With summer upon us, chances are excellent that we’ll all be spending more time outside, poolside, at the dog park, or on the beach. Sun exposure is a natural consequence of time spent in the great outdoors, and it can be good for us. The vitamin D we absorb from sunlight can help regulate our moods. However, too much sun can be as dangerous for dogs as it is for their pet parents.
Dogs Can Get Sunburned from Too Much Sun Exposure
Often in less than an hour, harmful UV rays can damage skin cells quickly and leave behind a painful red burn that is hot to the touch. Sunburn through a window has even been documented, primarily in higher elevations. The good news is that there are ways to protect your pup from the sun’s intense rays. It’s also important to know which breeds are more susceptible to sunburn.
Some Breeds Sunburn Easier Than Others
Like people, dogs with lighter skin and hair tend to burn easier. Pups with fair skin and fur have an increased risk. So do breeds with shorter, thinner fur. Some dog breeds that are more prone to sunburn include French Bulldogs (now the number-one breed in America), boxers, bull terriers, hairless breeds like the Chinese crested dog, Weimaraner, greyhounds, dalmatians, pit bulls, and chihuahuas.
Sometimes, these breeds’ risks are compounded by allergies, hot spots, fleas, or hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss. The more of their skin that is exposed the greater their risk for sunburn. Some immune-mediated conditions like lupus, which decreases skin pigmentation, can also play a factor in reducing your dog’s natural sun protection. The vets at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics can help guide you in protecting your dog from all those risks.
But remember, taking precautions is essential even if your pet isn’t at high risk.
Is it Safe to Shave or Groom Your Dog During the Summer Months?
There is much debate on this topic, even among the experts. But generally speaking, shaving a dog’s fur can increase its risk of sun exposure. With that said, there are some benefits to good grooming. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about the pros and cons as it relates to your specific pets. If you do shave your dog, be sure to take extra precautions to prevent sunburn.
Where Do Dogs Most Commonly Get Sunburn?
Sunburn can occur on any body part, but the more common areas are those with thin or no fur. These include the ear flaps, bridge of the nose, and eyes and mouth. For a dog to get burned on their stomach or groin doesn’t necessarily require that they need to be lying on their backs. Sunlight can bounce from a sidewalk and burn the dog’s underside, especially in short-legged breeds like Dachshunds.
How Do You Know If Your Dog Has a Sunburn?
Depending upon the severity of the burn, here are some of the classic signs to look for:
- Sore or tender skin
- Hair loss in the area of the sunburn
- Dry, cracked, or misshapen ear tips
- Red or pink skin
- Ulcers, wounds, rashes or infections
- Potential fever in more severe cases
Usually, your dog will let you know they are uncomfortable by being unable to find a position to lay down in, by excessive licking or chewing, or by just not acting themselves. Sometimes, dogs fear going outside in the intense sun if the burn has been severe. If your dog does get a severe burn, it’s essential to call your vet because treatment with a cortisone product can help prevent inflammation.
Over time, repeated sunburns can change the appearance of a dog’s skin. This is known as solar dermatitis or actinic dermatitis. The affected areas become red, scaly, thickened, or bumpy in these cases. This condition elevates a dog’s risk for skin cancer, even though skin cancer can occur in dogs who never develop actinic dermatitis.
How to Prevent Sunburn in Dogs
Avoidance is the best way to prevent sunburn. This can be easily achieved by avoiding activities outside between the peak sunburn hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re out at this time, make sure plenty of shade is available. These precautions, along with a nice breeze and plenty of fresh drinking water, can reduce your dog’s risk of heat stroke.
You can also purchase a UV-blocking shirt or body suit for your dog, which is especially good for dogs who lick off the sunscreen.
Above all, monitor your dog’s skin for any changes or masses, and have them evaluated immediately by one of our veterinarians. In the case of skin cancer, early diagnosis and treatment lead to much better outcomes.
Use Dog-Safe Sunscreen if You Must Go Out at Peak Sun Hours
If you’re not suiting Fido up with UV-resistant clothing, choose a sunscreen specifically designed for dogs. Banana Boat makes an SPF50 dog sunscreen spray, wipes, and paw balm. Bodhi Dog Sunscreen is a spray-on SPF30 pet sunscreen and moisturizer. Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen is also SPF30 and is non-greasy. All are available on Amazon.
If you don’t have dog sunscreen, use products designed for babies or infants. Sunscreens formulated for adults can be poisonous to dogs.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is fragrance-free and zinc oxide-free. Zinc oxide can cause life-threatening anemia if ingested, and some dogs can’t help but lick off their sunscreen.
You should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before outdoor activities so it has time to soak in and provide the best protection. You should re-apply every hour and especially after swimming or water play. Pay special attention to areas like the ears, nose, belly, groin, and anywhere with thin or missing fur. When applying around the eyes and lips, take extra precautions not to get sunscreen into their eyes.
Help Prepare Your Dog for Summertime Fun
At the Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic, we can help guide you on reducing the risk of sunscreen in your dog for a happier, healthier, sunburn-free summer. To learn more, visit www.mycommunitypetclinic.com.
