Dogs Sun Tanning:Soaking up the sun on a gorgeous day is delightful for many of us, including our beautiful canine friends.

Can A Dog Get a Sun Tan

The Sunshine “D” Factor

Absorbing some healthy vitamin D into our pores is always a good thing for strong bones and muscles, but applying sunscreen is also the best way to prevent sunburn and the damage that can develop from the powerful UVA/UVB rays.

Who doesn’t enjoy the radiant, golden glow you get after a little time in the sun, but did you ever consider how the rays might affect your dog?

Hot Diggity Tan Lines

Just because your pet naturally wears a furry coat, he or she can still develop a suntan. That’s right; dogs sun bathing is not out of the question.

You and I may have a hard time noticing our pooches’ tan lines, but like us, dogs are also born with certain skin cells (melanocytes) that produce the natural pigment of melanin.

When exposed to direct sunlight, these melanocytes will produce enhanced levels of pigment.

A dog’s fur is a protective barrier of sorts, but exposed areas like the nose tip, ear tips and belly (underside area) have thinner fur or hairlessness. So those parts of your pooch can show a burn or tan, depending on how long the animal is out in the sun.

Sunscreen Made Fido-Style

Veterinarians recommend owners of dogs sun bathing to be mindful of their pets’ sensitivity to the strong rays and apply sunscreen. This routine is especially key for dogs with light-colored or white fur and those that might be hairless or with a thinner coat.

Yes, there is actually dog sunscreen to provide excellent protection for dogs sun tanning. Do not use your human sunscreen to apply on your pet because these formulas often contain an ingredient called zinc oxide. That inorganic compound is toxic to animals.

Dogs Sun Tanning Right Way

Dogs are very much like their human friends and can develop skin cancer when exposed to excessive sun. Dogs sun tanning is healthy for these amazing four-legged creatures when it’s properly done and precautions are taken. Allowing your pet to have access to shade is also important. Don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety.

Let’s face it; you and I enjoy soaking up the rays, and having our dogs sun tanning right beside us makes it that more special.

For more information on dogs and the sun click here.

For information on overheated dogs click here

For information on long haired dogs click here

For information on burned paws click here.