Just like people dogs can get sunburn and we need to take steps to protect them. People have the option to protect themselves from the negative effects of the sun, but our Chihuahuas rely solely on us to look after them.
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to damage from the sun than others. Short haired breeds or pink skinned dogs are in particular danger and short haired Chihuahuas fall into this category. If you own a long haired Chihuahua it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to worry, but you don’t need to be quite as diligent.
Sunburn occurs with direct exposure to the sun just as it does with people. Mid-day, when the sun is at its strongest, is the most dangerous time to be outdoors with your Chi. Reflected sunlight from water or even from sidewalks can also sunburn your Chi so be aware that there is more than one way to expose your pet to the sun.
How To Protect Your Chi
The simplest way to protect your little one from sun damage is to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. When you do go outside keep your exposure periods short and try to avoid extended periods of overexposure.
If you must go outside during sunny days, protect your Chi in the same way that you protect yourself. Covering up and seeking out shade are very important. If you like to dress up your pet look into purchasing sun protection Chihuahua clothes. Many online sites exist that sell clothing with SPF protection, or investigate your local pet stores. If you like to keep things simple, try a plain white children’s tee shirt on your Chi. White will help reflect the light and heat away from your dog while serving as a cover up.
For areas of your Chi that remain uncovered you can use sunscreen. There are some dog specific sunscreens on the market but if you can’t find one of those it is safest to use a children’s variety. It is a good idea to test the product on a small area on your Chi to make sure it doesn’t irritate your little one’s skin. Pay particular attention to the area around your Chi’s nose, ears, groin and armpits as these are more sensitive to sun damage.
Heat Stroke
Another thing to be aware of when taking your Chi out on a hot day is heat stroke. Dogs can only sweat through their foot pads and nose and mainly rely on panting to cool themselves. It is sometimes difficult to tell if your Chi is becoming overheated as the only reliable means of checking are with temperature readings or the tackiness and colour of the mucus membranes.
By the time symptoms advance to collapse it is an urgent situation. Therefore you need to pay attention to keeping your Chi cool as a precaution. If you fear that your pet is becoming too hot cool them down with a spray of water or cover them with a wet towel.
There are some wonderful clothing options available that allow you to place a cool pack into them. Another option is to wet a bandana and tie it around your Chi’s neck. However, if you fear that your Chi is suffering from heat stroke it is very important to seek veterinary care immediately. Your Chi’s life could depend on it.
The best advice with regard to sun protection is to be sensible. If it’s a hot day for you, it’s even hotter for your Chi. You can always take off a layer of clothes; your Chihuahua is stuck with their fur coat forever.
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