Fur Isn't Such a Good Sunscreen

You might think the most important bit of dog health advice would be to let your furry loved on spend all day enjoying the outdoors. But you'd only be half-right. You know we must protect our children and ourselves and from the sun. But do you know that leading canine health experts now say that the most important dog health advice they can give is to protect your dog from the sun, too?

Like us humans, dogs need sunlight to help balance their body's levels of calcium with their metabolism. Yet too much ultraviolet radiation can irritate our dog's skin as it does our own, causing sunburn.

Pale and short-hair dogs are particularly prone to sunburn, usually on the nose, abdomen, groin, and inside of the legs. Being close to the ground, they not only are affected by the downward sunlight, but also by light reflecting up from pavement or hot sand. Some breeds, like Weimaraners and Boxers, are predisposed to cancer. Therefore, they must have extra protection from sunburns and UV rays to avoid skin cancer.

Think about the precautions that you take to prevent yourself from sunburn and UV exposure. You stay out of the sun at the peak hours like noon to 3pm, use sunblock and cover up, don't you? Those same suggestions can work for your dog.

Here's more dog health advice: Be sure that your dog is inside the house or in a shaded area during the sun's peak hours, even on overcast days. Apply sunblock to the bridge of the dog's nose, ear tips and other small, sensitive areas whenever the dog is outside for more than a few minutes. Consider some sort of covering for your dog.

Some veterinarians say that the most important and effective protection is a type of bodysuit for dogs, which is designed to block UV rays and prevent sunburn. Our dogs give us hours of pleasure and years of unconditional love. In return, all we must do is love and keep them healthy. It's still good dog health advice to let your dog play outdoors. But spare your "best friend" the pain of sunburn and its consequences.

Heat beating tips for dogs:

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how it must feel under a fur coat! here are some simple tips to help your dog beat the heat.

1) Haircut
If you have a shaggy dog like a pomeranian, Pekinese or any such variation then listen up. Your dog needs a hair cut. Tha hair should be cut with scissors and not shaved. Do not cut around the whiskers but you can carefully trim around the eyes.The less hair on your dog the cooler he will keep. If you have a short haired dog no need for a trim.

2) Play it cool
Food can be lighter and given before it gets hot in the morning and after it cools down in the evening. When a dog is panting give ice to lick.

3) Walk on the mild side
Walks should be taken early and then again after sundown. Don't encourage chasing, fetching games too much.

4) Cool it
If you enjoy airconditioning so does your dog. If you have a cooled space share it with your pooch.

5) No closed encounters
Never leave dogs in a completely closed space. If your dog is home, leave the fan on. In a car, leave the window partially open.

6) Let it all hang out
Dogs sweat from their tongues so never tie or muzzle the mouth in the summer. Whilst giving medical treatment see if you can hold the head rather than tying the mouth. If you have to tie the mouth be sure to release as quickly as possible.

7) Do not bathe your dog too frequently
Soap/ Cleansers strip their skin of natural oils and lead to skin irritation. When dirty you can simply towel dry with a damp towel.

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