Sunscreen for your dog?

Alexandra HackettBradenton, Florida - They all remembered a leash, but no one at this dog park brought the sunscreen.

"I take my dog outside all the time. I have to he's just so hyper," said dog owner Marie Hunter.

Until now, it didn’t dawn on Marie Hunter her terrier

Oreo was in any danger.

"Most of the times dogs are very stoic about pain," explained Bradenton veterinarian Michael Fleck

After 35-years in the industry, Fleck has seen his share of doggie sun damage.

"We see at least 25 - 50 cases a year and I'm a single person practitioner”

A flash-bulb lit up about three years ago and Fleck forged ahead, his mind set on a sun protectant for dogs.

"It comes out as a mist rather than a spray so that will penetrate the hairs," he said.

Fleck hooked up with a chemist, spent tens of thousands of dollars on research and development as well as extensive testing with the FDA. “Epi-Pet” sunscreen got the green light.

"You need to rub in around the face, ears and muzzle," said Fleck.

He said his sun block will prevent sunburn and protect a dog against skin cancer. Little short haired terriers, like Oreo, he says, are more prone.

Marie doesn’t know if Oreo ever had sunburn. Now she insists she not taking any chances.

Fleck says the product will hit store shelves in the bay area in the next few weeks.

A container costs $18. Applied daily, it should last 3 to 4 months, depending on the size of the dog.