Study Reveals How Dogs and Cats Can be Protected From Skin Damage

In new finding researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, explain that dogs and cats that have white or thin coast are extremely sensitive to UV rays similar to animals with close shorn fur or with some pre-existing conditions.

"Some animals particularly enjoy lying on their backs to bask in the sun. This exposes the skin on their bellies, which is often hairless, to the rays of the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn," reports veterinary dermatologist Christa Horvath-Ungerbock.

Humans with little or no pigmentation are extremely sensitive to the sun, animals with very short or thin fur are also vulnerable. In cats and dogs it is applicable to those parts of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun such as nose bridge, the skin around the eyes and the back.

During summers, animals with short fur face major problems as the UV rays easily penetrate down to the sensitive skin and cause sunburn.

"As a rule, animals should have a shady place to lie in. Especially at midday, when the sun is at its strongest and presents the greatest risk, not just for the skin but for the animal overall", explains dermatologist Horvath-Ungerbock. "Particularly sensitive animals require sun protection in the form of a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or a sunblock containing zinc oxide, for example." 

The skin specialists advice that not every white dog or white cat needs sunscreen or clothing to protect it from sun. But in case if the animal is highly sensitive or if the skin is damaged, protection is needed to avoid further damage.

If the animal's skin is reddened or has flaking skin, it should be kept in the shade and use of cool compresses or ointment will help soothe the skin and offer relief. Owners should approach a veterinarian if the burns is severe. Cortisone products avoid inflammation and secondary infections can be treated with antibiotics.  

"We sometimes see squamous cell carcinoma on the heads of white, outdoor cats as the result of chronic sun exposure. The affected areas of the skin then need to be surgically removed," Horvath-Ungerböck explains.

Frequent sunburns are extremely dangerous as they can lead to pre-cancerous conditions or skin tumors.