You and Your Pet in the Sun

Recently I came across a very unusual article. In 2005 the University of Illinois released a piece about solar dermatitis (sun rash) in a pet. It’s not something that I would immediately think about if I see a four legged friend lying in the sun.

Cats and Dogs

Too much sun can also have a damaging effect on cats and dogs skin according to Veterinary Dermatologist, Dr. Karen Campbell. It starts with redness and loss of hair around the tips of the ears, nose or the abdomen and can eventually lead to different skin problems.

Solar dermatitis in people

You can recognise solar dermatitis in people by small reddish blisters that can be very itchy. They appear where the skin is exposed to the sun. It particularly affects people with sensitive and pale skin. It is more common in young women and children and if you have suffered with it once, there is a big chance that you will get it again. The only thing that will help against solar dermatitis is to stay out of the sun or smear a very high sun protection factor into your skin.

You can read the whole article here. Luckily for me, if the sun is shining, I don’t have to apply sun cream to a pet, just my four kids!

Regards Jetske.

(Dr Jetske Ultee – Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)

You can read more blogs about the sun.