Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Marlowe!
Meme of the day: OH dear!
America’s Animal Rescue Giveaway!
Get ready to wag your tails because I Love Every Dog is amplifying the love for our four-legged friends by celebrating the incredible heroes who dedicate their lives to saving them! In an exciting new initiative, we're partnering with Animal Actions to honor the vital work of animal rescues. We'll be donating up to $10,000 to a deserving animal rescue, chosen by a random draw. Imagine the impact that could have on countless lives!
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Can Dogs Get Sunburn?
It’s a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, and you're heading out for a walk with your beloved canine companion. As you slather on your own sunscreen, a thought might pop into your head: "Can my dog get sunburned?" The answer, surprisingly to some, is a resounding yes! Just like their human counterparts, our furry friends are susceptible to the sun's harmful UV rays, and a sunburn can be just as uncomfortable and dangerous for them.
While a dog's fur provides a good deal of protection, it's not foolproof. Certain areas and certain breeds are particularly vulnerable.
Who's Most at Risk?
Dogs with Short or Thin Coats: Breeds like Greyhounds, Boxers, Dalmatians, and some Bulldogs have less fur to act as a barrier against the sun.
Dogs with Light-Colored or White Fur: Pigment in the skin and fur helps to block UV rays. Dogs with white or very light coats (think white Pit Bulls, some Beagles, or even white-faced Huskies) have less of this natural protection.
Dogs with Pink Skin: Areas where the skin is naturally pink, such as bellies, ear tips, noses, and around the eyes, are especially vulnerable.
Dogs with Hair Loss or Sparse Patches: Due to allergies, medical conditions, or even just old age, some dogs may have areas where their fur is thin or missing, exposing their skin to the sun.
Dogs Who Love to Sunbathe: If your pup enjoys lounging in a sunny spot for extended periods, they're increasing their risk.
Signs of a Doggy Sunburn:
A dog sunburn looks quite similar to a human one. Keep an eye out for:
Reddened Skin: The most obvious sign, especially in areas with little fur.
Tenderness or Pain: Your dog might flinch or pull away when you touch the affected area.
Warmth to the Touch: The skin may feel hot.
Flaking or Peeling Skin: In more severe cases, the skin might start to peel a few days after exposure.
Blistering (Rare but Serious): While less common, severe sunburns can lead to blisters, which require immediate veterinary attention.
The Dangers of Sunburn for Dogs:
Beyond the immediate discomfort, repeated sunburns can lead to more serious health issues for your dog, including:
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: Just like in humans, chronic sun exposure significantly increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer in dogs.
Infections: Sunburned skin can become irritated and itchy, leading to excessive scratching, which can then introduce bacteria and cause skin infections.
Heatstroke: While not directly caused by sunburn, prolonged sun exposure that leads to sunburn also increases the risk of your dog overheating and suffering from heatstroke.
How to Protect Your Pup from the Sun:
The good news is that preventing sunburn in dogs is relatively easy with a few proactive measures:
Limit Sun Exposure During Peak Hours: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, walk your dog in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening.
Seek Shade: When outdoors, always ensure your dog has access to plenty of shade, whether it's under a tree, an umbrella, or a covered patio.
Invest in Dog-Specific Sunscreen: Crucially, do NOT use human sunscreen on your dog unless specifically advised by your vet. Many human sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and salicylates which are toxic if ingested by dogs (and dogs often lick themselves!). Look for sunscreens formulated specifically for pets, free of zinc oxide, PABA, and artificial fragrances. Apply it to vulnerable areas like ear tips, nose, belly, and any thinly furred spots. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming.
Consider Protective Clothing: For highly susceptible dogs, specialized UV-protective clothing, like rash guards or lightweight shirts, can provide an excellent barrier against the sun.
Paw Protection: Hot pavement can burn paw pads. Consider walking on grass or dirt, especially during peak heat, or use dog booties. While not a sunburn, it's another sun-related hazard.
Regular Vet Check-ups: If you notice any suspicious spots, moles, or changes in your dog's skin, consult your veterinarian immediately. Early detection is key for treating skin cancers.
Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and it's our responsibility to keep them safe and healthy. Understanding that they can get sunburned is the first step in protecting them from the sun's potentially harmful effects. By taking a few simple precautions, you can ensure your furry friend enjoys all the fun of summer safely and comfortably, allowing for many more sunny adventures together!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Jake
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Interested in reaching our audience?
You can sponsor our newsletter here.
We’ll donate on your behalf!
🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶
🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶
🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏
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