Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Yes, But Here's How to Protect Your Pup's Skin
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On This Page
Do Dogs Get Sunburns?
Treatment
Prevention
Sunscreen
Breeds at Risk
You'll certainly be packing sunscreen to avoid a painful sunburn as summer arrives, whether that's in your beach bag, tote bag, or hiking pack. But can dogs can get sunburns, too?
Just like us humans, pretty much all dogs can get sunburns. Thankfully, it's pretty easy to prevent and treat doggie sunburns. In some cases, you'll do the same things you do for your kiddos or yourself. But you probably shouldn't grab that human SPF 45 off the shelf and start rubbing it onto your dog.
"There are treatments or remedies for sunburn that we use in people that aren't always safe or recommended for dogs," Randy Wheeler, DVM and executive director of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, tells Daily Paws.
Do Dogs Get Sunburns Like Humans Do?
Yup, pretty much any breed can get sunburned but some dogs are more at risk than others. Namely: dogs with shorter, lighter hair (or none at all) and pups with fairer skin, Wheeler says.
It can take as little as 30–60 minutes on a sunny day for you to end up with a sunburned dog—and nobody wants that!
Wheeler would often see sunburned dogs with irritation near the ears—and inside the ears for pointy-eared dogs—around the eyes, and around lighter-colored noses.
Surprisingly, your poor dog can even end up with a belly sunburn. Wheeler says the sunlight will reflect up from pavement sometimes, victimizing dogs on a walk—particularly if their legs are short. (Looking at you corgis and dachshunds.)
Other dogs to keep an eye on in the sun: ones who live at higher altitudes (less ozone protection) and ones who've recently had their hair trimmed (less fur means less protection than usual).
Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd / Getty
Dog Sunburn Treatment and Relief Methods
First, talk to your dogs' veterinarian. They might have some dog-specific products to help out, and if it's a serious burn, they might have you come into the clinic. Otherwise, Wheeler has a few ideas.
You'll be able to tell your dog is sunburned if you see red or pink skin, especially near the more vulnerable areas like the ears, eyes, and nose. You can treat the burns topically by using aloe vera, witch hazel, or coconut oil—soothing products that won't sting your dog's skin, Wheeler says.
If you don't have those on hand, a cool compress on the affected area, like a wet, cool towel, can help your dog feel better. Wheeler has also seen some dog owners give their dogs vitamin E capsules to help repair their skin. Always check with your veterinarian before trying an at-home remedy for your dog's sunburn.
How to Protect Your Dog from the Sun and Prevent Future Sunburns
The easiest way to prevent dogs from getting sunburned is to simply avoid letting your pooch outside for extended periods of time when it's most sunny. That means avoiding playtime or long outings around midday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Wheeler says.
If you do have to go outside during those times, keep to the shade. And while it's not related to sun exposure, make sure your dog has enough water and, head inside if your dog is getting too hot.
RELATED: The 8 Best Dog Pools for Fun in the Sun
Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?
Wheeler says you can use dog sunscreen to help protect your pooch from the sun's rays. It's widely available, talk with your veterinarian about which one to use and how to apply it to your dog. You'll want to avoid reaching for the human sunscreen without talking with your vet. Some sunscreens will have ingredients harmful to dogs, like zinc oxide, that can cause gastric problems and vomiting.
If your dog doesn't like the feeling of sunscreen and is more interested in licking it off, you can also try protecting their skin with clothing. However, clothing won't protect their faces, so if your dog won't tolerate sunscreen, it's best to avoid the sun during peak hours.
Dog Breeds Most Susceptible to Sunburn
Lighter-colored or white dogs, hairless dogs, or dogs with short hair are most susceptible to sunburns, Wheeler says, including:
Xoloitzcuintlis (Mexican hairless dogs)
Poodles with lighter fur, like white or apricot
While it's good to know whether your dog might be at great risk, you should just assume that your dog can get sunburned. So limit that time outside in the heat and invest in some dog sunscreen to make summertime more fun for the whole fam—fur family members included.
