To protect your dog from sunburn, follow the same measures you use yourself – stay in the shade where you can, try to avoid exposure in peak sunny hours, and cover up as much as possible. For added security, try the following:
Sunscreen
When you know it’s unlikely your pup will stay out of the sun the whole day, we recommend safeguarding against sunburn with sunscreen, particularly on the sensitive spots.
Because some of the chemicals in human sunscreen can be harmful for your dog when ingested, it’s best to find a doggie-specific sunscreen if you can. Dogs have a tendency to lick off their sunscreen, and specialist sunscreens are formulated so that they’re not harmful if this happens. Some doggie sunscreens are also particularly difficult to lick off, meaning you’re not constantly reapplying. PetKin have a great range of dog sunscreen products including a mist, sun sticks and wipes all designed to keep your furry friend safe from the sun.
Clothing
If your dog doesn’t mind being dressed up, clothing that protects against UV rays could be an option to consider. Just keep in mind the extra layer will be like us wearing a jumper in the height of summer, so watch for any signs of overheating. The EzyDog 50+ UV rash vest is perfect for taking your pooch swimming in summer and protecting them from the heat.
Avoid over-grooming or shaving
You may look at your dog’s thick coat and worry that it’s too much for warm weather, but a dog’s coat is actually an important natural protector against the sun. Any area of their body with less or no hair is far more susceptible to sunburn, and shaving your dog’s coat in summer can expose ‘virgin’ skin that is even more prone to burning.
Signs of sunburn
Symptoms of sunburn in dogs are similar to those in humans – their skin will look pink or red, and may feel dry or leathery. Dogs don’t usually develop blisters as humans do, but they will be experiencing similar pain and discomfort from the burn.