As the UK gets ready for another scorching month, it’s important to know how to keep dogs cool and protected from UV rays. However, when dogs are exposed to sunshine, do they really need to wear sun cream? And if so, which breeds are most susceptible to sunburn?
Luckily, a vet has settled the debate on all of these questions. Dr Charlotte Rice, the in-house vet at pet supplement brand YuMOVE, explained that dogs can easily get sunburned just like humans. Some dogs are more susceptible to it, and there are particular parts of a dog’s body that should be protected with sun cream.
She said: “Just like us, dogs can get sunburn. The sun’s UV rays can damage your pet’s skin just like they can ours. In pets, high-risk areas include noses, ears and tummies, where they have less fur.
“And just like in humans, over-exposure to UV rays and sunburn can increase a dog’s risk of developing skin cancer – so it’s very important to be vigilant and protect your dog’s skin when the sun is shining.”
When you do use sun cream, use one formulated especially for dogs because many common ingredients in human suncream are toxic for dogs, particularly zinc oxide.
Although all dogs are at risk, some are more susceptible than others, according to Dr Charlotte, such as those with lighter or white coats and dogs with thinner fur or hairless breeds, like the Chinese Crested Dog.
Perhaps more surprisingly, she also warned that other breeds, such as boxers, weimaraners, greyhounds, dalmatians, French bulldogs, and bull terriers, could be at risk because of their thin coats.
“However, just because your Newfoundland has a wonderfully thick, long black coat, it doesn’t mean they can’t get sunburned – think about their nose and ear tips, for example,” Dr Charlotte added.
If dogs unfortunately do get sunburn, often the first areas to show the effects will be their noses and the tips of their ears, alongside the belly and the tip of the tail.
“The key signs of sunburn you need to look out for are reddened or sore skin that might be uncomfortable to your dog when you touch the area,” Dr Charlotte advised.
If you’re concerned they have caught the sun, she recommends putting them in the shade with some water, and seeing your vet. They should be kept out of the sun during the hottest time of day when UV is the strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm.
“Sunburn can go hand in hand with signs of heatstroke, so it is sensible to be vigilant about both on sunny, warm days,” Dr Charlotte advised.