Can Dogs Get Sunburn? A Guide to Dog Sunscreen

Which dogs get sunburned

The AKC lists hairless breeds such as the Xoloitzcuintli and American Hairless Terrier as the most exposed, followed by dogs with white or thin coats and light-pigmented noses and eyelids, naming Collies, Dalmatians, Bulldogs and Whippets as examples. A pink nose or pink skin around the eyes and lips is a good sign that your dog needs protection.

Thick-coated dogs are not automatically safe. A dog that has lost coat to shedding, a skin condition or a close summer clip can burn where the skin shows through. So can a dog that loves to sunbathe on its back on a light-colored patio, because the belly is barely covered and concrete reflects sunlight back up onto it.

Why it matters more than a little redness

A sunburn hurts in the moment, but repeated burns are the bigger concern. The AKC links sun damage in dogs to skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma, and notes that sun exposure can worsen some autoimmune skin conditions and dermatitis. The same pale, thin-skinned areas burn year after year, which is why prevention matters for dogs who live in sunny states.

Sunburn is also a sign your dog has been in the heat for a long time. A dog lying in full sun on a hot afternoon is at risk of overheating as well as burning, so treat a burn as a prompt to rethink the daily routine, not just to buy a lotion. Shade, water and timing protect against both problems at once.

Ingredients to avoid in sunscreen

Skip any product containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, often written as PABA. The AKC explains that both are toxic if swallowed, and dogs nearly always lick their skin. That rules out most human and baby sunscreens, which often contain one or the other, and even a formula without them was not designed with a dog's tongue in mind.

Look instead for a sunscreen labeled for dogs that is water resistant and unscented, with an SPF of around 30, which is what the AKC suggests. The ASPCA gives the same core rule: only use sunscreen and insect repellent labeled for use on animals. If your dog has sensitive skin or a skin condition, ask your vet which product to try.

How to apply dog sunscreen

Step 1: Test a small dab on one spot a day before and check for redness or itching. Step 2: Apply about 20 minutes before going outside, focusing on the bridge of the nose, ear tips, the skin around the lips, the belly, the groin and the inner thighs. Step 3: Keep it well away from the eyes when you do the face.

Step 4: Distract your dog with a chew or a short game until the product has soaked in, so it ends up on the skin rather than in the stomach. Step 5: Reapply every 4 to 6 hours while your dog is in the sun, and again after swimming, as the AKC recommends. A sun shirt or rash guard is a good option for dogs who lick everything.

Other ways to protect your dog from the sun

The AKC suggests keeping dogs in shade or indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., apart from quick bathroom breaks, because that is when the sun is strongest. Shade cloth over a favorite sunbathing spot, a covered porch and an indoor rest in the afternoon all cut exposure without any product at all.

Do not shave your dog for summer. The ASPCA points out that a dog's coat helps protect against both overheating and sunburn, so trimming long hair is fine but a close shave removes that protection. Sun shirts, light rash guards and dog sun hats can help hairless and very pale dogs on longer outings like hikes or beach days.

Shade and timing do most of the work, and for thin-coated or light-skinned dogs a lightweight dog shirt adds a physical layer over the back and belly; on very hot days a cooling vest helps with heat as well.

Signs of sunburn and when to call your vet

A sunburned dog's skin usually looks red, feels warm and may start flaking a few days later, according to the AKC. For a mild burn, move your dog out of the sun, use cool compresses and keep them indoors while the skin settles. Do not put human creams on the skin unless your vet has said they are safe for dogs.

Call your vet if the skin blisters, oozes, cracks or seems very painful, if your dog keeps licking or scratching the area, or if a sore patch does not heal. A crusty spot on the nose or ear tip that keeps coming back should always be checked.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.