Can Dogs Get Sunburn?

Above photo courtesy of Chinese Crested Puppies

Like humans, dogs can get sunburn. Some dogs are more susceptible than others. Dogs can even experience the same complications and/or diseases associated with sun exposure. Take a few common sense safety precautions to prevent sunburn and diseases related to excessive sun exposure; dog sunscreen formulated especially for dogs will be your best defense.

Hairless dogs like the Chinese Crested and American Hairless Terrier to name a couple, there are other breeds as well. Know the risks to your own dog breed. If your dog has white hair, he like a human with blonde hair will most likely have fair skin that requires careful applications of sunscreen. Dogs with thin coats, light colored noses (such as the dogs with liver color genes) and eyelids even lips are more at risk for sunburn. Collies, Australian Sheepdogs and just any dog with light or white pigment on their ears or near the nose are those you need to take extra precautions. Some dogs with thick coats of hair experience hair loss from seasonal shedding are more at risk for sunburn. It is safe to say if your dog has thin hair or a health condition that caused thin hair it will be at a greater risk for sunburn. 

Be aware of any dog that just loves to lie out on the patio, concrete or light surfaces and especially those who lie on their backs basking in the sunshine can suffer from too much sun exposure. Smother them with sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Be sure to use the right type of sunscreen. Using the wrong type causes problems as well as not using any at all. Of most importance here is that you use formulas specifically made for dogs. Human sunscreen is not the solution. Read the labels. Do not use products containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) BECAUSE these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs. You will poison your dogs if you use products containing these ingredients, so carefully read the labels for ingredients on sunscreen products you choose. Why is this? Dogs often lick their skin and will accidentally swallow the sunscreen.

Another good idea when choosing dog sunscreen is to look for one that is waterproof, unscented and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

Next comes the tricky part of getting the sunscreen on your dog. Test a small spot to be sure your dog is not allergic to the product. Be sure to put it on spots most exposed to the sun like the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips, groin and inner thighs. Look anywhere else on the dog where skin color is light and smooth on sunscreen. Be sure to NOT get product into the dog's eyes. Watch the dog 10 or 15 minutes after applying to allow adequate absorption and to be sure the dog does not lick product off. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before your dog goes outside. While in the sun reapply sunscreen every 4 to 6 hours or after swimming sessions.

If you rather not mess with sunscreen, consider using protective clothing such as sun shirts for dogs that cover large areas of their bodies, of course you still got the lips, nose and ears exposed in which you will need to protect with sunscreen lotion. Hats and even goggles are available to protect your dog from the dangers of too much sun exposure. Essentially you can dress your dog much like humans dress to avoid too much sun exposure, that is, if your particular dog will tolerate the costumes.

All dogs and especially puppies and older dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Be sure they have access to lots of fresh drinking water at all times. Ask your vet for advice on how best to protect your dog and of course you can just simply keep your dog in the shade with free access to water.