Do Pets Get Sunburned? Skin Health in the Dog Days of Summer
Warmer weather and no school makes summer the perfect opportunity to enjoy some outdoor time with your kids and your pets. As you slather on the sunscreen on your kids, however, it’s important to think about your pets’ skin, too. Whether you’re down the shore this summer or simply attending a kid’s sport game in the park, your dog’s skin could be vulnerable to UV exposure.
Just Like Us
It’s no secret that too much direct sunlight can lead to sunburn. In turn, the damage caused by sunburn can result in irreversible skin damage, skin cancer, and subsequent health complications. While most dogs have a good coat of fur, they are still susceptible to these UV dangers. Lighter-colored coats are at higher risk of sunburn than dark coated dogs, but all dogs have sensitive skin on the ears, nose, and belly.
Breeds with short hair, hairless breeds, patchy fur, and breeds that love to sleep in the sun may also be at higher risk.
Recognizing a Dog’s Sunburn
If your dog has been out in the sun a little more lately, please watch for the following symptoms of sunburn:
- Red, inflamed skin that may feel hot to the touch
- Dry, cracked, flaking or peeling areas of skin
- Increased vocalization
- Avoiding touch
- Blisters or open sores
Move your dog to a shady, well-ventilated area. Apply cool, damp cloth (never ice) to the affected area. If you have a pet-safe aloe vera (no alcohol or lidocaine) product, apply it gently to the skin. Try to encourage your dog to stay hydrated.
If untreated, a sunburn can yield a secondary skin infection. It is necessary to keep the wound clean and dry, but antibiotics might be required. Please call us if the skin isn’t healing or appears too serious for at-home care.
Pet Sunscreen Tips
There are ways to stay ahead of potential sunburn:
- Keep your pet hydrated
- Always seek shade
- Limit their outdoor hours to early morning and evening
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to the hose, belly, ears, and thin fur areas
- Supply UV protective clothing and UV blocking goggles
Taking care of your pet’s skin shouldn’t end when summer does. Apply a healthy dose of prevention to every outing, check routinely for any signs of sunburn or skin damage, and always reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Our team is always here to help at Borgfeld Animal Hospital.