Can Dogs Get Sunburned? Protect Your Pup With Sunscreen

Yes, dogs can absolutely get sunburned, especially where their skin is exposed or where fur is thin or light-colored.  

The most vulnerable areas are:  

• Nose bridge 
• Ear tips 
• Belly 
• Groin 
• Any spots with sparse or light fur 

“Dogs who like to sunbathe on their backs are particularly at risk,” adds Elliott Garber, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Creatures.com, in Charlottesville, Virginia.   

Short-term, you’ll see redness, pain, and sometimes blistering on your sunburned dog.  

Long-term, repeated exposure to the sun can lead to precancerous lesions, and eventually squamous cell carcinoma or hemangioma.  

In the same way fair-skinned people are more likely to sunburn, dogs with light fur, minimal fur, or no fur are most at risk, Dr. Garber says.  

Though not an exhaustive list, the following breeds are particularly at risk:  

• Dalmatians 
• White Pit Bulls  
• Bulldogs 
• Whippets 
• Beagles   
• Chinese Cresteds  
• Xoloitzcuintli  
• Chihuahuas  
• White German Shepherds 
• Weimaraners 

“Dogs with thick, dark coats—like German Shepherds or Newfoundlands—have better natural protection, though exposed areas like the nose can still burn,” says Dr. Garber.  

Like humans, dog sunburns can cause the following during or shortly after sun exposure:  

• Redness 
• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Blistering 

This leads to discomfort, and excessive licking or scratching that may result in secondary infections, says Colleen Guilfoyle, DVM, a national shelter medicine veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah.  

“Over time, repeated sun exposure can lead to permanent skin damage, including thickening, scarring, chronic irritation, and significantly increased risk of skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma in light-colored or hairless pets,” Dr. Guilfoyle adds.  

Yes, dogs should wear a pet-safe sunscreen if they’re in the sun for prolonged periods.  

This protects them from the immediate discomfort of a sunburn—irritation, sensitivity, peeling, and blistering—and shields them from long-term dangers such as skin cancer and hemangiomas.  

Human sunscreens should not be used on dogs. Instead, they should use pet-safe sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs.  

Dr. Guilfoyle and Dr. Garber both recommend the FDA-compliant Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray.  

Dr. Garber also recommends the Petkin Doggy Sunstick for quick and easy application on areas like the nose. He says using a sun stick is an effective way to prevent your pup from breathing in aerosol sunscreen. 

Some other dog sunscreen favorites include My Dog Nose It! Dog Sun Protection Balm and Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Wipes. 

However, “avoid products with zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to dogs if ingested,” says Dr. Guilfoyle. 

Apply dog sunscreen to your pup’s nose, ear tips, belly, and any other areas with thin fur about 15 minutes before sun exposure.  

Then, reapply every two to three hours or immediately after swimming, Dr. Garber says.  

Be sure to follow the label’s specific instructions. For example, many spray-on sunscreens require you to rub the product into your dog’s skin. 

Along with sunscreen, there are additional ways to protect your dog from the sun: 

• Slip on a sun shirt. “For dogs [who] dislike topical products, lightweight sun shirts can provide additional protection,” Dr. Guilfoyle says. Try the Frisco Summer UPF 45 Cooling Dog Vest, which is available in multiple colors and sizes.  

• Avoid peak sun times. Try to time your outings for early morning or late afternoon, when UV rays are less intense and the pavement is cooler on their paws. Dr. Garber says if the surface feels hot to you, it’s hot for your pup. Dog shoes, like Frisco’s Hot Pavement Dog Boots, can help. 

• Stick to shady spots. “Create shade with pop-up tents or umbrellas at the beach or park, and remember that UV rays reflect off water, sand, and concrete, intensifying exposure,” Dr. Garber says. A dog hat—like the Frisco Summer UPF 45 Cooling Bucket Hat—looks cute while protecting your pup.  

If your dog’s skin is pink, flaky, red, or warm, there’s a good chance they developed a mild sunburn. Here’s how to treat it, according to Dr. Garber:  

1. Move your dog indoors immediately. 
2. Apply cool (not ice-cold) compresses. “Pure aloe vera gel works well, but avoid products with added ingredients,” he says.  
3. Monitor the burn to make sure it doesn’t get worse. Avoid using human burn sprays containing benzocaine or lidocaine.  
4. The sunburn should heal within a few days to a week.  

Call your vet for more severe sunburns, where you’re likely to see blisters or oozing. 

Can dogs with fur get sunburns? 

Yes, dogs with pale fur can get sunburned.  

Can dogs get sunburns on their nose? 

Yes, noses are one of the most at-risk areas for dog sunburns because they aren’t covered in fur. Dogs with paler skin are even more susceptible.  

Can dogs get sunburns on their belly? 

Yes, dogs can get sunburns on their bellies, which often have less fur compared to the rest of their body. They’re even more at risk if they enjoy lying belly-up when outdoors.  

How often should I reapply sunscreen to my dog? 

Reapply dog sunscreen every two to three hours when outside, or anytime your dog gets out of the water. The sunscreen wears down over time and is washed away by water.  

Is human sunscreen safe for dogs? 

No, never use human sunscreen on dogs. Instead, use pet-safe sunscreen that doesn’t contain ingredients that are potentially toxic to dogs.