Yes, Your Dog CAN Get a Sunburn!

Summer’s officially here. That means sunny days, lemonade and trips to the ballpark. For your dog, it may also mean getting sunburnt. That’s right, animals can get sunburns as well.

Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?

If your dog is going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time, yes, he or she needs sunscreen. Dogs with light skin and white fur/hair are the most susceptible to sunburn. According to Richard Goldstein, chief medical officer of the Animal Medical Center in New York City, “A dog’s skin can be damaged by the sun just like our own skin, so they require the same protection against the development of sunburn and skin cancer.”

Sun exposure is at its highest during early morning (10 am) to late-afternoon (4 pm). If your dog finds themselves outside for a significant duration of time during this period, note that you should reapply sunscreen to the sensitive areas – nose, around the lips, tips of the ears, the groin and the belly.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should I Use?

The recommended sunscreen for dogs is sunscreen that is designated for dog use. Such sunscreens don’t pose a health risk to your dog. However, if dog sunscreen isn’t available, a broad-spectrum sunscreen for babies and children (SPF 15 or higher) can be used. Just note, if going the broad-spectrum route, to check the label for the following two ingredients: zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).  Both of these are toxic for dogs. You must use a broad-spectrum sunblock that does not contain these ingredients.