Sunburn and Burns on the Paws

Dogs and cats can also suffer from sunburn, burns on their paws, or, in the worst case, a heatstroke.

Sunburn

In dogs and cats, the ears, bridge of the nose, and all regions with no or only thin fur, such as the abdomen and inner thighs, are particularly susceptible to sunburn. The back can also be at risk if it is exposed to the sun for a long time. Short-haired breeds and breeds with white hair and white skin are particularly sensitive. Sun protection should also be considered for animals with a pre-existing skin condition in order not to expose the skin to additional stress. Do not hesitate to put a light shirt on your animal in these cases and cover sensitive regions with a non-perfumed, water-soluble lotion (e.g. Botanica Natural Herbal Creme).

Sunburn manifests as redness, warmth, possibly itching, or even more severe signs of inflammation and pain. The cream mentioned has a plant-based effect that is anti-inflammatory and can also be used therapeutically. Of course, there are other preparations as well. I prefer water-soluble products because they are easier to remove. Ask your veterinarian for advice, especially if you are planning a trip to high mountains or southern regions with high UV exposure.

Often underestimated – burns on the paws

Especially in direct sunlight, temperatures of 50 degrees and more can quickly be reached on road surfaces, even without the air temperature suggesting it. High temperatures are reached quickly, especially on asphalt.
A simple test can help protect your dog when walking:
Press the back of your hand briefly on the ground surface of the footpath and check whether it becomes uncomfortably hot for you.
If this is the case, your dog may suffer burns on its paws. If possible, move the walk to the morning or evening hours. If this is not feasible, use grass areas or at least open ground if possible. If it is very hot or when traveling to southern countries, dog shoes may even need to be considered.

Slight burns (Grade 1) lead to redness and swelling. In the case of moderate burns (Grade 2), blisters form.
If there are indications of a burn, cool the paws as quickly as possible under running water and protect the paws with light shoes or, even better, with a sock. Do not wrap elastic bandages around the paws! They are usually wrapped much too tightly and thus dangerously restrict the blood circulation of the skin and/or there is a lack of padding between the paw pads, so that wounds develop there after a very short time.

Cooling pads applied directly to the skin can lead to additional tissue damage and are therefore not recommended for dogs and cats.
In our book published by Kynosverlag “Emergencies in dogs and cats – A veterinary guide” you will find further information on first aid for burns and how to apply a paw bandage (https://www.hundebuchshop.com/Notfaelle-bei-Hund-und-Katze-Loewe.html) or you can call up our health portal for dogs and cats at https://petsvetcheck.de/krankheiten-und-stoerungen/notfaelle/notfaelle-von-a-z.