- Dr. Nicole Gaither
- Mar 2
- 7 min read
Have you ever heard of sunburn on dogs? Some dogs are at a greater risk of sunburn than others, but it is possible for any dog to get a sunburn under the right conditions.
In the article below, we’ll explain:
The symptoms of sunburn on dogs
Which dog breeds are more susceptible to sunburn
Facts about dog sunscreen protection
How to recognize when a sunburn may be an emergency for your pet
With this information, you should be ready to respond if your pet suffers from a sunburn.
If you think your dog may be having an emergency situation due to being sunburned, or if you have any other concerns about their health, contact an emergency vet right away. At VEG ER for Pets, you can call and speak directly with a vet anytime, day or night.
Symptoms of sunburn on dogs
It’s important for you to know the symptoms of sunburn on dogs so that you know if your pet needs help. If you notice any of these symptoms or you’re not sure what to do, contact our emergency veterinarians at VEG to find out if your pet needs any special care to help with this condition.
Common ways to know if your dog has sunburn
Dog's sunburned skin is turning pink or red
Affected skin may turn pink or deep red. Just like many humans who get sunburned, a dog’s skin will change color when burned. Pink indicates a mild sunburn, while deep red indicates a more severe one. These skin changes are some of the first signs you may notice when it comes to sunburn in your dog. Typically, burns will also worsen over the course of several hours to days. What you see initially likely won’t be the full extent of the damage.
Your dog's is dry and flakey
Skin may become dry and flaky, much like a human’s sunburn. After a few days, the skin affected by the sunburn will dry out and become very flaky. Typically sunburns are not itchy, but some dogs will chew and scratch at the affected skin. Beware, chewing or scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Monitor the flaking skin closely, as you want to catch and treat these infections quickly.
Sunburned areas of dog's skin could blister
Some skin may develop blisters that will eventually pop. Blisters are a sign of a moderate sunburn on dogs. They are not an emergency, but they can let you know that your dog is burned a bit worse than a regular sunburn. You should keep a close eye on him and keep him strictly inside for a few days. If there are a lot of blisters, they have pus material inside them, or they are painful, bring your dog to a veterinarian right away.
Dogs will severe sunburn can develop fevers
Some dogs may run a low fever with a moderate to severe sunburn. If your dog has a fever associated with a sunburn, bring him to a veterinarian for assessment and further treatment including possible fluid therapy.
Make sure your dog is staying hydrated while recovering from a sunburn. Give him small chips of ice along with fresh, clean water often.
What to do if you think your dog has sunburn:
Early intervention is crucial if you think your dog may have sustained a sunburn while outside. After bringing your pup indoors or to a shaded area, we recommend applying a cool (not ice-cold) compress to the affected area and giving them plenty of water to drink in order to cool down and rehydrate. Do not use sunburn remedies intended for humans without veterinary approval, as many contain ingredients that may be toxic to your pet.
Continue to monitor your dog for the next 48 hours for any symptoms mentioned above, including:
Skin discoloration
Flaking
Peeling
Blisters
It's important to note that severe sunburn in dogs can escalate to something more serious, including dehydration and bacterial infections. If your dog has collapsed, is vomiting or panting, or has any change in behavior or cognition, contact an emergency vet right away.
Dog sunscreen protection
You can help protect your pup from sunburn by applying a sunscreen, but only use one that is specially-formulated for dogs. Not adhering to this safety advice can lead to emergencies like zinc toxicity, which will put your dog’s health at risk.
You’ll also want to get a sunscreen that’s free of fragrances and in a non-staining formula. In addition to applying dog-safe sunscreen to areas with furless areas and spots with only a little fur, be sure to apply to other areas exposed to the sun, like their nose and ears.
Read the bottle carefully, as there may be a recommended wait time before going out into the sunshine with your dog. Speak with your primary care veterinarian for dog-safe sunscreen application advice, and remember:
Sunscreen for humans should never be applied to pets.
5 ways to avoid sunburn on dogs:
To reduce your dog’s risk of getting sunburn while outside:
Limit outdoor exposure during peak sun hours (10AM–4PM)
Provide shaded areas for your dog
Consider UV-protective clothing for light-coated dogs
Be extra cautious after your dog has been groomed or shaved
Dogs who have burned once may be more sensitive to sun exposure in the future. Repeat sunburns can lead to more serious, long-term effects, such as solar dermatitis and an increased risk of skin cancer in dogs.
Dog breeds at higher risk for sunburn
It's important to note that any dog can get sunburned on exposed parts of the body and areas with thin or no fur, including the nose, mouth, belly, ear tips, and insides of the ears. Yet some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others.
3 types of dogs with high risk of getting sunburned are:
Short-haired and hairless dogs are prone to sunburn
Dogs who have short fur (think: Pinscher, Pug, Doberman, Great Dane) or no fur at all (like Chinese Crested Dog or American Hairless Terrier) are at a greater risk of sunburn than those who are covered in fur.
Consider your dog's coat, or lack thereof, before letting them outdoors for any amount of time. Sunscreen for dogs may help protect your dog from the sun, but is not foolproof. It's best to limit time in the sunshine or avoid it altogether and let your dog out during early morning before the sun is strong, or after sunset.
2. Fair-skinned dogs are at risk of sunburn
Dogs who have very fair or very pink skin underneath their coats are at a higher risk of sunburn. Take precautions when letting your dog out in the yard or taking a trip with your doggo on a sunny day. Limit time in the sun and consider using dog sunscreen.
Dogs that are likely considered fair skinned have fur that is white, cream, or light coats and the skin underneath their fur is pink.
Some fair-skinned breeds include:
• Bichon Frise
• Bull Terrier
• Great Pyrenees
• Maltese
• Pomeranian
• West Highland White Terrier
• White Poodle
Dogs who are often outside can be prone to sunburn
Any dog who spends a lot of time outdoors, even on an overcast day, is more likely to be sunburned than those who do not. See our advice below to avoid risk of sunburn on your dog.
When is sunburn on dogs an emergency?
A dog's sunburn isn’t always an emergency situation. If it’s a mild case, then you typically don’t have to worry about taking them to the emergency vet and can consult your primary care vet. However, there are instances where a sunburn can lead to an emergency and your pet will need immediate care.
A sunburn on dogs is considered an emergency when your dog’s skin turns dark red or purple, if their skin is oozing pus, if they have stopped eating and drinking, if they’ve become dehydrated, or if they’re showing signs of being in pain.
When dog's skin turns dark red or purple
If your dog’s skin turns very dark red to deep purple, this is a sign of a severe sunburn. This is one of the earliest signs of a more serious sunburn on dogs. It means the skin has been burned much worse than a regular sunburn, and it signifies that your dog may have other serious problems as a result.
Go to the nearest emergency vet to receive treatment and wound dressings before the problem worsens.
When dog's sunburned skin has blisters and is oozing pus
Sunburns that ooze pus along with blisters are severe. Pus is a sign that the skin has become infected and has moved past the point of being just a sunburn.
While blisters are a moderate symptom, anything else oozing from your dog’s sunburn requires an immediate trip to the emergency vet to diagnose and treat. If left untreated, infections could lead to life-threatening sepsis.
When your dog becomes dehydrated
Another case when a sunburn on dogs is an emergency is when they become dehydrated. Dogs who show signs of dehydration along with sunburn may be at risk of a more severe problem.
Dehydration is one of the bigger risks of severe sunburn and can be fatal if left untreated for too long. If your dog is growing weak and lethargic following a serious sunburn, go to the emergency vet as soon as possible.
When pain prevents your dog from moving
Dogs who are in so much pain they cannot move well have a severe sunburn. All sunburns are likely to be painful for a few days, but if your dog is crying, whining, yelping, or seems to be unable to move much without causing severe pain, it’s time to see an emergency vet.
Contact VEG emergency animal hospital to help your dog's sunburn
Sunburn is not often severe enough to require a trip to the emergency vet, but certain conditions may cause it to become serious quickly. If you notice severe redness, blistering, swelling, pain, lethargy, or unusual behavior after sun exposure, don’t ignore it—early detection and treatment make recovery easier for your dog and help prevent complications.
If you’re concerned about sunburn on dogs or have more questions about this condition, call or visit any of our VEG anmial hospital locations to speak directly with an emergency veterinarian. Our team is available 24/7 to provide expert advice and compassionate care, so you get peace of mind and your pet gets the treatment they need.
