Do Dogs Need Sunscreen? Keep Your Furry Friend Safe in the Summer Sun

Have you ever seen your dog pause for a moment during their daily walk or romp in the backyard to lift their face toward the sun? Maybe you’ve noticed that when they’re looking for the perfect spot in the house to take their afternoon nap, they seek out a spot where the sunlight is streaming in. Albeit an adorable and relatable habit, it’s important not to let your dog get too much direct exposure to UV rays. Just like humans, dogs can get sunburn and face potential health hazards from prolonged sun exposure. This begs the question: do dogs need sunscreen? Veterinarians explain the best practices for keeping our dogs safe while they soak up the sun!

Why do dogs like the sun?

The physiological benefits of basking in the sun’s rays are just another thing we have in common with our dogs. Canines can’t metabolize sunlight into Vitamin D through their skin the way humans can (which is why it’s so imperative that they get enough from their diet), but it does provide health benefits, and many pups simply love the cozy feel of the warmth against their skin and fur. This may be even more likely for a dog who is feeling cold or has conditions like arthritis that can be alleviated by warmth, says Nita Vasudevan Patel, DVM , Veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance.

“Although subjective, sunlight can help regulate a dog's circadian rhythm, improving sleep patterns and overall mood and can help maintain healthy skin and coat, though it should be balanced to avoid overexposure,” says Dr. Patel.

Can dogs get sunburned?

Yes, dogs can suffer from sunburn in addition to other UV-related skin issues and ailments. Dogs with light skin and a short or thin hair coat are especially at risk, cautions Gabre Denton, DVM , Veterinarian with TeachMe.To. Affected areas will typically include places where they have less fur: the nose, ears, belly and groin, Dr. Denton explains.

“They may also be at risk of sunburn if they have experienced hair loss from allergies, recent surgery or metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease,” Dr. Denton says. “If you intend to have your dog in the sun for extended periods, it's advisable to apply dog-safe sunscreen to these areas, ensure they stay hydrated, and provide shaded spots to prevent heat-related illnesses. Sunburn can progress to solar induced skin cancers and prevention in these at-risk dogs is important.”

If your dog has sunburn, it will be noticeable as parts of their skin will be visibly irritated. The most common symptom is pink or red discoloration. The skin also may become dry, flaky or cracked and blisters may develop. Burned skin cells will also be tender and sensitive to the touch.

Do dogs need sunscreen?

The absolute best way to prevent sun damage to your puppy is to limit their time in the sun, and in higher temperatures, it’s important to minimize your dog’s sun exposure as a heat safety measure anyway. Dr. Denton suggests scheduling outdoor activities with your dog during cooler parts of the day, providing constant access to shade, keeping the dog well- hydrated and maintaining skin health with a regular grooming routine. You can also arm your dog with an added layer of protection with lightweight clothing designed for UVA and UVB protection.

Check out this video for tips on applying sunscreen to your pup!

Thankfully, dog-specific sunscreen can be found online and in some pet stores. Certain human sunscreens can be safe to use on dogs if they’re free of potentially harmful ingredients and the dog is adequately monitored.

“If using a human sunscreen, a baby safe spray that dries on contact is best so that it is not licked off,” says Dr. Denton. “Make sure it is fragrance free, protects for both UVA and UVB and is at least SPF30+. Owners should avoid human sunscreen products that contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs such as zinc oxide, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), artificial fragrances and salicylates such as cinnamates.”

Sprays or wipes can be easier to apply evenly to a dog’s coat and skin, especially in hard-to-reach areas, notes Dr. Patel. She also recommends testing a small amount of the product on the dog’s skin first to ensure there is no adverse reaction. You should always carefully monitor your dog and try to keep them distracted after placing any kind of product on them to make sure they don't ingest it, even if it is generally dog-safe.

When is sunburn in dogs an emergency?

In most cases, a mild sunburn is not cause for extreme concern. However, it can escalate to the point where you may need to bring your dog to see a vet for treatment. A sunburn on dogs is considered a serious health risk if your dog’s skin turns dark red or purple, is oozing pus, or severe burns or wounds are present. You should also seek medical attention if your pup isn’t eating or drinking, they develop a fever or exhibit signs of dehydration or severe pain.

Keep reading for more ways to keep your dog safe!

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