Yes, dogs can get sunburnt. Just like us, a dog’s skin is vulnerable to UV damage, especially on thinly haired or pink areas. With Australia’s high UV index in summer, it’s important to know how to protect your best mate so they can enjoy the sunshine safely.
Which dogs are most at risk?
- Light or thin coats: white, cream, or light ginger coats, plus hairless breeds.
- Pink or lightly pigmented skin: bellies, groins, inner thighs, and ear tips.
- Short coats: greyhounds, staffies, boxers, dalmatians.
- Dogs that sunbake: pups who love to stretch out in full sun.
Common areas that burn
Nose and muzzle bridge, ear edges, tummy and groin, inner thighs, armpits, and the top of the tail. Paw pads do not sunburn, but they can overheat on hot surfaces.
Signs of sunburn in dogs
- Pink to red skin that is warm or sensitive to touch
- Dry, flaky skin or small scabs
- Itching and fussing at the area
- In more severe cases, swelling or blistering
First aid for mild sunburn
- Move your dog into shade or an air conditioned room immediately.
- Cool the area with a damp cloth for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not use ice.
- Offer fresh water and keep them calm.
- Monitor closely. If skin is very red, blistered, or your dog seems unwell, see your vet.
Prevention is better than cure
1. Time your walks
Avoid peak UV times. Aim for early morning or late arvo. If the UV index is 3 or higher, treat it like you would for yourself.
2. Provide shade and hydration
Create cool zones in the backyard with shade cloth or umbrellas and keep water bowls topped up. A cooling activity helps too.
Helpful at home: Keep your dog mentally busy indoors during the hottest hours. Our PawQuest™ Snuffle Mat is perfect for foraging play inside, so your pup stays stimulated without needing to lie in the sun.
3. Use dog safe sun protection
- Sunscreen: Only use products labelled safe for pets. Avoid zinc oxide and salicylates. Apply to the nose, ear tips, tummy, and other exposed areas. Reapply after swimming or heavy play.
- Protective clothing: Lightweight, UV rated shirts or snoods can help shield sensitive skin.
- Eye care: Consider dog goggles for long days on the water or snow where reflected UV is high.
4. Check surfaces
Asphalt and sand can burn paw pads. If you can’t hold your hand on the surface for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws. Choose grass or use booties when needed.
5. Post swim care
Rinse salt and chlorine from the coat, pat dry, and reapply pet safe sunscreen to exposed areas if heading back out.
When to see your vet
Blistering, open sores, severe redness, lethargy, vomiting, or signs of heat stress are all reasons to see your vet promptly. Repeated sun damage can lead to skin cancers in dogs, particularly on lightly pigmented ear tips and noses.
Summer safety checklist
- Walk early or late, avoid peak UV
- Shade, breeze, and plenty of water
- Dog safe sunscreen on exposed skin
- Protective clothing for sensitive pups
- Cool enrichment indoors, like the PawQuest™ Snuffle Mat
Quick tip: On extreme UV days, swap the midday fetch for an indoor sniff-and-search session using the PawQuest™ Snuffle Mat. It satisfies natural foraging instincts and keeps your dog safe from the harsh sun.