We’re used to slathering ourselves in sunscreen on hot, sunny days. But it turns out, our four-legged companions are just as vulnerable to the sun’s harmful effects. Dogs can suffer from sunburn just like us, so it’s important we’re armed with the knowledge to better protect them.
Do dogs get sunburn?
While we may not think to coat our pets in thick layers of SPF50, you might be surprised to learn that dogs can get sunburnt on sunny days. Like humans, UV radiation from the sun can lead to skin cancer in dogs.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to sunburn if they have lightly coloured fur or a thin or patchy coat.
Just like humans, sunburn can show up in pets easily: redness, crusting, flaking, itching, blisters and discomfort are the symptoms consistent across species.
If you find yourself reaching for the suncream for yourself, perhaps consider how you’re looking after your dog’s skin health too. Avoid walking dogs in the middle of hot days when the sun is at its strongest, and prevent your dog from sunbathing in direct sunlight – even though they might be resistant! Encourage them into areas with dappled sunlight or, better still, plenty of shade.
Dogs can also get sunstroke, so it's doubly important to keep dogs cool in hot weather.
Can you put suncream on dogs?
As long as the sunblock you are using is pet or child-safe, you can absolutely apply it to dogs. It’s important to focus on the areas where your pet’s fur is thin – look to their nose, tips of their ears and stomach first. As with humans, SPF30 or higher is recommended, and make sure to use waterproof suncream so your dog is protected if they decide to cool off in a puddle mid-walk.
Human sunscreen can prevent sunburn in dogs, but it can sometimes use ingredients (such as zinc oxide) that are poisonous to dogs if they lick it – so look out for pet-specific suncream. If possible, do a skin patch test at least 24 hours before you plan on using sunscreen on your dog, so you can make sure it doesn’t irritate their skin and they don’t lick it off.
Can dogs get skin cancer?
Dogs can indeed get skin cancer – in fact, skin tumours are the most common cancers found in dogs. While some of these aren’t due to sun exposure, it’s a leading cause.
Which dog breeds are particularly susceptible to sunburn?
Dogs with thin or short coats, or light-coloured fur and skin are most likely to get burnt by the sun – for example, bull terriers, Dalmatians (one of the most beautiful dog breeds), Weimaraners (one of the biggest dog breeds), Chinese cresteds (one of the smallest dog breeds), greyhounds (one of the fastest dog breeds) and boxers (one of the best active dog breeds for active people).