Sunscreen for Pets
When I first moved to Florida, it took a lot for me to get used to how harsh the sun is here. It was even harder on Echo, my Maltese. Within a month, she had developed these dark sunspots all over her skin. Her hair covered them, for the most part, but I saw them when I brushed her and bathed her. It was sun damage, I’m sure. We are talking about a small white dog with pink skin. The sun was not her friend.
Echo is gone now, but if I ever get another Maltese in the future there is good news on the skin front. Michael C. Fleck, a veterinarian in Bradenton (not so far from here, in fact), Florida is marketing the first pet sunscreen that is compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards.
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray will be on the market later this month. It is designed with dogs and horses in mind. Fleck is working on a product that would protect cats from the sun.
The Epi-Pet line also includes shampoo, a skin enrichment spray and an electrolyte replacement powder. Right now there are only a few retail outlets selling the products, but more should be selling them soon. In the meantime, you can always get the products online at epi-pet.com.
By the way, I love it when I can let people know about a product made right here in Florida.
Great article! I think all pets should use sunscreen. We protect our skin why not our furry house mates. They deserve the best skin care possible! Thanks again for the great information.