Protecting pets from sun and insect bites

Two of the biggest annoyances and potential dangers to humans during the summer are sunburns and insect/tick bites. Most of us probably aren’t aware that our dogs and cats can suffer just as much from these troublesome pests as we do, but do our pets really need sunscreen and bug spray?

Sunburns  – Yes, your pet can get a sunburn! Light colored pets and those with short or shaved fur are especially vulnerable to the sun’s rays, but any animal can run into trouble after an afternoon spent basking in the sun. A specially formulated pet sunscreen (call us for recommendations) applied to the nose and tips of the ears will go a long way towards avoiding a sunburn and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Creepy Crawlies – Fur coats help somewhat, but dogs and cats get bitten by mosquitos and flies, just like people do. Besides being annoying, biting insects can transmit diseases such as heartworm and West Nile Virus. There are plenty of insect repellents on the market, but how do you choose the right one for your pet?

  • Some topical flea and tick preventatives contain mosquito repellents as well, but take care to purchase a product that is intended for the type of animal you have. Call us if you have any questions.
  • There are many “natural” and insecticide-based spray products on the market for both cats and dogs. After you have identified which type of insect you are trying to repel, give us a call and we can help you determine if and what type of spray is right for your pet.

Caveats and Concerns

The safety of your dog or cat is top priority when it comes to applying any product to the skin or coat.

  • Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that has not been labeled specifically for use on animals. If ingested, human-grade sunscreen or bug sprays can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, and drooling.
  • Read the label instructions completely before using any insect or sunscreen product. For example, some products should never be used on very old or very young pets and some products that are safe for dogs are deadly when applied to cats.
  • Use caution when applying any product near your pet’s eyes, ears and genitalia.
  • Contact us immediately should your pet become weak, depressed, uncoordinated or exhibit any other unusual behavior after using a product.
  • Never use insecticides on young, elderly, or pregnant pets.

Have a safe and fun rest of summer, from all of us here at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital!