Which dogs are more at risk from sun exposure?
Dogs at greatest risk of sun damage are those with thin, light skin and fur. These guys are easy to spot because they often have pink noses and white ears. Any breed with thin fur, and of course, the hairless breeds, are susceptible to sunburn and need to be protected when outside.
The areas without much fur, like a nose or ear tips need sunscreen coverage. As well, the underbelly and armpits can get sunburned, too.
Breeds that can easily get sore and tender skin after playtime in the sun include, among others:
Any dog that spends lots of time in the sun, such as a working dog, needs safe, vet-approved coverage all day. The suns rays are especially fierce between 10 am and 2 pm, so any four-legger that spends lots of time outdoors should wear sunscreen.
What does sun damage look like in dogs?
Just like people, dogs can suffer from a range of sun-related problems. These range from sunburn to precancerous changes to cancer.
The dog that falls asleep in the full midday sun is likely to get painful red, inflamed skin. When they repeatedly snooze in the sun, the skin becomes damaged with thickened raised patches. Small scabs form, and the hair falls out. This is the precancerous phase.
Sadly, repeated skin exposure leads to a variety of cancers including:
And remember, this isnt limited to nose and ears, this can affect the trunk of a dog – hence the need for sunscreen. For example, if you have your pooch at the beach for a day at the ocean, the suns rays can reflect off the sand to the underbelly and cause a burn.
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Humans often take precautions to protect themselves from the sun, but should we be doing the same for our dogs? Can dogs get suburned?
The answer is yes. Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and to other complications and diseases associated with sun exposure. Taking certain safety measures can lower your dog’s risk of developing serious sun-related medical issues. This includes choosing a dog sunscreen that’s formulated for your best friend.
Sunburn isn’t just painful for dogs; it can lead to more serious problems, for example certain types of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, and hemangiomas. Sunburn also exacerbates certain conditions, for example autoimmune disorders and dermatitis, and can cause discomfort at surgery sites. Luckily, a little careful planning can prevent your dog from catching too many ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Some dogs are more at risk for sunburn than others. Hairless dog breeds, such as the Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested, and American Hairless Terrier, need sun protection when they are outside for long periods of time. Dogs with white or thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are also more at risk for sunburn, for example, Collies, Australian Sheepdogs, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Whippets, and any dog with light or white pigment on their ears or near their nose. Even some dogs with thick coats of hair may experience hair loss from seasonal shedding or a health condition that may cause their coats to become very thin and may then be at greater risk for sunburn.
Does your dog just love to lie out on your patio and feel the sun’s warmth? According to AKC’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, dogs that lie outside on concrete or on light surfaces, especially those that lie on their backs, can suffer sunburn.
Sunscreen protects dogs from sunburn. But using the wrong type of sunscreen can also cause problems. It’s highly important that you only use formulas that are specifically intended as sunscreen for dogs. They should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), as these ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs will often lick their skin and accidentally ingest the sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to look for a waterproof, unscented dog sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
WHY YOU SHOULD PUT SUNSCREEN ON YOUR DOG – Sun Protection for Dogs – Dr Kate Adams – Bondi Vet
It is no secret that dogs like to lick humans. The real question that many people wonder is, “why does my dog lick me so much?!”. The truth is that even the most learned dog experts do finitely not know why dogs lick their owners. There are several hypothesized reasons why, but there is no way of knowing for sure unless we learn to speak the same language as our dogs.