We are all concerned about the dangerous effects of the sun on our family, but have you ever thought, “what about my pet?”. Dogs and cats too, can suffer skin damage from excessive sun exposure. While every pet is an individual case, light skinned and furred pets can have a higher proclivity to skin damage susceptibility. Chemical sun screens have been proven to be carcinogenic or endocrine disrupting. We all fear cancer, yet we also know that sunshine boosts serotonin, melatonin and Vitamin D which are critical to good health. We can’t completely keep our pets out of the sun, but we can practice responsible sun exposure and protection.
PLANT OILS CAN PROVIDE NATURAL PROTECTION FROM THE SUN
Plant oils like red raspberry seed and carrot seed oil “MAY ACT AS A BROAD SPECTRUM UV PROTECTANT AND PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST BOTH UV-A, AN EXOGENOUS ORIGIN OF OXIDATIVE STRESS TO THE SKIN, AND UV-B. THESE OILS HAVE SPFS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF TITANIUM DIOXIDE VALUE BETWEEN 28-50”
We do not suggest using red raspberry seed and carrot seed oils as your only sun protection for a full day in the sun. We prefer to recommend using a combination of sun screen, covering up and staying out of the sun during peak hours.
PLAN AHEAD
Spending a full day at the beach or hiking on a sunny day is going to expose your pet to much more sunshine than a quick walk around the block. Make sure you bring plenty sun protective equipment. When going to the beach you may want to bring a large umbrella or small tent in case someone gets way too much sun and needs immediate relief. Remember that higher frequency of repeated sun screen application provides the best results, at least every hour when in full sun. Many dogs are accepting of wearing doggie t shirts and even some hats. Bring plenty of fresh water and don’t forget the paw salve! Make sure to follow up with repeated applications at home after being in the sun. Use your head, have a plan and confidently enjoy the great outdoors!
Sit. Stay. Forever offers a full line of safety first organic pet products for dogs, cats and horses. Beds, soaps, salves, shampoos and bug sprays. WWW.SITSTAYFOREVER.COM
References : B.D.Oomah et al. / FOOD CHEMISTRY 69 (2000) pg. 187-193
Author: Sit. Stay. Forever. LLC.