Put a dab of sunscreen on your dog too, on hot days

It might not be too pleased about it, but on sunny days your dog could definitely do with a dab of sunscreen on its nose. Photo: dpa

It is vital to apply sunscreen before you go outside, not only on particularly hot days, but whenever UV radiation levels are high, to avoid getting sunburned.

While at first glance, our furry four-legged friends may not look like this could be a problem for them, pets also have sensitive areas that need protection from the sun.

One is your dog's nose, for example, which would benefit from a dab of water-resistant sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, according to German vet Tina Holscher.

Freshly shorn animals or dog breeds such as Bull Terriers or Dalmatians which have short, white coats, are particularly at risk of sunburn.

You can see if your pet has sunburn as its skin will redden and become painful and itchy. Often, pets may then start chafing that area, which can lead to infection.

Meanwhile if your dog or cat is taking medicine such as antibiotics, that could make their skin even more sensitive.

But the risk of sunburn isn't the only reason to put off a long walk until the evening. Your pets can also suffer heatstroke or sunstroke when exposed to searing sunlight for too long.

Taking them with you to spend the day at the beach also isn't a great idea if there are no shady spots where they can sit and rest. – dpa