Yes, Dogs Can Get Sunburned—Here’s How to Protect Yours
- Vickie Foster
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Can Your Dog Get Sunburned?
The answer is a resounding “YES”. Your dog can get a painful sunburn just like humans do. In as little as 30 to 60 minutes your furry buddy can get burned. Some areas of a pooch are more vulnerable than others. Specifically at risk on a dog are:
-The ear flaps.
-The bridge of the nose.
-Thinly haired parts of the face, such as near the eyes and mouth.
-The belly and groin if your dog likes to sunbathe belly up. But sunlight can also bounce up from the sidewalk and burn the underside of a dog, especially in short-legged breeds like Corgis.
-Any part of the body where fur has been lost or shaved, or where fur is thinner and
provides less screening against the sun.
Be aware that some dog breeds are more vulnerable to sunburn, like those with fairer skin or thinner fur. The breeds below are more susceptible to adverse effects of the sun’s rays.
-Hairless breeds, like the Chinese Crested
-French bulldogs
-Boxers
-Bull terriers
-Weimaraners
-Greyhounds
-Dalmations
-Pitbulls
-Chihuahuas
Shaving your dog’s fur can remove some of that natural protection and make them more susceptible to sun damage. So pay close attention to shaved areas.
You can prevent your four-legged pal from getting burned the same way you handle your own sunburn prevention, with sunscreen. Both Amazon and Chewy have sunburn prevention products. They come in a variety of forms like lotion, spray, stick and even wipes. Choose at least 30+ strength. UV blocking light weight t-shirts are also available if your pup will tolerate one.
Don’t be tempted to use human sunscreen on your dog as it can contain zinc oxide which is toxic if your dog licks it off. Speaking of which, it is a good idea to distract your dog from licking off the sunscreen by playing with him for 5 minutes or so after applying it. That way the product gets absorbed into the skin. It's also a good practice to apply it 20 minutes before exposure. When applying your canine’s sunscreen concentrate on applying it to ears, nose, near the eyes and lips, the belly, the groin, and anywhere with thin or missing fur.
If your pup does get sunburned the affected area will look like a human burn. The skin will be red or pink and may be sore or tender. Your dog’s little ear tips can be dry or cracked. If your dog’s skin turns a dark red it has sustained a severe burn and needs to be seen by a vet. To soothe your dog’s skin for a mild burn, place a cool, wet towel on the burned area. You can also gently apply aloe vera or coconut oil to the area.
Enjoy the summer fun with your dog. They enjoy a good outdoor romp as much as you do. Just take precautions against a painful canine sunburn.
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