Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society

Humans are accustomed to protecting their skin from the sun. Applying and reapplying sunscreen, avoiding the outdoors during certain times of the day, and drinking plenty of water while outside are ways people can safely soak up summer sun. But what about dogs? Should dog owners be equally protective of their four-legged friends before letting them run around in the backyard or fraternize with fellow canines at the nearest dog park?

According to the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, dogs can get sunburned just like their human counterparts. Sunburn can make dogs more vulnerable to certain types of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, and hemangiomas, and can exacerbate preexisting conditions like autoimmune disorders and dermatitis.

Some dogs may be especially vulnerable. While no dog is immune to sunburn, some are more vulnerable than others, particularly hairless breeds that require sun protection whenever they are outside for extended periods of time. Dogs with white or thin coats, and those with light-pigmented noses and eyelids are vulnerable to sunburn. Dogs with thick coats are also not immune to sunburn, as many shed their coats during especially warm weather, increasing their vulnerability to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

What dog owners can do. Dogs can benefit from sunscreen just like their owners. However, it is important to use dog-specific sunscreens on your furry friends. Dog owners should avoid applying sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA, to their dogs, as they can be toxic when ingested. Ingestion is likely as dogs typically try to lick their skin after sunscreen has been applied, so it is important to take this warning very seriously. It is also recommended that you use waterproof sunscreens with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

Don’t just go all in. Before applying sunscreen to a dog’s entire body, pick an area to apply a small amount. Then wait a little while to see if the sunscreen causes an allergic reaction. If it does, wash the product off with water, and do not allow the dog to spend a lot of time outdoors until you find a product that works and does not cause an allergic reaction. If the dog is not allergic, apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside, keeping a watchful eye on your pooch to be sure he or she does not lick it off. Apply the product anywhere pigment is light, making sure to get vulnerable areas like the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and skin around the lips, groin, and inner thighs. Reapply after the dog goes swimming, and every four to six hours whether the dog has gone swimming or not.

Dogs are vulnerable to sunburn just like humans. Dog owners must protect their furry friends whenever spending time outdoors.

The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is comprised of 75+ small animal hospitals and 220+ practitioners in Erie and Niagara counties. The society advances public awareness and understanding of appropriate and compassionate pet health, veterinary services, and the veterinary profession.