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Like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn when their skin is exposed to UV rays, particularly in areas with less fur or exposed skin like their nose and ears. Sunburn in dogs can cause redness, discomfort, and, in severe cases, blistering and skin damage. As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to recognise the signs of sunburn, know effective treatment methods, and take preventive measures. By keeping your furry friends safe from excessive sun exposure, you ensure your dog's overall health and happiness.
One of the most visible signs of sunburn in dogs is red or pink skin, particularly noticeable in areas with sparse fur or where the skin is exposed to direct sunlight. This early stage of sunburn indicates that the skin has been damaged by UV rays, potentially leading to discomfort and sensitivity for your dog.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause dogs to experience hair loss, especially in areas where the skin has been repeatedly sunburned. This can occur when the sun's rays directly impact the skin, damaging hair follicles and leading to thinning or patchy fur.
The delicate edges of a dog's ears are highly susceptible to sunburn. Over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can cause these areas to become dry, cracked, or even curled, indicating severe damage to the skin and underlying tissue.
Sunburned skin in dogs often becomes sore and tender to the touch. This discomfort can lead to behavioural changes or a reluctance to be touched as dogs try to avoid further pain.
In more severe cases of sunburn, dogs may develop skin rashes, ulcers, or open wounds. These conditions require immediate veterinary attention to prevent infection and facilitate healing.
Peeling or flaking skin is a clear indication of sunburn in dogs, signifying damage to the skin's protective barrier. This can lead to secondary infections if not properly treated and managed.
Dogs with sunburn may exhibit noticeable behavioural changes, such as restlessness, increased sensitivity, or a decrease in appetite. These changes can impact their overall well-being and require careful observation and management.
A sunburned dog may feel unusually warm or hot to the touch due to inflammation and heat retention in the affected areas. Monitoring your dog's body temperature and providing measures to keep your dog cool can help alleviate discomfort.
Dogs are most susceptible to sunburn in areas with less fur and exposed skin, such as the nose, ears, belly, and areas with thin or light-coloured fur. These regions are particularly vulnerable because they lack the dense fur that provides natural protection against UV rays.
Understanding these vulnerable areas helps you take targeted steps to protect your dogs from sunburn, ensuring your dogs can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.
The nose, being a prominent and exposed part of a dog’s face, often has minimal fur coverage, making it a prime target for sunburn.
The edges of a dog’s ears are thin and usually lightly furred or even bare, leaving them directly exposed to sunlight.
The belly typically has sparse fur, especially in breeds with naturally thinner coats, and is frequently exposed when dogs lie on their backs to cool off.
Dogs with thin or light-coloured fur, like those with white or pale coats, have less melanin to protect their skin from UV damage, increasing their risk of sunburn.
Breeds with naturally thin fur or hairless breeds lack sufficient fur density to block UV rays effectively, making their skin more prone to sunburn.
Treating sunburn in dogs involves soothing the affected skin, relieving pain, and preventing further damage. Here are the steps and precautions to follow:
Move to shade: As soon as you notice signs of sunburn, move your dog out of direct sunlight and into a shaded area. This helps prevent further UV damage to their skin.
Cooling the are: Gently cool the sunburned area with a cool (not cold) compress or damp towel. Avoid using freezing cold water or ice, as this can shock your dog’s system and cause additional stress.
Soothing balms: Apply a dog-safe soothing balm or aloe vera gel to the affected areas. Ensure that the product does not contain harmful ingredients like alcohol or zinc oxide, which can be toxic to dogs. When applying soothing balms or aloe vera, use gentle, slow movements to avoid causing additional pain. Apply a thin layer and let it absorb naturally.
Hydration: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water. Hydration helps in the recovery process and keeps the skin from drying out further.
Provide a cool environment: Keep your dog in a cool, comfortable environment to help reduce body temperature and alleviate discomfort.
Avoid ice packs: Do not apply ice packs or extremely cold items directly to your dog’s skin, as this can cause further damage and shock.
No human sunscreen: Never use human sunscreen on your dog. Ingredients in human sunscreen, such as zinc oxide, can be harmful if ingested.
Don't let them lick: Prevent your dog from licking the sunburned areas, as this can lead to further irritation or infection. Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if necessary.
Monitor your dog for adverse reactions such as increased redness, swelling, or discomfort. If you have applied soothing balms, monitor the areas of application. If your dog has a negative reaction to the balms, discontinue use and consult your vet. Additionally, for more severe sunburns, such as blistering, open sores, etc, it is advised to visit your vet immediately to get proper treatment, medication and avoid infections.
It is important that you consult your vet to seek professional guidance to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent complications when your dog shows these signs:
Severe sunburn: If your dog’s sunburn is severe, with blistering, open sores, or significant swelling, seek veterinary care immediately. These symptoms can indicate deeper skin damage and require professional treatment.
Signs of infection: If the sunburned area becomes infected, characterised by pus, increased redness, or a foul odour, a vet visit is necessary to prevent further complications.
Persistent pain or discomfort: If your dog shows signs of persistent pain, lethargy, or behavioural changes despite home treatment, consult your vet for a thorough examination and possible medication to manage pain and prevent secondary infections.
Using dog-specific sunscreen with an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can effectively protect vulnerable areas from UV rays. Apply sunscreen to areas with sparse fur or exposed skin. Make sure to choose a product specifically formulated for dogs, as human sunscreens often contain ingredients that can be toxic to pets. Reapply the sunscreen according to the product instructions, especially after your dog has been swimming. Veterinary Dermatology published a study on the effects of sunscreen on cross-bred Mexican Hairless Dogs. The results of the study found that sunscreens effectively protected the dogs' skin from tanning and sunburn, highlighting the effectiveness of sunscreens in preventing UV-induces skin damage.
Providing ample shade, especially during peak sun hours, offers essential protection against sunburn for your dog. Set up a shaded area in your garden using umbrellas, tents, or trees. If you're out for a walk or hike, take breaks in shaded areas to allow your dog to cool down and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Remember, even in the shade, UV rays can still reflect off surfaces, so additional protection might be necessary.
Outfitting your dog with a sunhat can shield sensitive areas like the eyes and nose from direct sunlight. Choose a hat that fits comfortably and securely without restricting your dog's movement or vision. Look for hats made from lightweight, breathable materials to keep your dog cool. Some sunhats also come with UV protection built into the fabric for added safety.
In addition to sunscreen and sunhats, consider using lightweight, UV-protective clothing designed for dogs. These garments cover more of your dog's body, providing comprehensive protection against the sun.
Avoiding walks during the hottest parts of the day can reduce your dog's exposure to harmful UV rays. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when the sun's intensity is lower and the temperatures are cooler. This not only helps prevent sunburn but also protects your dog from heatstroke and burns on hot pavement. Additionally, consider varying your walking routes to include more shaded paths and grassy areas.
Pavement and sand can become extremely hot and burn your dog’s paws. Use booties or paw wax to protect their feet, and always check the ground temperature before heading out.
When applying sunscreen to your dog, focus on areas with thin fur or exposed skin, such as the nose, ears, belly, and any other light-coloured or sparsely furred regions.
Use a dog-specific sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and apply a generous but not excessive amount, ensuring thorough coverage without leaving thick, clumpy layers. Gently rub the sunscreen into the skin to help it absorb, and be cautious to prevent your dog from licking the areas during and after application.
Reapply the sunscreen as needed, particularly if your dog has been swimming, following the product's instructions for best results. Continuously monitor your dog for any adverse reactions and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Due to their physical characteristics, certain breeds are more susceptible to sunburn. Dogs with light-coloured fur, thin fur, or exposed skin areas such as the nose and ears are particularly vulnerable.
Breeds with white or lightly pigmented coats, such as Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Boxers, and Whippets, are at higher risk. Additionally, hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested and the Xoloitzcuintli, as well as dogs with short or sparse coats like Greyhounds and Pit Bulls, are more prone to sunburn. It's crucial for owners of these breeds to take extra precautions to protect their dogs from harmful UV rays.
Shaving a dog's hair can increase sunburn risk by exposing sensitive skin that was previously protected by fur. Consider alternative sun protection methods like sunscreen or protective clothing.
It's crucial to use sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs. Human sunscreen often contains ingredients, like zinc oxide, that can be toxic to dogs if ingested.
Whilst black dogs have more natural protection against the sun compared to lighter-coloured dogs, sensitive areas like the nose and ears can still benefit from sunscreen during prolonged sun exposure.
Dogs with pink or lightly pigmented skin are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and should receive extra protection through sunscreen and shade.
