Can Dogs Get Sunburned?
The nose, ear tips, belly and eyelids burn first. Shade and dog-safe sunscreen protect them.
Yes, dogs can get sunburned. Areas with thin fur or pink skin, like the nose, ear tips, belly and around the eyes, are most at risk, and white or short-coated dogs burn the most easily. Sunburn is painful in the moment, and repeated burns over the years raise the risk of skin cancer, so shade and protection are worth the effort. Skin that has lost its pigment, such as patches of vitiligo, has even less natural defense.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk
Highest-risk dogs
- White, pale or thin-coated breeds
- Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested
- Pink noses, ear tips, bellies and eyelids
- Dogs recently clipped or shaved short
Signs of Sunburn
Red, sore skin can also come from other irritations such as eczema or acne, so consider whether sun exposure fits the pattern.
| Sign | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Red skin | Pink or red patches, often on the nose and belly |
| Tenderness | Flinching or pulling away when touched |
| Warm skin | The area feels hot compared with the rest of the body |
| Dry or peeling skin | Flaking, cracking or curling at the ear edges |
| Blisters | With severe burns, blistering and open sores |
How to Protect Your Dog
- Avoid peak sun. Keep walks and lounging out of the strongest midday hours.
- Offer shade. Make sure there is always a shady spot and fresh water outdoors.
- Use dog-safe sunscreen. Apply to the nose, ear tips and belly, avoiding zinc oxide and PABA.
- Try sun shirts. Lightweight UV-protective clothing helps thin-coated dogs.
- Do not shave to the skin. The coat offers some natural protection, so trim rather than shave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dogs are most likely to get sunburned?
Dogs with white, pale or thin coats, hairless breeds, and any dog with pink skin on the nose, ear tips, belly or around the eyes burn most easily. Recently shaved or clipped dogs are also at higher risk until their coat grows back.
Can I put human sunscreen on my dog?
Not just any sunscreen. Avoid products containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which are toxic if a dog licks them off. Use a sunscreen made for dogs, or a fragrance-free baby sunscreen only if your vet approves it, and apply to exposed pink areas.
What does sunburn look like on a dog?
Sunburned skin looks red and feels warm and tender, and your dog may flinch when it is touched. With more serious burns the skin can dry, crack, blister or peel. Repeated sunburn over the years also raises the risk of skin cancer.
How can I protect my dog from the sun?
Limit time outdoors between about 10am and 4pm, provide shade, and use a dog-safe sunscreen on exposed skin. Sun-protective shirts help thin-coated dogs, and never shave a dog down to the skin, since the coat offers some natural protection.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
