I recently saw a very sore nose on a white cat. The cat, whose name is Johnny Cash, loves the sun. Unfortunately, white cats have very little pigment and are prone to sunburns and skin cancer. And sunburn is common in pale and short-haired dogs, usually on the bridge of the nose, the abdomen, groin, and insides of the legs.

A pet’s belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk. And dogs that spend a lot of time at the beach can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from hot sand.

Sunburn and excessive, repeated exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, in particular squamous cell carcinoma. This is the same in dogs and cats as it is in humans. Therefore, breeds such as boxers and Weimaraners – breeds that are predisposed to cancer – need extra protection from the sun.

Sunburn can also cause skin ulceration, leaving the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure may also exacerbate autoimmune skin diseases in which the immune system attacks skin cells, such as pemphigus and lupus.

So what can you, as a concerned pet owner, do?

One way to protect your pets from sunburn and its consequences is to apply sunblock on the small susceptible areas of skin, such as the ear tips and the bridge of the nose. You can also apply sunblock along any parted area in the fur along the head or back. For cats, sunblock is usually sufficient protection. But for dogs, sunblock is usually not very effective on the abdomen, as it can rub off in tall grass, wash off in the water while at the beach, or it can easily be licked off by the dog or his playmates.

There are spandex-type bodysuits available that are designed to block UV radiation, and I highly recommend these for any dogs who spend a large amount of time outside, especially those dogs who visit the beach often. To many people the idea of bringing a bodysuit-clad dog to the beach or park may sound ridiculous or embarrassing – but it may be the most effective and important sun protection that you can provide your dog. Dog bodysuits are now common at some beaches, and they really won’t look ridiculous if all the other dogs are wearing one

You can easily find sunscreen made for pets at quality pet supply stores, or you can simply apply zinc oxide or PABA-free sunscreen to your pet. Just be very careful not to get the sunblock in your pet’s eyes. And now that you’re prepared, enjoy the dog (and cat) days of summer!