Not many people realise this, but dogs are prone to sunburn and it can be quite painful and scary for them since they can’t tell us exactly what’s wrong.
Some dogs are at high risk of get sunburn such as white dogs, for instance, tend to have fair skin underneath their fur — and a greater potential for sun damage. Dogs with naturally thin hair, and especially the hairless breeds are also at risk for sunburn and skin cancer. All canines, regardless of the thickness of their coats, have vulnerable areas of the body with less fur or none at all. The belly and the ears have delicate skin, and even a dog’s nose can become dried out and sore.
SIGNS OF SUNBURN: Dogs get red skin that is tender to the touch. The most susceptible areas—the nose, ears and tummy—are likely to show overexposure before fur-covered areas. Look for dry, cracked skin and curling at the edges of the ears. Other signs of doggy sunburn are constant scratching in tender places accompanied by a whimper, and shrinking away when you try to pet him/her. If sunburn is severe, your dog may even get a slight fever.
AVOID: Hot roads and paths that can damage the sensitive skin under their paws. Avoid going for walks during the middle of hot days and make sure to test the temperature of the paths you are walking on. Take precautions to walk in the shade or carry your dog if you need to cross hot paths and roads. Some pet owners shave their dogs in an effort to keep them cool in the summer, but doing so exposes “virgin” skin to the sun.
PREVENT: Always provide shade—a big umbrella at the beach, a shady tree at a park, a roof for your backyard patio, or a sun-block top for an outdoor kennel. Your dog will instinctively seek shelter from the sun when the rays become too intense.
