I’m very lucky and grateful to live near the beach, and I often take my Jack Russells for a walk on the beach whenever the sun is out. They obviously like the exercise and they just love playing in the sand.
But, I’ve been wondering about the sun’s effect on my Jack Russells and whether or not they need sunscreen. They have fur, and surely that protects them from the harmful rays of the sun, right? Well, the answer to this question will surprise you.
Join me as I find out if Jack Russells need sunscreen.
Do Jack Russells Need Sunscreen?
Yes, Jack Russells need sunscreen because they are prone to sunburn. Areas such as their eyelids, noses, edges of their mouths, bellies, ears, and other hairless areas are at risk of getting sunburn when they are exposed to the sun for a long time. Applying sunscreen to these areas is therefore recommended when spending time in the sun with your Jack Russell.
In addition to this, due to their thin and light-colored coats, Jack Russells are higher at risk of sunburn when compared to dogs with thick and dark-colored coats.
How Do I Know If My Jack Russell Has Sunburn?
The first thing that you need to look out for if you think that your Jack Russell has sunburn is a redness on his skin. Just as with humans, a Jack Russell’s skin will appear red if he has sunburn.
Another thing to look out for is his ears. If the edges of his ears are dry, cracked, or curled, then he may be suffering from sunburn.
In certain cases, your pup may be experiencing hair loss, which can also be a sign of sunburn. In more extreme cases, he might get skin ulcers or skin infections.
How To Prevent Your Jack Russell Getting Sunburn
If you’re planning on taking your Jack Russell for a walk in the sun then it is best to put sunscreen on him before heading out.
With that said, it is very important to note that not all sunscreens are safe for dogs. While sunscreens are safe for humans, some of them contain zinc oxide which can be toxic for dogs. Therefore, you should avoid putting sunscreen that contains zinc oxide on your Jack Russells. Also, avoid using spray sunscreens because the sunscreen can get into their eyes or mouths and this can cause irritation.
Rather opt for a sunscreen with no zinc oxide contents or speak to a vet if you are not sure about the type of sunscreen that you should use. Make sure that you apply sunscreen on the high-risk areas that I mentioned earlier:
- Eyelids
- Nose
- Ears
- Edges of mouth
- Belly
- Areas with little to no hair
Another practical way of keeping your Jack Russell safe from the sun’s UV rays is to make use of an umbrella to provide some shade for your pup. You can also get him UV-protective clothing which you can get from your local pet store.
Are Jack Russells Good In Hot Weather?
Yes, Jack Russells are good in hot weather but it is very important to make sure that they have access to drinking water, and as mentioned above, that they are properly protected against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Not only can overexposure cause them to get sunburn, if they don’t get adequate hydration they can get dehydrated. As you can see, it is important to make sure that your Jack Russell is properly taken care of during those sunny days.
Conclusion
I must be honest, I had no idea that Jack Russells needed sunscreen. I would always just make sure that they had access to drinking water when we headed out into the sun.
But a few years ago, I discovered that they can in fact get sunburn and that it is recommended that you put sunscreen on them.
As I mentioned earlier, be sure to use a sunscreen that is free from zinc oxide and try to avoid spray sunscreens. You can also take an umbrella with you on those sunny days to provide some shade for your furry friend or you can get him UV-protective clothing.
Finally, always make sure that your pup has enough drinking water when he is outside playing in the sun. We all know how much they like running around, and after spending a lot of time playing in the sun, they will need some much-needed hydration.
