Can Dogs Get Sunburn? What Pet Owners Need to Know About Sun Exposure
While sun exposure is good for dogs - in moderation of course - and a little natural Vitamin D is always helpful for everyone, pet owners should be aware that dogs are just as susceptible to getting burnt by the sun as humans are. Sunburn in dogs often gets overlooked and can have some serious consequences if there is no prevention taking place. For more peace of mind for pet owners, here are some facts, symptoms and treatment options when it comes to your dog getting sunburn.
We enjoy watching our furry friends roll around in the grass while soaking in some sun, but did you know that the sun can have some serious consequences if it burns your dog? Too much sun can lead to:
Skin damage: the UV radiation can damage their skin cells and cause redness, swelling and inflammation
Pain and discomfort: sunburned areas can be tender and painful, sometimes causing dogs to not want to be touched or groomed in those areas
Dryness and flaking: their skin can become dry and flaky, similar to a human sunburn
Hair loss: in some severe cases, sunburn can lead to hair loss in affected areas
Blistering: large sunburns can cause blisters to form
Skin infections: sunburn can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to infections
Fever: severe sunburn can cause a fever as the body tries to fight the damage
Skin cancer: repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer
But do all dogs get sunburn? The answer is yes, all dogs can get sunburn, but there are dogs that have certain features that make them more at risk for sunburn than others:
Hairless dog breeds will need more sun protection when they are outside for longer periods of time
Dogs with white, light or ginger-colored fur
Naturally thin-coated breeds (think pitbulls, boxers, dalmations and greyhounds)
Those with bald patches
Besides breed and fur or skin types, medical conditions that cause hair loss can also increase a dog’s risk for sunburn and can include (but is not limited to) allergies, hot spots or wounds, skin parasites or certain hormonal imbalances. It’s important for pet owners to take precautions and be observant with all dogs, not just the ones who have features that make them more susceptible to sunburn.
Dogs typically have a lot of fur to hide their skin, so where do dogs get sunburn? While it’s much more common for dogs to get sunburn in areas with thin or no fur, pet owners should know that they can get sunburn on any part of their body. Some common areas include:
The ear flaps
The bridge of the nose
Thinly haired parts of the face such as near the eyes and mouth
The belly and groin
Any part of the body where fur has been lost or shaved or where fur is thinner and provides less screening against the sun
While you’re out in the sun with your pup, keep an eye out for these signs that your dog’s skin may be getting burnt or has been burnt from too much sun exposure:
Red or pink skin
Sore or tender skin
Dry, cracked or misshapen ear tips
Skin ulcers, wounds, rashes or infections
In severe cases, dogs may act unwell or have a slight fever
The skin may change in appearance with chronic sun damage over time, known as solar dermatitis or actinic dermatitis. If this happens, the affected areas may become red, scaly, thickened or bumpy. These changes may indicate a higher risk of skin cancer, although skin cancer can still occur in dogs who never develop solar dermatitis.
If you’re dog does get sunburn, you can use these tips for helping to ease the discomfort and redness:
Place a cool compress on the affected areas (IF your dog allows you to)
Wet, cool towels may feel soothing to them if they let you put them on
Aloe vera gel can help to soothe and hydrate the sunburnt skin
If your dog is in discomfort or has severe burns or wounds, a vet visit will be needed to consult with your veterinarian for further action
When it comes to prevention of sun exposure, think about avoiding peak hours, finding the cool shady spots, using pet-friendly sunscreen and some UV blocking clothing for those dogs that are more at risk for getting sunburn. Use these steps to be more proactive as a pet owner when it comes to the sun and your pup:
Limit their sun exposure: avoid the peak hours of the day, 10 am to 4 pm, as that is when the sun will be at its hottest. Try walking or playing in the early morning or later in the evening when the sun is less intense.
Provide them shade: ensure that your dog always has access to shade when they are outside, whether that looks like a tree, umbrella or a covered patio.
Use pet-safe sunscreen: never use human sunscreens on your dog - they contain harmful ingredients such as zinc oxide. Choose fragrance free products and something that is specifically designed for canines with a high UV protection. Focus on applying them to those high-risk areas mentioned above.
Consider UV-blocking clothing: dog shirts and bodysuits can help protect against UV rays and also provide additional coverage from the sun.
Sun protection may not be at the top of your list when it comes to your four-legged friend, but limiting their sun exposure to help keep the burn away should be a proactive measure taken by all pet parents during the summer. Keep in mind those vulnerable areas while out playing and always be observant of any changes in your dog’s skin or behavior. Keeping them healthy and happy is a sure fire way to have a paw-some summer!
Want to know another simple way to keep your pup happy and healthy this summer? Daily dog walks! Your local dog walkers at Going Mutts Pet Services are more than happy to help get your dog up and walking this summer and take one more thing off of your never ending to-do list. From neighborhood walks to trotting on the trails to fun adventures at the dog parks, Going Mutts is here for all of your dog care needs. Contact us today to schedule your free Meet ‘n Greet with one of our paw-some dog walkers.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen/
https://bondvet.com/b/can-dogs-get-sunburn-and-what-are-the-signs
