Experts say dogs can get sunburned just like humans - here’s how to protect them this summer

As summer temperatures soar in certain parts of the country, experts are warning that our four-legged friends are equally as susceptible to sunburn - and informing us how we can protect them .

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals or PSDA shared some important information and helpful advice to dog owners, to make sure they are properly cared for in the heat .

The pet charity explained that pets most commonly get sunburnt on their ears, nose, eyelids and stomach.

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Dogs with light colored fur and pink skin are much more likely to burn than dogs with a darker coat, in the same way that people with more melanin are less susceptible to a bad burn.

Sunburn in dogs looks similar to humans, typically presenting as redness, flaking, itching and pain. Like humans, dogs can develop skin cancer if they are not properly protected from the sun.

To protect your pets, PSDA suggests limiting the hours your dog spends in the sun, particularly in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point. They also suggest applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to areas where hair may be sparse. They warn that the sunscreen should be pet safe.

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PSDA also warns that if dogs do become severely sunburned, owners should take them to a vet for medical treatment.

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