Many areas of Scotland are set to be blasted with toasty heat tomorrow (April 24) after a long spell of unpredictable weather. With towns and cities across the Highlands, central belt and Ayrshire set to be sizzling in 19C heat during the afternoon, the Met Office is urging Scots to wear sun cream to help protect their skin.
However, it is not only families that need to be protected from the UV rays of the sun, as experts have warned that our four-legged friends are also able to be burned in the sunlight. With the national forecaster predicting undisrupted sunny conditions tomorrow for most, it is crucial to make your pets stay safe in the heat.
Even on cloudy days during the warmer months it is important to make sure yourself and your pooch are protected as the UV rays from the sun can still damage the skin even if you cannot directly see it. For those unsure how to check for sunburn on their dogs, a canine expert has shared some handy advice.
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Speaking to Platinum Spa Hot Tubs, Dr Jacqueline Boyd, senior lecturer in Animal Science at Nottingham Trent University and canine scientist, shared that while it is important to let your dogs out to play and relax in the garden during the warmer months, it is important they do not stay in direct sunlight for too long.
She said: “Dogs can get sunburned, particularly in the garden during warmer months. Those with light-coloured fur, thin coats, or pink skin are most at risk, especially on exposed areas like the nose, ears, and belly.
“Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can cause redness, irritation, and discomfort, and repeated sunburn can increase the risk of skin damage over time.”
In order to lower the risk of your beloved pet getting irritated skin or being too hot in the sun, Dr Boyd advises that you pooch should always have access to shade, with pet-safe sun cream also being a helpful aid.
She said: “To reduce the risk, dogs should always have access to shade and avoid prolonged time in direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Pet-safe sunscreen can help protect vulnerable areas, and owners should regularly check for signs of redness or sensitivity after time outdoors.”
The PDSA also adds that dogs can develop skin cancer from too much time in the sun. This sun damage does not need to be sunburn to cause skin cancer, so it is essential to find ways to protect them from the sun.
One option is pet-safe sun cream. Some companies produce sun cream that is safe for cats, dogs, and even horses. When looking for pet sun creams it is important to make sure that it actually is pet safe, SPF30 or higher, and is also waterproof.
It is crucial to note that you should not use human sun cream on your pets. This is due to some of the active ingredients being toxic to our furry friends, including chemicals such as zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).
Dr Boyd also shared some other harmful parts of the garden pet owners need to be aware of over the warmer months. One major risk is compost, which can be toxic to dogs as it can grow fungi and bacteria as the waste breaks down.
She said: “Compost heaps can be a hidden danger for dogs in the garden. As garden waste breaks down, it can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, producing mould spores that may cause illness.
“Dogs are natural scavengers, and if they gain access, they may ingest food scraps or contaminated material, leading to digestive upset or more serious health issues.
“Even compost applied to plants can be tempting, particularly if it contains added plant feed, minerals, or fertilisers. Keeping compost securely covered and out of reach is essential to protect pets while maintaining a healthy garden.”
