Can dogs get sunburns? - an overview

If you’re planning beach visits and outdoor activities with your dogs this summer, be careful to protect them from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Like people, canines are prone to severe burns and possibly skin cancer. Keep your dog safe with these recommendations. Skin damage from sunburn is most often severe and lasts for three days or more after exposure. Most people will have itchy, swollen, and even painful red skin.

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Which dogs get sunburned?

There are breeds of dogs that are more prone to sunburn than others. White dogs, for example, are more susceptible to UV damage because of the pale skin under their fur. Sunburn and skin cancer are more likely in dogs with thin or no coats, such as hairless breeds. There are parts of a dog’s body that are susceptible to attack, regardless of the thickness of its coat. Even a dog’s nose, which has a thin layer of skin like the belly and ears, may become inflamed and cracked.

Also Read: 7 Collagen Benefits for Dogs

Watch out for paws on hot roads and paths

Consider the possibility of paw burns on hot pavement and roads during the summer months and sunburn. If it’s hot for you, it’s hot for your dog too. Before embarking on a journey, walking on hot days should be avoided—note how hot the routes are. If you must traverse scorching walkways or roadways, consider walking in the shade or transporting your dog.

Also Read: Dog Overheating - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Prevention

Some well-meaning pet owners shave their pets to keep their dogs cool in the summer, but this exposes the dogs’ “virgin” skin to the sun. A better strategy to keep your dog cool is to get shade or shelter, an umbrella or tree at the beach, an outside patio, or a kennel with a protective cover. When the sun’s rays get too bright, your dog will naturally seek shelter. Don’t wait for this moment. 

Avoid the warmest portion of the day by taking your dog for a walk early in the morning or late at night. Keep in mind that your pets are vulnerable to heatstroke. This will keep your dog’s skin protected from the sun’s harsh rays and save the delicate paws on the ground from becoming scorched. However, some dogs may not be able to handle sun hats, and they may get agitated.

Dogs showing signs of sunburn

Dogs’ skin becomes red and sore when exposed to too much sun, much like humans. The most vulnerable parts of the body, such as the nose, ears, and abdomen, are likely to display signs of overexposure first. Look for skin that is dry and cracked, as well as ear curling. Doggy sunburn symptoms include whimpering and continuous scratching in sensitive areas and shrinking away from your attempts to touch him. Your dog may even get a slight fever if the sunburn is severe.

Treatment

Pets that get sunburns should take to the vet for treatment.  He may be harmed though it is not visible to the eyes. The intensity of sunburn necessitates different therapies. Wound cleansing and topical medicine may be required daily after initial diagnosis.

Remember this!

Summer stress is not only for humans but for your pets too. They are more vulnerable to high temperatures than the regular ones and get prone to heatstroke quickly. Temperature rise is a threat, especially inside a parked RV or car. You can easily monitor the ambient temperature changes using Waggle Pet Monitor. It monitors the changes and alerts you via text and email instantly. This way, 40,000+ pet parents saved their beloved pets from the risks of heatstroke.