Most dog owners know to watch out for heatstroke. Fewer realise that sunburn is a separate an equally painful risk to their dogs enjoying the summer sun. Your dog's coat isn't a complete shield against UV, and on a bright British summer day, the damage can happen faster than you'd expect.

Yes, dogs can get sunburnt

A dog's skin responds to ultraviolet radiation the same way human skin does. Short-term, that means redness, soreness, and sometimes blistering. Long-term, repeated unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancers particularly on areas with thin or no fur.

Fur helps, but it's not a full defence and for some dogs, it barely helps at all.

Which dogs are most vulnerable?

Breed and coat type matter a lot. Short-haired and white-coated breeds carry the highest risk: Dalmatians, Boxers, Greyhounds, Whippets, Bull Terriers, Vizslas, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers all have relatively thin coats over pale skin. Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested and Xolo, have almost no natural protection at all.

Coat changes add risk too. A dog that's been shaved down to their skin loses the UV-protective layer their fur provided. Their skin is suddenly far more exposed than usual, and owners often don't account for it.

Specific areas are always at risk, regardless of fur type and colour:

• The nose and top of the muzzle
• Ear tips and ear flaps
• The belly and inner thighs
• Around the eyes and lips
• Any patchy or thinning areas

How to spot sunburn on your dog?

Symptoms typically show within an hour of exposure and may worsen over two to three days. Watch for:

• Reddened or pink skin, especially on pale or exposed areas
• Skin that's warm or tender when touched
• Dry, flaking, or peeling skin
• Unusual licking, scratching, or chewing at a specific spot
• In more serious cases: blistering, crusting, or swelling

These signs can overlap with allergies, hot spots, or skin infections, so if you're unsure, a vet check is always the right call.

Protecting your dog from the sun

Walk at the right times

UV intensity peaks between 10am and 4pm. Shifting walks to early morning or early evening during hot spells protects your dog from both sunburn and heatstroke. If midday exercise is unavoidable, stick to shaded routes.

Always provide shade

In the garden, make sure your dog always has access to shaded spots. A shelter with lots of airflow or tree shade will be sufficient. Always make sure your dog is taking a break from their sunbathing though. Many dogs will happily lay out in the sun all day without feeling the need to retreat to cooler areas.

Apply dog-safe suncream to exposed areas

On really sunny days it is worth applying a dog safe suncream to exposed and sensitive areas of skin, a dog-formulated suncream applied before sun exposure is genuinely worthwhile. The key rules:

Never use human suncream. Dogs lick their skin and several ingredients in human sunscreen are toxic when ingested:

• Zinc oxide causes toxicity and can damage red blood cells in dogs.
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is linked to toxicity if swallowed.
• Salicylates are aspirin-related compounds, harmful in larger doses.

Look for a dog-specific product with SPF 30, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage, and ideally titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Apply to the nose, ear tips, and belly. Reapply every one to two hours, or immediately after swimming.

Consider UV-protective clothing

Lightweight UV-blocking body vests are available for dogs and work well for short-haired breeds during long outdoor sessions. They won't cover the nose and ears, so suncream is still needed in those spots.

What to do if your dog gets sunburned

• Get them out of the sun straight away
• Apply a cool (not ice cold) compress to the affected area
• Do not use human aloe vera gel 
• Contact your vet. Anything beyond mild, brief redness warrants professional advice. Severe burns may need pain relief, topical treatment, or antibiotics

FAQs

Can dogs get sunburned through their fur? Fur reduces UV exposure but doesn't block it entirely. Thin-coated, short-haired, or light-coloured dogs can burn even through their coat. Exposed areas are always at risk regardless of coat type.

What does sunburn look like on a dog? Look for pink or red skin, warmth or tenderness to the touch, and flaking or peeling. Your dog may also lick or chew the affected spot. Blistering or non-healing skin changes should be seen by a vet promptly.

Can I use baby suncream on my dog? No. Baby suncream often contains zinc oxide and fragrances that are harmful to dogs if licked. Only use a suncream specifically formulated and labelled for dogs.

How long does sunburn take to heal in dogs? Mild sunburn typically settles within a few days if the dog is kept out of direct sun. More severe burns, blistering, or any skin change that doesn't improve needs veterinary attention.

Which dog breeds are most at risk of sunburn? Dalmatians, Boxers, Greyhounds, Whippets, Bull Terriers, Vizslas, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and any hairless breed. White-coated dogs with pink skin underneath are also high risk, regardless of breed.