Solar dermatitis in dogs is also known as “actinic dermatitis”. Exposure to the damaging UV rays of the sun can cause damage to the skin of dogs, just like in humans. When outdoors on a sunny day, dogs love to sunbathe, rolling on their backs and soaking up the warmth of the sun and of course, the damaging UVB light. UVB can trigger an inflammatory response and DNA mutation in skin cells. It can also cause damage to the cells of the skin’s immune system. Initial exposures may cause the skin to become red and pimply. Further exposure to UVB can lead to the development of thick plaques on the skin that eventually spread. Skin cancer could also develop.
A healthy hair coat provides adequate protection from UVB damage. However, there are parts of a dog’s body, such as the tummy and nose with little or no hair covering and that can easily be exposed to the sun. This puts short-haired dogs, such as the pit bull terrier, pointer, greyhound, Dalmatian, etc. at special risk.
Ask your vets Fort Myers FL for a special sunblock or sunscreen product that you can use on your pet during outdoor excursions.
