If you have a fairer complexion, you may understand what a threat sunburn is. What surprises many people, however, is what a huge threat it can be for their dog.
Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Their fur may provide some natural protection, but any skin exposure leaves them at risk for sunburn and other issues.
In this post, we explain why sunburn is such a concern for your canine friend and outline what you should be doing to prevent it.
Dog Breeds More Likely to Sunburn
To be clear, any dog can get sunburn, regardless of breed, coat length, or fur color. Dogs who spend more time in the sun have greater exposure to those harmful rays, especially in areas with less fur (like their belly). That said, some breeds run a higher risk.
At the top of this list are hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested, or American Hairless Terrier. They lack the fur of other breeds that intercept those harmful UV rays.
Next are dogs with white or thin coats, like Dalmatians or Italian Greyhounds or any mix that results in those traits. Dogs with light pigmented noses and eyelids also run a higher risk of sunburn, and dogs with light/white pigment on their ears/nose may burn easily in these areas.
Even dogs with thick coats can suffer from sunburn. Their fur is never a guarantee of protection, and seasonal shedding can expose their normally-protected skin to sun rays it’s not accustomed to. Double-coated breeds who have been shaved may develop conditions like post-clipping alopecia and lose the coat completely in certain areas.
Risks of Sun Exposure for Dogs
Sunburn is usually the most immediate concern when we spend time in the sun because it can be painful and unsightly, but this isn’t the case for dogs. A mild sunburn may not be apparent, and it may not cause the same level of discomfort.
Unfortunately, any sun exposure (even without sunburn) runs the risk of major issues like squamous skin cell carcinoma (a rare form of skin cancer in dogs).
It can also make certain conditions worse. Sun exposure may cause the health of dogs with autoimmune disorders to decline or trigger conditions like Discoid Lupus, an immune-mediated disease that commonly affects breeds like huskies and malamutes. Dogs with skin conditions like dermatitis or allergies may have worsening symptoms, and sun exposure can certainly negatively impact those symptoms.
More severe sunburns may merit a trip to the vet for treatment, and they can easily cause secondary issues like dehydration or bacterial infection. Understanding these risks, along with signs of damage in the next section ensures you can interject before seriously compromising your dog’s health.
Signs of Sunburn in Dogs
Sunburn is usually identified by pinkening of your dog’s skin, with lighter shades of pink indicating a mild burn and deeper shades of red or purple alerting you of an emergency. Your dog may also have sunburn if they show signs of agitation (i.e. licking or chewing) without any apparent cause. In some cases, the area may feel warm to the touch.
Moderate sunburn cases may become dry and flaky after the first 24 to 48 hours as the skin dries out. In more severe cases, a few blisters may develop, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to rush to your vet.
Signs of an emergency sunburn include:
- Very dark red or purple skin (or splotches of color)
- Several blisters or blisters actively oozing pus
- Lethargy and/or loss of appetite
Severe sunburn often accompanies heat-stroke, both of which require immediate intervention by your veterinarian. Other symptoms of this include dry nose and excessive panting.
Sunburn Treatment for Dogs
You can treat mild to moderate sunburns at home. A cool compress will soothe the skin, keeping the body temperature low and relieving initial symptoms like sensitivity. Aloe gel will rehydrate your dog’s compromised skin, but you need to make sure they don’t lick it off.
Severe sunburns should be seen by a vet as soon as possible, especially if your dog has signs of heat stroke or a fever. Your veterinarian will assess the damage and determine their road to recovery. Some dogs need to stay for fluid therapy, while others can be sent home with a prescription to tackle pain, inflammation, or secondary infections.
Third degree burns are uncommon but possible, and they usually require wound cleaning and potential surgical skin grafting.
The first instance of sunburn increases the chances of future burns and worse impact, and protective measures become even more important.
How to Prevent Canine Sunburn: Sunscreen and More
Just like humans, dogs can take advantage of specially formulated sunscreens and protective garments to prevent sunburn.
Sunscreen is usually the easiest to manage, especially if you participate in dog sports, but you must choose a formula specifically intended for canines. These won’t contain ingredients like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, both of which are toxic to dogs if consumed (usually as they groom themselves and explore what you’ve slathered on them).
Sunscreen works best on areas where you can reach the skin, including:
- Bridge of nose
- Tips of ears
- Lips
- Groin
- Inner thighs
Of course, hairless breeds can wear sunscreen all over.
If your dog will tolerate a rash guard or suit, the clothing usually offers greater protection than sunscreen. Canine hats and goggles also protect against harmful UV rays, but they can agitate your dog and may exacerbate issues like heat stroke.
The easiest way to protect against sunburn is by limiting your dog’s sun exposure. Keep an eye on your city’s UV index and aim to keep them inside when it’s high (usually in the middle of the day). When outside, make sure they have plenty of shade to escape the sun.
If your dog still gets sunburn, it doesn’t mean you failed them completely–it happens to humans too. See this as an opportunity to increase protection in the future.
