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

Your pet's belly is prone to sunburn because of sunlight that reflects up from the sidewalk, or if your pet spends a lot of time at the beach, she can get sunburn from sun reflecting up from the hot sand.

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

Sunburn also can cause ulceration of the skin, and this can leave the skin susceptible to opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Sun exposure can also worsen autoimmune skin diseases (in which the immune system actually attacks skin cells), such as pemphigus and lupus.

So what can you do to help prevent these problems with your own pets?

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.

You can purchase spandex-type bodysuits that are designed to block UV radiation. I strongly advise these for dogs who spend a lot of time outside, especially dogs who regularly visit the beach. And although the idea of bringing a bodysuit-wearing dog to the beach may sound embarrassing or ridiculous, it may be the most important - and the most effective - sun protection you can provide for your dog. Doggie bodysuits are becoming more and more common at some beaches, and they don'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!