Summer is a great time to play outside with your dog, but if you don’t want to interrupt the fun with an unplanned trip to a veterinary hospital, watch out for sunburns. Although your four-legged friends are covered in fur or hair, dogs can get sunburned, too. To protect your dog, keep yourself informed about the below answers to the most commonly asked questions about sunburn. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs and Sunburns

What are the symptoms of sunburns for dogs?

The stomach, ears, and nose are a dog’s thinnest and least protected areas of skin, so they’re the most likely to show signs of sunburn. Like human skin, they may look reddish, scaly, bumpy, or cracked, and your dog may shy away from being touched in those areas. They might also try to lick or scratch the burned areas frequently. The tips of the ears may curl, too. Severe burns could even bleed or cause your dog to have a fever, warranting a trip to a veterinary hospital or emergency vet.

What dogs are most prone to sunburns?

Dogs with light-colored hair or fur will also have fair skin beneath it, making them more susceptible to sunburns. No matter their color, dogs with little or thin hair naturally have less protection, so they may burn easily. Skin infections or diseases will make any dog more sensitive to sunburns.

How should a dog’s sunburns be treated?

Head to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. The specialists can diagnose the severity of the burns and will likely prescribe the daily application of topical medication and cleaning. Since sunburns can also put your dog at risk for skin cancer, a veterinarian can examine and treat them for any damage that could result in a more serious condition. 

How can sunburns be prevented for dogs?

Go for walks either early in the morning or late in the evening so that the sun isn’t as intense and the pavement is less likely to burn your dog’s paws. Keep them cool and shielded from direct sunlight by providing shade wherever you go. On days when you anticipate being in the sun for hours at a time, stop by a veterinary hospital first to get sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs and slather it on their most exposed areas every four to six hours. If you’re going to the beach or the park, bring an umbrella. If your dog will tolerate it, put a sun hat on them as well.

With locations in Keene Estates and Oak Forest in Columbia, MO, Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital provides a veterinary hospital equipped to treat any dog’s sunburn. They also offer pet grooming that may help your dog stay comfortable without becoming too exposed to the sun. Should your dog have any other needs, such as spaying, neutering, or pet laser surgery, they’re prepared to help with compassion and expertise. To check their availability, call the Keene Estates location at (573) 449-3791 or the Oak Forest location at (573) 449-7387, or message either of them online.