Summer isn't even a week old yet, but it feels like the dog days have arrived. With the onset of such excessive heat, it is important that you are prepared, especially when it comes to your pets. Animals, like humans, are sensitive to the sun. White animals and those that have a hair cut or naturally thin hair coats are particularly sensitive to the sun, and may suffer the same ills as humans: sunburn and skin cancers. The two most important tips to prevent sunburn are to provide shade and sunblock.
Shade and fresh water should be available at all times to keep your pet comfortable and prevent heat stroke. This is obvious, but for outdoor pets, if their quarters can be fully shaded (such as a kennel), risks of sun damage are greatly reduced. Consider a sun block top for outdoor housing.
Like humans, pets should have sunblock applied to sun-sensitive areas such as tips of ears, nose the belly and groin areas that typically have sparse hair coverage and thinner skin. Cats love to sunbathe and some dogs will too, belly up. Additionally, many people get "summer cuts" for their cats and dogs to reduce matting and keep the pets comfortable in the summer heat. Sunburn is a definite possibility, and groomers should warn pet owners of this possibility.
So in order to protect your pet use sunscreens that are rated for animals. Stop by Braxton's and ask the helpful staff what products are available.