Can dogs get sunburn?

In the summer, most of us enjoy spending more time outside with our dogs. But while we might take precautions to avoid getting sunburned, it's also important to remember to protect our dogs’ skin, too. Here’s everything you need to know about the symptoms of and how to treat dog sunburn – as well as how to prevent it.

Here’s everything you need to know about the symptoms of and how to treat dog sunburn – as well as how to prevent it.

Like humans, dogs can get sunburn when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. All dogs can get sunburn, but it’s more likely in certain breeds and colours.

Sunburn on white dogs with pink skin and light-coloured hair – such as Dalmatians, English Bulldogs and Jack Russell Terriers – is more common than dogs with darker skin and hair. That’s because white or pink skin has less melanin, the pigment that protects skin from sunburn.

Yes, but sunburn typically affects areas with less hair, like your dog’s ears, nose and face. Dogs who love to lie on their backs are also at risk of getting sunburned on their stomachs, especially if they have pale skin or thinner hair.

If you’re worried your dog might have sunburn, watch out for these symptoms:

• Red and inflamed skin
• Swelling
• Scabs

You might also notice signs of pain, including changes in appetite or excessive grooming.

If you’re worried your dog has sunburn, it’s always best to contact your vet for advice. They’ll be able to carry out an examination and advise whether your dog needs any treatment.

Depending on how bad your dog’s sunburn is, treatments include:

• Topical creams
• Pain relief
• Antibiotics for infections

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can use our Pet Expert Chat to speak with a professional while awaiting an appointment with your vet. Log in to your My Petplan account and navigate to the MySupport area to access.

Repeated exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in dogs. Watch out for warts on your dog’s skin, a sign of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

If you and your dog love spending time outdoors over the summer, follow these tips to keep them protected from sunburn and overheating.

• Avoid walks during the hottest part of the day: In summer, save your walks for early mornings and evenings. Between 10am and 3pm, it’s best to stay inside with your dog. Instead, teach your dogs some tricks or play some fun indoor games.
• Offer plenty of fresh water: Your dog may be more thirsty when it’s hot, so make sure there’s always a few bowls of cool, fresh water available, including outside. To keep hydration levels up, try making some cooling summer dog snacks.
• Use a pet-safe sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to your dog’s ears, nose, and anywhere with pink skin or thinner hair. Only use pet-safe sunscreen, as other types may include toxic ingredients.

Sunburn is more common in dogs with pink skin and light-coloured hair, but even black dogs can get sunburn. Dogs with black or dark hair are also at high risk of heatstroke because their hair absorbs more heat.

Dogs with thin hair on their ears can easily get sunburn. Dogs with upright ears may also get sunburn inside their ears, especially if they have pale skin.

If your dog enjoys lying on their back in the sun, they may get sunburn. The risk is increased if your dog’s hair is very thin over their belly, or if they have white hair and pink skin.

Sunburn on your dog’s paws is less common than areas such as their ears and nose, but it’s still possible. Breeds with very thin hair on their paws, like Greyhounds and Dalmatians, may be more likely to get sunburn on their paws, especially if they have pink skin.

Dogs can also get burns on their paw pads from hot pavements, so always check the temperature of the ground when you’re walking your dog in the summer.