On a hot summer day, especially during the noon-time hours, you probably put sunscreen on to prevent yourself from getting burned on a long dog walk.
But do you also think about what the sun does to your dog?
Dogs can get sunburned. It’s less common to hear about than heat exhaustion or dehydration, but sun damage is a real concern for dogs — particularly in Central Florida, where the UV index runs high for most of the year and outdoor time isn’t limited to a few summer months.
The burn itself looks and feels similar to what humans experience — red, warm, irritated skin that is painful to the touch. Repeated sunburns cause the same long-term damage in dogs that they cause in people: permanent skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. For dogs that spend significant time outdoors, sun protection is worth taking as seriously as heat safety.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk
Every dog can get a sunburn given enough sun exposure, but some are significantly more vulnerable than others. Coat coverage is the primary factor — fur provides a layer of protection that bare skin doesn’t have.
Hairless breeds like the American Hairless Terrier and the Chinese Crested have almost no natural protection from UV rays. Dogs with very thin coats, white or light-colored fur, and pale or pink noses and ears are more susceptible than darker or thicker-coated dogs. It’s also worth noting that most dogs — regardless of breed — have little or no fur on their stomach and groin. A dog that loves to lie belly-up in the sun, or that sprawls out in a sunny patch for extended periods, is exposing that unprotected skin to direct UV exposure every time.
Even dogs that seem well-covered can develop sun damage on the tips of their ears, the bridge of their nose, and around their eyes — areas where fur is thin and exposure is consistent.
How to Protect Your Dog from Sun Damage
Living in Lake Mary, Sanford, or Longwood means year-round sun exposure for any dog that spends time outside. A few practical approaches make a real difference for dogs at higher risk. The most effective options include:
- Dog-Specific Sunscreen — There are several sunscreen products formulated specifically for dogs. Unlike human sunscreens, which often contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid — both toxic to dogs — dog sunscreen is non-toxic if licked. Apply it to areas with minimal fur coverage: the nose, ear tips, belly, and any other exposed skin. Keep it away from the eyes, and try to prevent licking for about ten minutes after application to give it time to absorb.
- Protective Clothing — Light shirts, jackets, and UV-protective suits designed for dogs cover vulnerable skin without adding significant heat. Coverage doesn’t eliminate the need for shade and water, but it does reduce direct UV exposure on the body significantly.
- Limiting Peak Sun Exposure — The most straightforward protection is keeping dogs out of direct sun during the peak UV hours of the day — typically mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Providing adequate shade in the yard, timing dog walks for early morning or evening, and bringing dogs inside during the hottest, sunniest parts of the day all reduce cumulative exposure over time.
Each of these is more manageable in combination than in isolation — shade plus timing plus sunscreen on vulnerable areas covers more ground than any single approach alone.
Signs Your Dog Has Been Sunburned
If a dog has spent time in the sun and the skin appears red, feels warm to the touch, or the dog is reacting to contact in an area that is normally fine — those are signs of sunburn. Get the dog out of the sun immediately. Aloe vera gel and a cool compress can provide some relief for mild burns.
For more significant burns — blistering, significant swelling, or a dog that is clearly in pain — contact a veterinarian. Severe sunburn in dogs is a medical issue, not something to manage at home with topical remedies alone.
Dog walking visits from FurBabies Home Pet Care are timed with the heat and sun in mind — we know the conditions in Seminole County and schedule outdoor activity accordingly. If you have questions about sun safety for your specific dog or want to discuss care during the warmer months, call 407-489-9418, email woof@furbabieshomepetcare.com, or reach out through the contact page.
