Now that the weather is warming up, people are itching to spend as much time as possible outdoors. For those of us with dogs, it's only natural that we'll want to bring them along for the ride. Of course, doing so requires preparation—and, believe it or not, it goes beyond bringing along a water bowl and a bag full of treats.
That's because, like humans, dogs can get sunburned. Not all pet parents realize that long walks, hikes, hours picnicking at the winery, and days at the beach call for more than knowing how to cool a dog down. We chatted with veterinarian Dr. Derek M. Paul, the regional medical director at Valley Veterinary Care in Texas, about the ins and outs of doggie sun care. So by the dog days of summer, you'll be equipped with everything there is to know about how to protect your dog from sunburn and the best tips for a safe summer.
Can dogs get sunburns?
Unfortunately, yes they can! If you're wondering how furry dogs are capable of getting sunburn, the first thing to know is that it most often occurs on their most exposed skin. Think the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and skin around the lips.
Dr. Paul, who is also Rocco & Roxie's Vet Advisor, explains that the burning can even occur on the abdomen, groin, and inside of the legs if your pup likes to sprawl out in the sun. They can also burn this way by going on long walks where reflection from the pavement can cause secondary sunburn.
But how do you know that your dog has sunburn? While people typically turn bright red, dogs may turn pinkish-red. Dr. Paul says that they may also experience noticeable pain and potentially suffer from hair loss as a result. And, like humans, dogs can develop skin cancer from sun exposure. Because of this, it's incredibly important to monitor your pup's time in the sun and ensure that they're protected during the day's brightest hours.
Should you put sunscreen on a dog?
Short answer: Yes! Dogs need sunscreen. There are a few circumstances in which dogs especially need to be protected from the sun. According to Dr. Paul, the breeds that need to wear sunscreen the most are those:
- With short hair.
- With lighter skin.
- Who are shaved for the season.
- Who like to sunbathe.
- Who perpetually roll over asking for belly rubs.
- Who go on long walks in paved areas.
- Who live at a high altitude (If you are planning to travel to the mountains this summer, don't forget that the air is thinner and the sun much more intense up there, Dr. Paul warns, noting that plenty of water, frequent breaks, and lots of sunscreen is a must.)
- Who experience hair loss, which can expose more bare skin to the sun.
How to Shop for Dog Sunscreen
First things first: Do not apply human sunscreen to your dog.
"Dog sunscreens are made with the knowledge that dogs are naturally going to want to lick the areas where the sunscreen is applied," Dr. Paul explains. "While this should generally be discouraged, dog sunscreens are made to be safer for potential ingestion than human sunscreens." With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for dog sunscreen:
Ingredients
Look for pet-approved sunscreens that are free of zinc (which is toxic to dogs) and do not contain cocoa butter (which has a high-fat content that can cause gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis). Also look for non-staining formulas so they do not affect their fur or your furniture, and opt for fragrance-free options if at all possible. Dogs have a much more sensitive nose than humans! Products with very mild scents are fine, Dr. Paul notes.
Protection Level
Select a product with coverage of at least 15 to 30 SPF. You can find the SPF rating for many of these sunscreens available on the product website. Also, look for a brand that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning from both UVA and UVB rays.
Formulation
There are tons of products to choose from, including dog sun sprays and balm made specifically for their noses. Whatever you choose for your pup, look for a product with an ingestion warning. Your dog will likely try to lick the sunscreen off so avoid any products with this disclaimer.
The Best Sunscreen for Dogs
"Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray is the only FDA-approved pet sunscreen and has also been approved by the American Pet Alliance with a five-star rating," Dr. Paul says, noting that it's his top pick for doggie sunscreen. Below, you'll find that and his other items to protect your dog from the sun.
If you have any concerns about your pet's exposure to UV radiation or about specific products mentioned here, please contact your primary care veterinarian first.
Protect Your Pup from the Sun
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
Frisco UPF 45 Dog Bucket Hat
Dog Canopy
Rebecca Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Over the past 10+ years, she’s heavily covered a range of lifestyle topics, including travel, home, beauty, style, wellness, and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University, where she earned a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found strolling with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sipping iced matcha lattes, indulging in delicious cuisine, perusing farmer’s markets and antique sales, collecting colored glass, getting lost within the pages of a book, and exploring new bucket-list cities.
