As temperatures rise across the UK, many dog owners enjoy spending more time outdoors with their pets. But while most people understand the dangers of sunburn for themselves, far fewer realise that dogs, too, are at risk from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburn in dogs is not only painful—it can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Some dogs are more vulnerable to sunburn than others. Those with:
Short or thin coats (e.g. Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Whippets)
White or light-coloured fur
Exposed skin, particularly on the nose, ears, belly and groin
Pre-existing skin conditions or hair loss (e.g. from allergies or mange)
Even long-haired breeds can suffer if their coat is trimmed short in summer, exposing sensitive skin to the sun.
Signs of Sunburn in Dogs
Look out for:
Redness or inflammation on the skin
Dry, cracked, or flaky patches
Whimpering or flinching when touched
Licking or scratching the affected area
In severe cases, blistering or peeling
These symptoms often appear on the ears, nose, and belly—areas that typically receive the most sun exposure.
Health Risks Beyond Discomfort
Repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to more serious health problems in dogs, including:
Actinic dermatitis: long-term sun damage that causes thick, crusty skin
Skin cancer: particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which can develop from chronic sunburn
Infections: broken or blistered skin can become infected if untreated
How to Prevent Sunburn in Dogs
Limit Sun Exposure Avoid walking or exercising your dog during peak sun hours (11am–3pm). Opt for shaded routes or early morning and late evening outings.
Use Pet-Safe Sunscreen Apply a vet-approved sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Never use human sunscreen, especially those containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which are toxic to dogs.
Provide Shade and Cool Spaces Ensure your dog has access to shade, whether in the garden, at the beach, or while out on walks. Cooling mats or shaded beds are helpful at home.
Protective Clothing Consider lightweight sun-protective shirts or vests for dogs, particularly those with thin coats or medical conditions.
Don’t Shave Your Dog’s Coat While it’s tempting to clip a thick-coated dog in summer, their fur provides natural protection from UV rays. Trimming is fine, but avoid shaving down to the skin.
Hydration Is Key Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water to help them regulate body temperature.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sunburned
If you suspect your dog has sunburn:
Move them to a shaded or cool area immediately
Use a cool, damp cloth to soothe the skin
Avoid applying any creams without veterinary advice
Contact your vet if the sunburn looks severe or your dog seems distressed
Final Thoughts
While the UK climate might not be known for scorching sun, UV rays can still cause harm—especially during unexpected heatwaves or long summer days. By staying vigilant and taking simple preventive steps, you can keep your dog safe, happy, and sunburn-free all summer long.
Sunburn in Dogs: A Hidden Summer Risk and How UK Pet Owners Can Prevent It
As temperatures rise across the UK, many dog owners enjoy spending more time outdoors with their pets. But while most people understand the dangers of sunburn for themselves, far fewer realise that dogs, too, are at risk from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburn in dogs is not only painful—it can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Some dogs are more vulnerable to sunburn than others. Those with:
Even long-haired breeds can suffer if their coat is trimmed short in summer, exposing sensitive skin to the sun.
Signs of Sunburn in Dogs
Look out for:
These symptoms often appear on the ears, nose, and belly—areas that typically receive the most sun exposure.
Health Risks Beyond Discomfort
Repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to more serious health problems in dogs, including:
How to Prevent Sunburn in Dogs
Avoid walking or exercising your dog during peak sun hours (11am–3pm). Opt for shaded routes or early morning and late evening outings.
Apply a vet-approved sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose, ears, and belly. Never use human sunscreen, especially those containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which are toxic to dogs.
Ensure your dog has access to shade, whether in the garden, at the beach, or while out on walks. Cooling mats or shaded beds are helpful at home.
Consider lightweight sun-protective shirts or vests for dogs, particularly those with thin coats or medical conditions.
While it’s tempting to clip a thick-coated dog in summer, their fur provides natural protection from UV rays. Trimming is fine, but avoid shaving down to the skin.
Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water to help them regulate body temperature.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sunburned
If you suspect your dog has sunburn:
Final Thoughts
While the UK climate might not be known for scorching sun, UV rays can still cause harm—especially during unexpected heatwaves or long summer days. By staying vigilant and taking simple preventive steps, you can keep your dog safe, happy, and sunburn-free all summer long.
Let me know if you’d like a printable sun protection checklist for dogs, or dog-safe sunscreen brands available in the UK.