sunscreen for pets: a must or overboard?

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Jun 25 2:31 PM posted by Team Ricki

While doggy strollers and crystal collars are pet trends most of us steer clear of, the latest doggy-must-do can actually keep your pooch from pain and illness -- sunscreen. That's right, man's best friend can also end the day outdoors with a sunburn, causing discomfort, peeling, infection and even skin cancer. "Dogs with little to no hair or without pigmentation to their skin are especially prone to being burned from unprotected exposure to the sun," according to the Examiner. Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Boxers are a few types of dogs that are also prone to having sun issues."

The article adds that all types of dogs are at risk for burn on ears and noses and can be protected by human sunscreens, as long as they don't ingest zinc oxide. Of course there are also sunscreens available made specifically for dogs.

Most people asked had never heard of putting sunscreen on pets, even those who have dogs at home. Which leads to the question, Are we going overboard in the name of pet care or is it just that we take better care of our pooches now?

Matthew: Dogs were once animals, now they are people. Then again, humans are also animals, so maybe it's all come full circle.

Tim: Sunscreen is a must for dogs? No it's not. But if you are a crazy pet owner who wants to protect your pet at all costs, feel free to use sunscreen on your dog. Just please don't have any children. Overprotective parents are the worst.

Stephen: Our Pinky was out in the sun for an hour on the first hot day and got burnt. Skin is skin and cancer is cancer. PERIOD

Melissa: To some people, their pets are their children. So if it makes them happy to put sunscreen on them, why not? That doesn't mean that other pet owners must do it. Like others said above, some dogs are more susceptible to getting sunburned than others. White or albino dogs come to mind. Thin-furred dogs also. Finally, think of the other end of the spectrum: those pet owners who don't give a sh*t about their dogs -- and leave them locked in parked cars, chained up to trees outside, never wash them, barely feed them, or let them run loose in the streets. So in my opinion, those "crazy pet owners" who spend oodles of money on their beloved pets are not the ones you should be worried about.

Joe: REALLY! what next? THEY'RE DOGS, they are supposed to be outside! HELLO?

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