Can Your Dog Sunburn? How To Naturally Protect Your Pup From The Sun

YES! Dogs sunburn just like you and I. Certain dogs are at a greater predisposition to sunburns including white dogs, light-colored dogs, shorthaired and hairless dogs. Regardless of color, coat or breed, all dogs sunburn. Dog sunburn is especially common in areas with little to no fur, such as their nose, belly, around the mouth, eyelids and ears. Dogs can also sunburn through their fur; especially white or light-colored dogs with fair skin.

A dog sunburn is nothing to ignore, as reoccurring or untreated burns lead to an increased risk for skin cancer. They can also be painful and irritating, just like sunburns for humans.

Dog Sunburn Symptoms

Areas Highly Susceptible to Sun Burn

Dogs show signs of sunburn similar to humans. You will likely notice your dog is sunburned on his/her ears, nose or belly before anywhere else. Some signs your dog got too much sun include:

• Red skin that may also be sensitive to the touch
• Dry, cracked skin
• Curling at the edges of the ears
• You pup is scratching and possibly whimpering (as we all know, scratching a sunburn would make it hurt worse)
• Your dog unnaturally shies away from your touch

Severe sunburns can cause your dog to develop a slight fever.

Dog Breeds Most Susceptible To Sunburn

All dogs are at risk for developing sunburns if they are out in the sun for extended time without protection. Some breeds are more likely to develop sunburns due to a lack of fur and/or fair skin. Some of these breeds include:

• Dalmatians
• Pitbulls
• Weimaraners
• Greyhounds
• Chinese Crested
• Boxers
• Golden Labradors
• Golden Retrievers

Staying Cool in the Shade

3 Types Of Dog Sunburn

There are three different levels of sunburn a dog can get:

• Superficial partial thickness burns impact the top layer of skin, causing red skin but no blisters.
• Deep partial thickness burns impact the surface layer of your dog’s skin, along with some deeper layers. This type of burn is comparable to second-degree burns in humans, but dogs don’t typically develop blisters.
• Full thickness burns impact all of your dog’s skin layers and potentially even affect tissue beneath the bottom layer of skin. These burns are very painful and may need veterinary care.

3 Ways To Help Prevent Dog Sunburn

If your pup is outside for more than 15-20 minutes it’s important to protect their skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

1. Find Shade

Don’t make your dog stand out in the sun for hours on end. Always seek out shade and make sure your dog has the opportunity to stay in the shade as long as they want. This also helps prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Use Sun Protection For Dogs

If your dog is out in the sun it’s important to layer their skin up with some sort of sunscreen for canines. Seek out all-natural products and never use human sunscreen on your pup, as artificial ingredients and scents can greatly irritate their skin.

The nose is one of the most likely places to get sunburned, but be mindful that whatever you put on your dog’s nose is going to get licked and consumed. In other words, it has to be safe and 100% natural to avoid your dog getting sick.

Snout Soother is packed with natural SPF, which is perfect for dogs with light colored snouts. The scent-free, soothing solution can help heal already burned, dry or flakey noses as well as help prevent future burns from taking place.

Learn more and try Snout Soother risk-free here: Shop here!

3. Don’t Forget The Paws!

Ouch! Severely burnt paw 🙁

Your dog’s paws don’t typically get sunburned because they face down on the ground and away from the sun. BUT… if it’s hot outside, the asphalt or concrete is going to be even hotter…which means your dog’s paws can burn in as little as a few minutes.

PawTection helps protect paws from damage by creating a barrier between paws and the ground. It doesn’t have SPF in it but remains effective because the type of burn that occurs to paws is not usually from direct exposure to the sun’s rays.

Learn more and try PawTection risk free.

If you notice rough, dry or discolored paw pads, your dog has already suffered the effects of walking on hot or abrasive surfaces. PawSoother is the all-natural solution they need to start healing ASAP.

Learn more and try PawSoother risk-free.

Burned Paws Healed with Paw Soother

SOURCES:

http://www.pet360.com/dog/health/can-dogs-get-sunburn/6AvrV449p0-2-h8gAM8LRg

https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/dog_skin_cancer.php