If you’ve ever tried using sunscreen on your cat or dog, you know the struggle to keep them sun-safe is real! Like us, our pets are vulnerable to skin damage from sunburn, and just like us, prevention is better than cure. In this blog post, we look at how to spot the symptoms of sun damage – often called solar dermatitis – and provide tips for prevention including using our innovative Sol Plus – Pets remedy to help reduce the effects of sunburn.

What is Solar Dermatitis?

It’s the official term for sun damage or sunburn in pets. While our cats and dogs don’t often show the same acute symptoms of sunburn that humans do, the long-term effects can be just as harmful. Solar dermatitis can be hard to spot and as a result, by the time it is noticed, significant damage has often already occurred.

Are Some Pets More Likely To Get Solar Dermatitis Than Others?

Unfortunately, yes. White dogs and cats, those with exposed pink skin – particularly around the eyes, on the nose or ears - and those that have sparse fur, or no fur at all, are most at risk. Animals that like to lie in sunny spots during the day are also more vulnerable.

Spotting the Signs of Sunburn in Pets

Sun damage and solar dermatitis usually start in areas where your pet has exposed pink skin or thin hair/fur coverage:

•           in dogs, this is often the armpit, groin, flanks and the top of the nose,
•           in cats, it’s often the face, eyelids, nose or tips and edges of the ears.

The main signs are:

•           thickened skin that looks like dry leather,
•           red, cracked or scaly skin which may become infected if scratched,
•           hair loss, particularly along the edges of the nose or ears.

Symptoms can be mistaken for a skin allergy in your pet, however solar dermatitis will often be less itchy. (If you suspect your pet has a skin allergy, we have a range of remedies that can help!)

Sun damage or solar dermatitis is irreversible and can develop into skin cancer, so taking steps to prevent sunburn in the first place is the best course of action.

Preventing Solar Dermatitis & Sunburn in cats or dogs

It’s not easy to protect your pets from the harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and sun damage, but there are a few things you can do:

1. Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid outdoor time during peak sun hours (9 AM–4 PM in summer) by walking dogs in the early morning or late evening.
2. Provide Shade: Create a shady space for pets if they’ll be outdoors during the day.
3. Protective Clothing: If tolerated, lightweight T-shirts or body suits can provide additional protection. Just ensure your pet doesn’t overheat or get tangled.
4. Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen: Zinc-based sunscreen can help protect exposed areas, but preventing your pet from licking it off can be tricky!
5. Use our Sol Plus – Pets: dose their water bowl or add to food for easy and stress-free sun management support.

What is Sol Plus – Pets? 

Sol Plus – Pets is a groundbreaking, 100% natural remedy designed to help pet owners keep their pets sun-safe. It’s dosed orally so there’s no mess, no stress, and no nasty scratches from pets who prefer not to have sunscreen applied (looking at you, cats).

While it’s not an SPF-rated sunscreen, it works alongside other sun-safe practices to provide additional support.

How Does Sol Plus – Pets Work?

Sol Plus – Pets uses nature to help manage the effects of the sun’s rays. People who are prescribed oral medications such as tetracycline and acne drugs are often told to avoid the sun as these drugs can increase the risk of sunburn. Our Sol Plus remedy uses this same mechanism but in reverse.

Benefits of Sol Plus – Pets

• Easy to Use: Simply add it to your pet’s water bowl or food. The ingredients activate on contact with mucous membranes like the tongue or lips.
• Cost-Effective: A single 90ml bottle contains 230 doses, offering exceptional value, especially for households with multiple pets sharing the same water bowl.
• Safe and Natural: Made from 100% natural ingredients, this homeopathic remedy is gentle and effective.

Does It Work?

Don’t take our word for it—read our customer reviews on the product page! We’re so confident in Sol Plus – Pets that we offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the results.

Final Thoughts: Sun Safety for Your Pets

Managing sun exposure for pets, especially those with pink noses, ears, or skin, can be challenging. While Sol Plus – Pets isn’t an SPF-rated sunscreen, it is an easy-to-use product that can provide extra support for pets vulnerable to sunburn.

If you think you’d benefit from this remedy too, you’re in luck! We also offer a Sol Plus remedy for people – find out more about this remedy here!

General Disclaimer

Always follow dosing instructions. Our remedies are formulated to support the natural immune system of horses, pets, and livestock. We do not claim to treat, medicate, or cure any health conditions. If you are worried an animal may be in pain or suffering, please contact your veterinarian.