Dog sunburn prevention may not be the first thing you think about when taking your dog outside. But dogs can get sunburned, especially on areas with thin fur or little pigment. You can help protect your dog by limiting strong midday sun, providing shade, using protective clothing when needed, and applying sunscreen made specifically for dogs to exposed skin.
Your dog still benefits from outdoor activity, fresh air, and the physical and mental stimulation that comes with it. There is no need to keep your dog indoors all summer. With sensible sun protection, your four-legged family member can enjoy time outside while staying safe and comfortable.
Can Dogs Get Sunburned?
Dogs can get sunburned. Their fur provides some natural coverage, but it does not block every ultraviolet ray. Short-haired, hairless, recently shaved, and light-colored dogs may have exposed or poorly protected skin.
Dogs often develop sunburns on the nose, ear flaps, belly, groin, and hindquarters. These areas either receive direct sun exposure or have less hair to protect the delicate skin underneath. Even a big Boerboel dog that lies in the sun may develop a dog sunburn if it has thin hair, exposed scars, or fair skin underneath its coat.
Connecticut does not have intense heat year-round, but dogs can still get a sunburn during bright spring and summer days. UV exposure can occur even when the temperature feels mild. Sun protection is equally important on cool and clear days. During warmer weather, pet owners should also know how to protect their dogs from hot pavement burns before heading outside.
What Dogs Are Most Susceptible to Sunburn?
Any dog can get a sunburn after enough prolonged sun exposure, but certain dogs face a higher risk. Coat density, skin pigment, medical history, and the amount of time spent outdoors all matter.
Dogs that may be more susceptible to sunburn include:
- Hairless breeds and dogs with very thin fur
- Dogs with thinner coats or recently clipped hair
- Dogs with white, thin, or light-colored fur
- Dogs with pink or fair skin
- Dogs with white or lightly pigmented noses
- Dogs experiencing hair loss from allergies or another skin condition
- Dogs with scars or shaved areas after surgery
- Dogs with immune-mediated skin diseases
- Dogs taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight
- Dogs that spend extended periods outdoors
A four-legged family member that spends much of the day indoors may also be at risk during an unusually long trip to the park, beach, lake, or another exposed area. Risk depends on both the dog’s natural protection and how long that family member spends time outside exposed to sunlight.
Common Areas Where Dog Sunburn Develops
Dog sunburn usually develops on areas with thin fur or exposed skin. When checking your dog after time outdoors, look closely at the nose, ear tips, abdomen, inner thighs, and any areas where the coat has become sparse.
| Area It Is Vulnerable | Why It Is Vulnerable |
| Dog’s nose | Has little hair and may have limited pigment |
| Ear tips and ear flaps | Have thin skin that receives direct sunlight |
| Groin and belly | Often have sparse fur and fair skin underneath |
| Hindquarters | May be exposed when a dog lies in the sun |
| Surgical or shaved areas | Temporarily lack the coat’s natural protection |
| Scars and hairless patches | Have less protection from harmful UV rays |
Remember to check more than your dog’s back. Also, pay close attention to the nose, ear flaps, belly, groin, inner legs, hindquarters, and any other exposed areas.
Signs of Sunburn in Dogs
Sunburn can appear within a few hours after your dog spends time in the sun. You may notice:
- Red, pink, or warm skin
- Dry, cracked, or flaky patches
- Crusting around the nose or ear tips
- Swelling, itching, or repeated licking
- Hair loss, blisters, or open sores
- Pain when the area is touched
- Fever, weakness, or loss of appetite in severe cases
These signs may look different depending on the severity of the burn. Mild sunburn often causes redness and tenderness, while more serious cases can lead to blisters, open sores, and illness. Allergies, infections, and other skin conditions can cause similar changes, so redness alone does not always indicate sunburn.
How to Prevent Sunburns in Dogs
You can lower your dog’s risk of sunburn with a few practical precautions. The following steps explain how to manage sun exposure, use protective clothing, choose a dog-safe sunscreen, and check exposed skin.
Limit Direct Midday Sun
Plan walks and outdoor play for the morning or late afternoon, when UV exposure is generally lower. If your dog spends time outside during the day, provide a shaded area and make sure it remains available as the sun moves. Dogs at higher risk of sunburn should not spend long periods in direct sunlight. Bring your dog indoors if exposed skin begins to look pink, red, or irritated.
Use Protective Clothing
A lightweight dog shirt or UV-protective suit can cover areas with thin fur or exposed skin. Clothing may be especially helpful for hairless dogs, dogs with thinner coats, and pets with recently shaved areas. Choose breathable clothing that fits comfortably and allows your dog to move freely. Remove it if your dog becomes uncomfortable or too warm.
Apply Sunscreen Made for Dogs
Dogs with exposed or lightly pigmented skin may need sunscreen before spending time in direct sunlight. Use sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs because your pet may lick the product after application.
Before applying sunscreen:
- Read the label carefully and follow its directions.
- Test the product on a small area first.
- Apply it to exposed skin without getting it near the eyes or mouth.
- Prevent licking until it dries.
- Reapply as directed, especially after swimming.
Dog-safe sunscreen adds protection, but it does not make prolonged sun exposure safe. Shade, protective clothing, and shorter periods outdoors still matter.
Avoid Human Sunscreen
VCA Animal Hospitals explains this risk in its guidance on personal-care products and pets. Some human sunscreens contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs if ingested. That is why it’s best to avoid sunscreens containing zinc oxide or PABA. Zinc oxide, for example, can cause intestinal upset and damage red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
Keep in mind that SPF alone does not determine whether a sunscreen is safe for your dog. Choose a product specifically formulated for dogs, and follow the label’s instructions for application and reapplication.
Check Exposed Skin Regularly
After your dog spends time outdoors, check the nose, ear flaps, belly, groin, hindquarters, and other areas with sparse fur. Look for redness, scaling, cracked skin, or new sores. If you notice a change, take a clear photo and monitor the area. This can help you see whether it improves or worsens over time.
A Quick Sun-Protection Checklist
Before your dog spends time outside:
- Check the UV level and weather conditions.
- Schedule activity outside the strongest midday sunlight.
- Bring water and provide shade.
- Cover thinly haired or recently shaved areas.
- Use a dog-safe sunscreen recommended by your veterinarian.
- Reapply the product as directed.
- Inspect the nose, ear tips, belly, and groin afterward.
- Watch for both sunburn and heat-related illness.
Protection is equally important even when the temperature does not feel extreme. Clouds and cooler air do not fully block UV radiation.
When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?
Take your dog to the vet if the affected area is painful, blistered, swollen, bleeding, or producing discharge. Veterinary care is also appropriate when the skin does not improve, your dog keeps licking the area, or you are unsure whether sunlight caused the problem.
Seek prompt care if your dog develops:
- Extensive redness or peeling
- Open wounds or blisters
- Significant pain
- Fever, weakness, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Facial swelling or breathing changes
- A sore that repeatedly crusts or bleeds
- A lump or lesion that does not heal
- Other signs of a potentially serious systemic illness
Persistent changes may not be a simple burn. Photosensitivity, infection, allergies, immune-mediated skin diseases, and skin cancer can sometimes produce similar symptoms. The Merck Veterinary Manual’s information about photosensitization explains how abnormal reactions to sunlight may lead to severe redness, swelling, crusting, or sores. Unlike a mild sunburn, these changes may return, spread, or fail to heal, making the underlying cause difficult to identify by appearance alone.
Help Protect Your Dog’s Skin in Ridgefield, CT
Preventing sunburn can help keep your dog’s skin healthy, but not every skin change is caused by sun exposure. Persistent redness, sores, hair loss, or cracked skin may have another underlying cause. If you notice changes that do not improve, our pet dermatology services can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
Conclusion
Your dog should be able to enjoy sunny walks, backyard play, and time with the family without dealing with painful sunburn. Simple precautions can help limit prolonged sun exposure, provide shade, and protect areas such as the nose, ear flaps, belly, groin, and other spots with thin fur. Regular skin checks can also help you catch redness, dry or cracked skin, and other unusual changes early.
If you notice signs of sunburn or have concerns about your dog’s skin, Ridgefield Veterinary Center can help. Our veterinary team can assess your dog’s skin and recommend safe sun protection based on their individual needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment or discuss any skin concerns with our team.
FAQs
What should you do if your dog gets a sunburn?
Move your dog indoors and keep the affected skin out of direct sunlight. In the meantime, do not apply ice or human burn creams, peel the skin, or break any blisters. Avoid aloe products unless your veterinarian approves them. Treatment depends on how severe the burn is and may include pain relief, wound care, or treatment for an infection.
Can you put sunscreen on a dog’s nose?
Yes. Dogs need sunscreen on exposed, lightly pigmented areas such as the nose when they will spend time in direct sunlight. Use a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs, keep it away from the eyes and nostrils, and do not apply it to cracked, bleeding, or crusted skin.
Can a dog get sunburned through its fur?
Yes. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach the skin through thin, sparse, or light-colored fur. Dogs with hair loss, recently shaved areas, or certain skin conditions also have less natural protection and may burn more easily.
Why is repeated sun exposure a concern?
Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause inflammation, scaling, thickened skin, and unusual skin changes. It may also increase the risk of certain skin cancers. Preventing repeated burns is an important part of protecting your dog’s health.