The British weather is famously temperamental, and it can rain like there’s no tomorrow. Although a universal experience, it rings true for the British public that when the sun makes an appearance, we’re quick to fire up the BBQ and make the most of it. However, even when the clouds blanket the sky, like us, dogs can get sunburn when their skin is exposed to UV rays. In fact, over 90% of UV can pass through light cloud cover, so a grey sky doesn't necessarily mean your dog's skin is protected.
Sunburn in dogs can make their skin appear red and can cause them discomfort, and, in severe cases, blistering and skin damage. The last thing we want as dog owners is to cause any harm, even unintentional, to our dogs.
It's crucial to recognise the signs of sunburn, know effective treatment methods, and take preventive measures. By keeping your furry friends safe from excessive sun exposure with practical sun protection for dogs, such as shade, protective clothing, and canine sunscreen, you ensure your dog's overall health and happiness.
Signs of sunburn in dogs
Red or pink skin
The first and most obvious sign of sunburn in dogs is the surface of their skin turning a shade of red or pink, and it’s more likely to appear in areas with sparse fur or where their skin is exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays.
Red or pink skin tends to be the early stage of sunburn and indicates that their skin has been damaged by UV rays. At this stage, your dog might start to feel some sensitivity and discomfort.
Hair loss
When dogs spend an extended time directly in the sun or exposed to UV rays without any sort of sunblock made for dogs, it’s no surprise that they’ll get sunburned. If the same area is repeatedly sunburnt, the hair follicles get damaged, leading to thinning, patchy fur, and hair loss.
Dry, cracked or curled edges of ears
Dogs' ears, more specifically, the edges of their ears, are delicate and more susceptible to sunburn. If this area of your dog’s body isn’t protected from the sun, over time, it can cause their ears to become dry, cracked, or even curled, revealing severe damage to the skin and underlying tissue.
Sore or tender skin
Sunburned skin in dogs often becomes sore and tender to the touch. This discomfort can lead to behavioural changes or a reluctance to be touched as dogs try to avoid further pain.
Skin rashes, ulcers or wounds
In more severe cases of sunburn, dogs may develop skin rashes, ulcers, or open wounds. These conditions require immediate veterinary attention to prevent infection and facilitate healing.
Flaky or peeling skin
Sunburn in dogs can also lead to their skin peeling or flaking. If this happens, it’s a clear sign that their skin’s protective barrier is damaged. It’s important that this doesn’t go untreated by a vet, as it can lead to secondary infections.
Behavioural changes
Dogs with sunburn may exhibit noticeable behavioural changes, such as restlessness, increased sensitivity, or a decrease in appetite. These changes can impact their overall well-being and require careful observation and management.
Warm or hot body
A sunburned dog may feel unusually warm or hot to the touch due to inflammation and heat retention in the affected areas. Monitoring your dog's body temperature and providing measures to keep your dog cool can help alleviate discomfort.
Where do dogs get sunburn?
Although dogs can get sunburnt on nearly any part of their body, areas with less fur, light-coloured fur, or exposed skin easily catch the sun. The areas your dog is most likely to get sunburnt are their nose, ears, and belly.
Understanding how to protect your dog from sunburn ensures they can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.
Nose
The nose, being a prominent and exposed part of a dog’s face, often has minimal fur coverage, making it a prime target for sunburn.
Ears
The edges of a dog’s ears are thin and usually lightly furred or even bare, leaving them directly exposed to sunlight.
Belly
The belly typically has sparse fur, especially in breeds with naturally thinner coats, and is frequently exposed when dogs lie on their backs to cool off.
Light-coloured fur
Dogs with thin or light-coloured fur, like those with white or pale coats, have less melanin to protect their skin from UV damage, increasing their risk of sunburn.
Thinner fur
Breeds with naturally thin fur or hairless breeds lack sufficient fur density to block UV rays effectively, making their skin more prone to sunburn.
How do you treat sunburn in dogs?
When treating sunburns in dogs, there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do. Ranging from soothing the affected skin, relieving pain, and preventing further harm and damage. Here are the steps and precautions to follow:
Immediate care:
- Move to shade: As soon as you notice signs of sunburn, move your dog out of direct sunlight and into a shaded area to prevent further skin damage.
- Cooling the area: Gently cool the sunburned area by dabbing with a cool (not cold) compress or damp towel. To avoid shocking your dog’s system and causing additional stress for them, it’s crucial not to use freezing cold water or ice when dabbing their skin with a compress or damp towel.
- Soothing balms: Apply a dog-safe soothing balm or aloe vera gel to the areas where your dog has been sunburnt. Before applying, check that the products you're using do not contain harmful ingredients such as alcohol or zinc oxide. When using soothing balms or aloe vera, apply a thin layer by making gentle, slow movements to avoid causing your dog additional pain.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water. Hydration helps in the recovery process and keeps the skin from drying out further.
- Provide a cool environment: Keep your dog in a cool, comfortable environment to help reduce body temperature and alleviate discomfort.
What not to do:
- Avoid ice packs: Do not apply ice packs or extremely cold items directly to your dog’s skin, as this can cause further damage and shock.
- No human sunscreen: Never use human sunscreen on your dog. Ingredients in human sunscreen, such as zinc oxide, can be harmful if ingested.
- Don't let them lick: Stop your dog from licking the sunburned areas, as this can lead to more irritation or infection. Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if needed.
Monitor your dog for adverse reactions such as increased redness, swelling, or discomfort. If you have applied soothing balms, monitor the areas where they were applied. If your dog has a negative reaction to the balms, immediately stop using them and consult your vet. Additionally, for more severe sunburns, such as blistering or open sores, it is advised to visit your vet immediately for proper treatment and medication to prevent infection. Once healed, resume protective measures like shade and appropriate canine sunscreen during sunny days.
When should I visit the vet when my dog gets sunburned?
A mild case of sunburn may settle with the right care at home, but if your dog has caught the sun badly, they’ll need a little more help. That being said, if you’re worried or aren’t confident that your dog’s sunburn is mild, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice.
We strongly advise that you contact your vet if your dog shows any of these signs:
Severe sunburn:
While redness and sensitivity are common signs of mild sunburn in dogs, blistering, open sores, or significant swelling suggest that the damage may be more serious. A vet can offer treatment, pain relief or additional care for your dog.
Signs of infection:
Sunburnt or damaged skin is vulnerable to infection. If the sunburned area becomes infected, the dog’s skin will appear more red and inflamed, or you may notice discharge or a foul odour where your dog has been sunburnt.
Persistent pain or discomfort:
Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you when they’re in pain. However, their behaviour often hints at it. They may appear quieter than usual, become reluctant to be touched, or repeatedly lick the sunburnt area.
If your dog continues to appear lethargic, or simply doesn’t seem to be acting like themselves, even after home care. It’s best to see your vet so that they can examine your dog.
How to prevent sunburn in dogs?
Keeping your dog indoors when the sun is shining outdoors is out of the question. As long as you take the following precautions below to keep your dog protected from the harmful UV rays, your dog can enjoy the sun just as much as you.
Dog sunscreen
Before heading out in the garden, setting off on a walk, or spending the day at the beach, apply some sunblock for dogs that has an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to areas with exposed skin and sparse fur, and give a little more attention to areas such as your dog’s nose, ear tips, and belly.
Your dog's sunscreen should have application instructions printed on the bottle, make sure to follow their recommendations and remember to reapply throughout the day, especially if your dog goes splashing around in some water. Follow the instructions provided with the product and remember to reapply it when necessary, especially after your dog has gone swimming.
Dog sunscreens have been found to effectively protect a dog’s skin from both tanning and sunburn by a study published in the journal Veterinary Dermatology. Their results were published in the study on the effects of sunscreen on cross-bred Mexican Hairless Dogs.
Shade
When you’re relaxing in your garden, you might find your dog stretched out directly in the sun. The first thought is to worry about how long they’ve been there and whether they’re going to overheat. Although this is nothing to be too concerned about, as dogs tend to lie in the sun to soak up the heat, it’s crucial to provide somewhere shaded that they can easily retreat to. This is especially important during peak sun hours.
If your garden doesn’t have any trees to provide shade, the best option is to set up an umbrella or, if you’re able, a gazebo. When you’re out on a walk or hike, take short breaks in shaded areas. Remember, even in the shade, UV rays can still reflect off surfaces.
Dog sunhats
A sunhat can help shield sensitive areas around your dog’s face like the eyes, nose and ear tips. Of course, this will only work if your dog is comfortable wearing one, and there’s little benefit to chasing them around the garden with a hat they’re determined to remove.
Choose a hat that fits comfortably and securely without restricting your dog's movement or vision. Look for hats made from lightweight, breathable materials to keep your dog cool. Some sunhats also come with UV protection built into the fabric for added safety.
Protective clothing
Lightweight, UV-protective clothing can cover more of your dog’s body than sunscreen alone, making it especially useful for hairless breeds or dogs with very thin, pale coats.
The clothing should fit comfortably without rubbing their skin or restricting their movement. It should also be made from breathable material, as a thick outfit on a warm day could leave your dog hotter rather than safer.
Adjust walking schedule
There’s something about how each season’s walks offer something different to enjoy. Summer can mean lighter evenings, colourful scenery and more time spent outdoors, but a beautiful walk can quickly become uncomfortable when the midday sun is beating down.
It’s often best to avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day and instead go on an early morning or late evening walk. At these points of the day, the sun isn’t as intense and the temperature is at its coolest, meaning your dog isn’t as exposed to the UV rays and the risk of heatstroke or burns from the hot pavements.
Paw protection
Your dog’s paws may not become sunburnt in the same way as their nose and ears, but pavements, patios and sand can become hot enough to cause painful burns.
Booties or paw wax can provide your dog with an extra layer of protection from rough surfaces. However, it won’t protect your dog’s paws from dangerously hot surfaces.
Check the surface temperature of the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds. If it feels too hot to leave your hand there comfortably, you should either choose a cooler walking route or go at a different time of day.
How to apply sunscreen to a dog
Applying sunscreen to your dog may take a little more patience than when you apply it to yourself, especially if they’re determined to lick it off before you’ve even finished putting it on them.
First, get your dog to lie or sit calmly next to you, then apply a layer of dog-safe sunscreen to their nose, ears, belly, and any areas where they have thin fur or exposed skin.
Gently rub the sunscreen into your dog’s skin to help it absorb, and ensure there is thorough coverage. If needed, use treats or toys to distract your dog and stop them from licking the sunscreen off.
Reapply the sunscreen as needed, particularly if your dog has been swimming, paddling, or rolling around on the ground. Read and follow the printed instructions on the bottle to ensure you apply and reapply the product correctly.
Keep an eye on your dog’s skin after applying sunscreen, especially if you’re using a new product. If you notice your dog’s skin turning red or if there’s any swelling, irritation, or any other unusual reaction, stop using the sunscreen and contact your vet for advice.
Are some dogs more prone to getting sunburn?
Unfortunately, some dogs are more likely to get sunburnt than others. Dogs with light-coloured fur, pale skin, thin coats, or exposed areas around their nose, ears, and belly have less natural protection from the sun and harmful UV rays.
White or lightly pigmented breeds such as Dalmatians, Bull Terriers and Boxers can be more vulnerable, especially in places where their fur is naturally thinner. Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli are also at greater risk because more of their skin is directly exposed to the sun.
Dogs with short or sparse coats, including Greyhounds and Whippets, may need a little extra protection too. That being said, no dog is completely safe from sunburn. Even dogs with darker or thicker coats can burn in areas where their skin is exposed.
