. Opt for a sunscreen suitable for pets. There are a wide variety of them online or in pet supply stores.

Choose Protective Clothing

Putting your pet in a shirt may seem counterintuitive when it is hot outside, but there are some clothes  that can keep a pet cool and shaded. If your pet has short fur, light colored fur, or is hairless, you can opt for sunscreen clothing for pets. Dogs that are sensitive to the sun’s rays can also be helped through doggles, or pet sunglasses. 

Pet Sunburn

Be cautious when you enjoy the sunshine with your pet. Any exposed part of your pet’s body is susceptible to sunburn and damage from the sun. Signs of sunburn in pets include:

• Redness
• Swollen skin
• Dry, flaky skin
• Cracking
• Hair loss
• Infection
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Painful when touched

Warm Weather Awareness

When the weather begins to warm, be aware that your pet will be more likely to become dehydrated when exercising outside. Always keep extra water and a bowl for your furry one on walks, in the yard, and during travel. Use shade as you and your pet’s best defense against sunburn and other damage.

For more information on sun damage and pet sun protection, give your team at Shiloh a call. Stay sun aware out there and have fun!

The post Made in the Shade: Pet Sun Protection appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Angelenos hoping for a pleasantly-mild summer, prepare for a little heartbreak – we are on course to break record record highs, again.

High temperatures coupled with an extremely arid climate can make southern California a tad uncomfortable for all residents – including pets. With our summer pet safety tips, your best pal can relax in the shade, enjoy a tasty frozen treat, and stay far from trouble, all summer long.

Dawn. Dusk. Repeat.

Until the pavement no longer feels too hot for your own bare feet, it’s best to hold off trotting down the block with your dog. The hours surrounding dawn and dusk are optimal for summer stroll, pet safety–wise. Otherwise, the direct hit from the sun can make sand, concrete, asphalt, gravel, and even dirt pathways quite dangerous for delicate paw pads.

If you must be out and about in the middle of the day, be prepared with the right gear:

• Booties
• Collapsible water dish
• Fresh water
• Shade
• Frequent breaks

Special Considerations

All pets require extra care and attention when it comes to the heat, but seniors and overweight pets are at higher risk of overheating when exercising. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, cannot easily regulate their internal temperatures through panting. It’s best that they are never exposed to high heat and excessive exertion.

Chillin’ at Home

Sometimes, pets are just safer at home. They can still pop outside if they want to (and can!), but they should have a few different chill zones to retreat to when the day becomes too hot. Fans, air conditioning, water, and proper cross-ventilation are great ways to counter the heat.

Heat Stroke Dangers

If you are running errands with your pet, we urge you to never leave them inside your parked vehicle. Even a car that has all the windows “down” and is sitting in the shade can be fatal.

If you ever notice that your pet is panting excessively, unsteady when walking, and pacing around, they may be suffering from heat stroke. Drooling and abnormal gum color can precede collapse. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital recommends seeking pet emergency care promptly.

Summer Pet Safety Can Be Fun!

Swimming is a top-rated activity for people and pets alike, but there are many things that can easily take the fun out of it. Swimming is tough and animals tire easily. Give them opportunities to rest and drink water in the shade.

If you have a pool, train your pet how to get in and out safely. Keep the area covered and surrounded by an alarm if at all possible. Supervise your pet closely whenever they are in or around water. Rinse well, dry their ears, and give them a delicious frozen pet treat to reward them.

Safe, Then Happy

If your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can assist you with any questions about summer pet safety, we’re always here for you.

The post Hot and Dry Conditions: Summer Pet Safety Tips for the Los Angeles Area appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.