Sun Protection for Your Small Dog and You: Tips You Can Use

Sun Protection for Your Small Dog and You.

A small dog's buzzy energy makes them the perfect companion for an outdoor walk. It’s good for the health of the owner and pup while facilitating a way to deepen their bond.

A study from PLoS One found that duos who engage in dog walking more often have higher levels of attachment, with higher levels of physical activity also protecting against adverse health outcomes.

Sun Protection for Your Small Dog

UV Protection

The first concern you should address is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which radiates from the sun and can affect you and your small dog.

Skin cancer can develop in humans and canines when exposed to UVA and UVB rays, so you need the proper gear to protect your skin and eyes. Even on a cloudy or rainy day, UV rays still hit your surroundings and cause the same damage to your body.

During winter, you are at a higher risk of UV exposure since the snow reflects up to 90% of this radiation.

Sunscreen for You and Your Small Dog

You know about sunscreen for yourself, but they also make sunscreen, especially for your dog. Many owners will encourage their groomer to shave their long-haired dog hair close in the summer to keep it cool.

While this may seem helpful, it also increases the risk of sunburn to your dog’s back and sides. Your dog should use a pet-safe formula with no zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, as these are toxic components.

Epi-Pet is a good FDA-compliant water-resistant option that dries quickly to avoid matting up your dog’s fur.

Your sunscreen should be at least SPF50. Sunscreen is vital if you’re not planning to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

UV Protected Fabric

You might think that only hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested can get sunburned, but they are not alone. It’s also worth noting that small dogs can also get sunburnt, even if they have longer fur.

As such, you and your pet should wear UV-protective clothing and equipment. For dogs, you can have shirts that use SPF fabric and a visor to protect their eyes. Pups with light-colored eyes are more sensitive to sun damage, so you shouldn’t scrimp on their gear.

Eye Protection

Doggie Goggles for Them

Have you seen dogs wearing goggles? It's not just for looks. K9 Sport Sack sells dog goggles to keep your pet's eyes safe from the sun, wind, water, and other debris.

Dog Goggles are great for more adventurous pets, as they are built to withstand harsh sunlight on mountain hikes or snowy treks.

Look for models with 99.99% UV protection, shatterproof lenses, and strong, adjustable straps with padded lens frames for optimal comfort.

Goggles are especially helpful for small dogs such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus because their large, prominent eyes can get injured easily. (Ask me how I Know.) Goggles protect those adoring eyes from dust and other debris on windy days.

Sunglasses for You

Likewise, owners should wear garments that cover their skin and sunglasses with UV400 protective coating. If you’re not fond of shades, try some men’s eyeglasses with UV filters.

Ray-Ban, known for its outdoor eyewear, offers prescription specs like the Chad Optics Bio-Based with advanced light protection baked into its lenses.

This shields your eyes from 100% of all UVA and UVB rays, minimizes glare, and filters out blue-violet light at a harmful wavelength.

Hot Pavements and Paw Protection

The next problem to address is heat. Too much heat in the environment can cause heat stroke for humans and dogs, while the increased temperature of surfaces can hurt your pet’s sensitive pads.

Even if your pet has rough paws and fur, certain altitudes and materials are still likely to retain a lot of heat and cause blisters and burns.

According to the American Kennel Club, pavement, asphalt, and artificial grass can become incredibly hot and harm your dog's paw pads. If the thermometer reads 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s dangerous to walk your dog without giving their feet protection.

Brands such as Canada Pooch make soft and breathable booties for small dogs that provide enough traction and protection to allow them to walk safely on warm surfaces without the risk of injury.

If you walk your dog regularly, inspect his paw pads regularly. Dirt and tiny pebbles can get lodged, causing pain and even lameness. Use a paw balm to relieve sore and painful pads.

Lightweight Harness

Whether or not you take your dog to zones that require leashing, you may also want to get a harness to prevent them from running off unexpectedly.

Most small dogs can be trained to stay close to you, but some breeds take off into the great unknown at the drop of a hat. If you have one of those wanderlust dogs, a comfortable and lightweight harness should be sturdy enough to restrain them without harming them and causing added stress in the heat.

Cooling Vests

For sunny days, you’ll want to use a cooling vest that connects to a harness. This uses microfiber technology to keep your dog cool, a helpful resource when your dog is furry or of a breed that doesn’t do too well in heat.

Consider Evening Walks

Humans often face devastating heat that can last for days as the earth continues to heat up. Even going outdoors in some locations can be very uncomfortable.

Yet, we don't want to give up some of the small pleasures of life, and as dog owners, taking your dog on a daily walk is not only fun but also good for you.

Walking in the day's heat can be stifling for you and your dog. Consider limiting your walks to early in the morning or after dusk. Temperatures are usually calmer and much more enjoyable than a noontime walk.

Chose a harness with a bright reflective color for added safety and security when walking in the dark.

Water

Dehydration is one of the worst things for your dog and yourself when walking. Both human and canine bodies lose more water content with movement and when trying to compensate for hot environments.

When your dog is dehydrated, they can lose consciousness, experience kidney failure, get a heat stroke, and exhibit fatal symptoms. Panting, lethargy, and a dry nose indicate your dog needs water during your walk.

For people, dehydration is just as dangerous and uncomfortable and will present similarly.

Water Bottle Recommendations

A sturdy bottle that maintains its cool temperature should be good for you, while a collapsible water dish will be great for your dog.

The bowl should be familiar so that they know to use it immediately, regardless of where you may stop to take a drink. You might need to practice a little before your next outing.

You can use a water bottle if your dog is accustomed to drinking from one, but if not, choose one where the water empties into a small bowl.

Silicone is an easy-to-clean, durable, lightweight option that won’t risk burning your dog’s tongue while they drink.

As the human owner, you’ll want to go for an insulated container like the Hydrapak Stash (collapsible) or Yeti Explore Rambler, which has a carrying handle and leakproof seal so you can easily store cool water on a hot day.

Sun Protection for Your Small Dog and You: Final Checklist

• Sunscreen for You and your four-legged companion
• UV-protected fabric and harness
• Goggles for Them, Sunglasses for you
• Water bottle for You
• Watter bottle for your Dog
• Paw Protection for Your Dog
• Limit Walks to the Cooler part of the day
• And, while off-topic, don’t forget to carry bags to pick up after your dog.

Conclusion

Taking your small dog for walks requires careful preparation to ensure both you and your pet stay safe from sun exposure and heat.

Essential items include UV-protective gear (clothing, eyewear, and sunscreen), cooling equipment (booties and cooling vests), and proper hydration supplies.

Following these guidelines and using the recommended products, you can enjoy safe and comfortable outdoor walks with your furry friend throughout the year.

Remember to always monitor your dog's behavior for signs of discomfort and adjust your walking routine according to weather conditions.

Sun Protection for Your Small Dog:  Pin for Future Reference