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Did you know that dogs, especially those with short or light-colored coats, can get sunburned just like humans?
Sunburn in dogs can occur more frequently than people think, leading to pain, peeling, and even canine skin cancer if not addressed promptly.
In this guide, we'll discuss how to treat sunburn in dogs and what you can do to prevent it, especially during the summer.
RELATED: How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer
What Causes Sunburn in Dogs?
Excessive exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can cause sunburn and other skin problems in dogs, just like in humans!
Staying under the sun for too long without clothing, sunscreen, or other protection, particularly during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., can cause skin damage.
The breeds more susceptible to sunburn are those with short hair, light-colored skin, and hairless dogs, like:
- Boxers
- Dalmatians
- Whippets
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Greyhounds
- White Bull Terriers
- Chinese Cresteds
- Mexican Hairless Dogs
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Beagles (especially light tan- or lemon-colored ones)
If your dog has sparse fur, white or light coats, and exposed skin (especially pink skin), you must take extra precautions to protect them from the sun.
The areas commonly affected by sunburn are the nose, ears, belly, groin, and tail tips, which are usually only covered with thin and sparse fur.
Your dog may also be susceptible to sunburn if they have a history of skin conditions, hair loss, or a thin coat.
RELATED: Dog Hair Loss: 5 Reasons Why It Happens and What To Do
How to Tell if Your Dog Has Sunburn
It might be more difficult to spot sunburns in dogs than in humans, but they generally exhibit the same signs and symptoms.
Things to watch out for are:
- Red or pink skin
- Warm to the touch
- Dry and peeling skin
- Itching or discomfort
- Curled or drying tips of ears, nose, and tail
Usually, you can manage these easily at home (which we'll discuss below).
However, if you see:
- Pus-filled blisters or skin peeling
- Whimpering when touched
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Fever that won't go down
These are indicators that your dog's sunburn is anything but mild, so it's best to consult your veterinarian for a more detailed treatment plan tailored to your dog's specific condition.
How to Treat Sunburn on Dogs
Treating sunburn on dogs is pretty straightforward.
You can do this step-by-step dog sunburn treatment at home for mild cases:
1. Move your dog out of the sun
When you notice your dog's skin getting redder in the sun, immediately take them to a shaded area.
It's much better if you can bring them indoors, and the room is air-conditioned or well-ventilated.
2. Apply a cold compress or a damp cloth
Pat the affected area with a cold compress or a damp cloth to reduce inflammation and cool it down slightly.
DO NOT use ice, as this can only cause further discomfort to the area or shock their heated body with cold.
3. Use a vet-approved aloe vera gel
Apply a generous amount of 100% and veterinary-grade aloe vera gel to the sunburned area. Do not use aloe products with added alcohol or chemicals.
If you haven't purchased one yet, you can use a dog-safe moisturizer in the meantime.
NEVER use human sunscreen or creams that contain zinc oxide because these are highly toxic to dogs.
4. Oatmeal bath
You can bathe your dog to cool them down and ensure the affected area is clean.
You can use an oatmeal bath to soothe the mild irritation on their skin caused by the prolonged sun exposure.
5. Prevent licking or scratching the area
Dogs tend to do this if they're hurting or uncomfortable in a particular body part.
Excessive licking or scratching can cause further damage to the sunburned area, potentially leading to infection or hot spots.
You can put a revocery cone on your dog to limit their access to it.
6. Keep your dog hydrated
Sunburn can be dehydrating.
Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. If they won't drink, you can try giving them ice chips or bone broth; most dogs find these enticing and won't resist them.
You can also try this DIY Ice Lick that will hydrate and entertain them simultaneously.
Do these for as long as needed to help your dog recover from the sunburn. Also, be sure to monitor for any signs of infection or other worrying symptoms.
Suppose the sunburn covers a large area of your dog's body, you see blisters or open wounds form, or your dog seems to be in a lot of pain or develops a fever. In that case, it's best to visit your veterinarian.
The vet may recommend pain relief, antibiotics, wound cleaning, or even laser therapy for severe cases.
RELATED: 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
Preventing Sunburn in Dogs
This summer, it's better to save your dog and yourself from the unnecessary pain and stress of sunburn by protecting them in the first place from the sun's harmful rays!
1. Use dog-safe sunscreen
Opt for a 30+ SPF sunscreen that's specifically formulated for pets. Read the label and make sure that there is no zinc oxide or PABA in the list of ingredients.
These are notoriously toxic to dogs and can cause an upset stomach (if you're lucky) or a full-blown poisoning if they ingest too much.
Also, apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 4 to 6 hours.
2. Have your dog wear protective clothing
It might seem counterintuitive to have your dog wear clothes when it's already hot outside, but in fact, some summer clothes for dogs can help repel the sun's harmful effects on their skin.
There are dog cooling vests available with built-in SPF or UV-blocking features, allowing your dog to enjoy a few hours of swimming, hiking, or other fun activities in the sun.
Remember to protect your dog's paws as well! Use dog shoes to cushion the effect of hot pavement on your dog's delicate paws.
RELATED: 5 Best Dog Summer Clothes + Buying Guide in 2025
3. Timing your outdoor activities
During the hot season, timing is everything!
Avoid scheduling your daily walks during peak sun hours. If you're up for it, you can do it early in the morning or in the evening, once the sun sets.
If you have a backyard where your dog can go freely, ensure there is ample shade during outdoor play. They should also have access to clean and fresh water while outdoors.
RELATED: How to Create A Backyard Paradise For Your Dog
4. Proper grooming
You can trim your dog's coat for summer, especially if you have a double-coated breed.
However, DO NOT shave your dog! Shaving their fur will not cool them down; instead, it will harm them further by removing their natural insulation against heat and exposing them to the sun.
Only keep them trimmed to preserve their protective fur layers and prevent sunburn.
Can dogs get sunburned through windows?
Regular windows don't have UV-protection, so yes, it's still possible for dogs to get sunburned through windows, especially if they're exposed for too long.
Prolonged sunbathing near windows can also overheat your dog or dry their skin.
How long does it take for sunburn to heal in dogs?
Mild sunburns typically heal within 3–7 days, but severe burns can take weeks to heal and may require medical treatment.
Can I use baby sunscreen on my dog?
If you're in a pinch and only have baby sunscreen on hand, you can safely apply it to your dog ONLY IF it does not contain zinc oxide.
Sunburn in Dogs: Before You Go…
Sunburn in dogs is not just a summer nuisance—it can lead to serious discomfort and long-term health issues!
The key takeaway is that it's essential to learn how to recognize the signs early for effective intervention and treatment.
You should also focus on protecting your dog from sunburn by using sunscreen and protective clothing, and being aware of whether the sun is too high and the temperature is too hot for your dog to be outside.
Check out more of our recommended posts on dog summer safety and skin care tips below!
