The essentials
- Dogs can get sunburns just like humans — Canine sunburns can lead to discomfort, infections, and even cancer.
- Symptoms include reddened skin and hair loss — Seek veterinary care if your dog is dehydrated or feverish.
- Symptoms of canine sunburnAll dogs are susceptible — Just because your dog has thick and dark hair doesn’t mean they are immune to sun damage.
Sunburns are no joke. Aside from turning your skin cartoonishly red, it can lead to premature aging, damaged cells, and, in severe cases, cancer.
As you reach for a bottle of sunscreen before hitting the beach, you may be wondering if your dog is at risk of sunburn. Do their furry coats protect them from UV ray exposure?
Can dogs get a sunburn?
Yes. Just like their humans, dogs can get a sunburn from increased sun exposure and time outside. And just like human sunburns, canine sunburns are painful and uncomfortable for pups. While short-haired breeds like pit bulls and greyhounds are the most at risk, all dogs are susceptible to it. Aside from the short term repercussions, it can also lead to other skin and health complications down the line, including skin infections or cancer.
Symptoms of canine sunburn
It’s easy to detect sunburn on our own bodies from the inflamed skin and burning sensation. But when it comes to dogs, sun damage can be a little harder to spot. Here are the symptoms of canine sunburn that owners should look out for:
- Reddened, blistered, or cracked skin. Examine the areas where your dog has the most skin exposure, like beneath their hind legs and armpits or around their paws and eyelids. Any inflammation, blistering, or cracking are signs of sunburn.
- Tenderness. Canine sunburns are tender to the touch. It may also be dry and flaky like human sunburns.
- Hair loss. Your pup may also experience hair loss in the areas where they have UV damage. Consult your vet if your dog is shedding rapidly.
- Dehydration. Dogs that have been overexposed to sun may become dehydrated, which increases their risk of heat stroke.
- Fever. In extreme instances, your dog may develop a fever from their sunburn. If this happens, seek emergency veterinary care for fluid therapy.
Breeds prone to canine sunburn
It’s important to note that all dogs are able to get sunburnt. Yes, that includes your floofy chow chow or thick-maned Afghan hound. That said, fair-skinned, light-haired, and hairless dogs are at higher risk of sunburn due to UV’s direct contact with the skin.
These dogs should wear an extra layer of protection before spending extended periods of time outside on sunny days. The breeds most susceptible to sunburn include pit bulls, Dalmatians, boxers, Weimaraners, greyhounds, Chinese crested dogs, whippets, and white German shepherds.
Tips for canine sunburn prevention
Daily walks and outdoor playtime are an essential part of ensuring your pup has a positive quality of life. So as you venture into the great outdoors with your best friend, keep these sunburn prevention tips in mind:
Find shade — Walk your dog in shady tree-lined streets and sidewalks where there isn’t a lot of direct sunlight. Likewise, if you’re taking a trip to a park, look for shady areas to play and bring plenty of water to prevent overheating. You can also go on shady hikes. Yay for shade!
Avoid peak sun — If you live in an area where shade is a no-show, then consider taking your dog out in the early morning or evening when the sun is lower. Generally speaking, the sun reaches its peak between 10 am and 4 pm.
Get the right haircut — If possible, leave your dog’s hair a little longer during sunny seasons for extra skin protection. Do not shave dogs with double coats because they act as UV protection.
Stock up on accessories — When you’re shopping for summer gear for yourself, don’t forget to grab some for your dog! Sunglasses, shoes, hats, and yes, even canine-friendly sunblock, can go a long way in protecting your pup.
Sunblock for dogs
Did you know that they make sunblock for dogs? It’s important to make sure you are using a canine-friendly sunscreen and not the one you’d use on yourself. The best doggie sunblocks are fragrance-free, waterproof, have safe infusions like coconut oil or aloe vera, and a SPF of 30 or higher.
On the flip side, there are certain ingredients you want to avoid when buying your dog sunblock, like zinc oxide which causes heavy metal toxicity and ultimately anemia. And while some suggest that baby sunscreens are puppy safe, many of the ingredients are in fact toxic for our canine counterparts.
The rule of thumb is to apply your dog’s sunscreen twenty minutes before they go outdoors. Gently apply it on the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips, groin, and inner thighs. Some dogs may be allergic to sunblock, so always test the product in a small area on your dog’s skin first to see how they react.
Here are our recommendations for vet-approved canine sunblocks:
Dog-friendly sunscreen with zero greasiness
Bodhi Dog Moisturizing Sunscreen
Packed with shea butter and jojoba butter, this moisturizing spray helps to moisturize and protect the skin. The ingredients list is clean, and the pump spray makes it much easier to apply on wiggly dogs.
A high-quality vegan nose balm
Natural Dog Company Snout Soother®
Packed with ingredients like hemp seed oil, chamomile, and vitamin E, this balm is all-natural and super hydrating for dry and chapped noses. An added bonus is that it includes SPF for sun protection!
Tips for canine sunburn treatment
So what should you do if your canine companion exhibits signs of sunburn? Of course, a trip to the vet never hurts. “I would recommend having your dog seen by a vet if there are open areas of skin with bleeding, scabs, or blisters,” says veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Schott. “This can indicate skin infection and antibiotics or medicated ointments may be needed.”
In the meantime, here are steps you can take at home to soothe your pups burn:
- Treat the skin. If your dog is suffering from sunburn, a cool compress may help with their discomfort. An oatmeal bath, aloe vera, neem oil, and coconut oil can also be used to ease pain and rejuvenate the skin.
- Avoid sunlight. Make sure to keep your dog indoors or in shaded areas to avoid more sun damage until their sunburn fully heals.
- Medication. Your vet may prescribe a medical cream, pain reliever, or anti-inflammatory. Do not administer medication without veterinary approval.
Whether it’s lying on the porch or rolling on their backs in a grassy field, dogs famously love to soak up the sun. As long as pet owners take preventative steps to shield their dogs from too much UV exposure, they should be able to enjoy a healthy dose of sun all summer long.
Frequently asked questions
How do you treat sunburn on a dog?
Sunburns on dogs can be treated with a cold compress to the affected area. You should also try your best to keep your pup out of direct sunlight until they fully heal. Signs of extreme sunburn like bumps, lesions, or bleeding should be addressed by a vet immediately, who may prescribe medication or, in the event of skin cancer, perform surgery to remove tumors.
Can I use human sunscreen on my dog?
Human sunscreen should never be used on dogs because it can contain ingredients deemed toxic to them like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid. While some say that baby sunscreen is pet-safe, it is not.
How long should I let my dog lay in the sun?
Dogs love to lay in the sun. And like humans, they can benefit from vitamin D. That said, prolonged sun exposure without proper protection can lead to sunburn and other complications like dehydration or heat stroke. Generally speaking, dogs should be limited to 30 minutes of sun exposure at a time to prevent burns.
How to prevent dog sunburn naturally?
The most natural way to prevent sunburns is to keep your dog in shady areas out of direct sunlight. You can also consider taking them out before the sun reaches its peak like in the early morning or evening.
What does sunburn on a dog’s nose look like?
Sunburn on a dog’s nose presents as pink or red coloring as well as flakiness. It may be a sensitive area they don’t want you touching. In some cases, your dog may excessively lick at their nose to soothe the pain.
