Sunburn
Also known as
- Sun damage
- Solar Dermatitis
What is Solar Dermatitis?
The term "solar dermatitis" refers to the damaging effects of the sun on the skin of cats and dogs.
The effects of sunlight on cats and dogs are not immediately obvious. Sun damage can cause hair loss, skin thickening and reddening, rough patches of skin and the appearance of "blackheads".
Bacterial infections can develop in the affected areas. The damage is most commonly seen in white cats and in light coloured, short coated dogs such as Dalmations, Staffordshire Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs and Great Danes.
In cats, the damage is usually on the ears and face. In dogs, it's usually the underside of the abdomen, the inner thighs and the bridge of the nose that are more likely to be affected.
Pets who spend time "sunbathing" outdoors, or in front of open windows, are at increased risk of developing solar dermatitis.
How is solar dermatitis treated?
Sun damage is partially reversible. The best treatment is to keep your pet out of the sun.
You can protect your pet by putting sunscreen on its skin when it goes outside. We recommend waterproof products with an SPF factor of 15, or higher. These should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Products containing Zinc oxide should not be used.
You can also protect your dog by making it wear a t-shirt to block out the sun. You could also keep your pet indoors and away from open windows between 10am and 4pm. Preventing continued sun exposure can help reverse some of the damage to the skin.
Antibiotics may be needed to treat the infections of sun damaged skin. If the sun damage is severe, a vet may recommend other medications to prevent or reverse some of the changes.
What are the complications of Solar Dermatitis?
Skin that has been damaged by the sun is more likely to get skin tumours, which may need to be removed.
Avoiding the sun is the best way to prevent the progression of the sun related skin damage.
Contact us
Environmental enforcement
Tel: 020 7525 5777
environment@southwark.gov.uk
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