Most of the time, sunburn is thought to always be red, peeling skin after an extensive day at the beach. But it may surprise you to learn that dogs can be sunburned too. The harmful effects of ultraviolet, or UV, rays are experienced by dogs as well, especially among the breeds with short coats, pale-colored hairs, or hairless ones. Although fur protects somewhat against the natural sun, it is not always enough for some breeds in hot environments.
Sunburn among dogs is more than annoyingly irritating; it is linked to poor prognosis health effects, which may even include infections, damage from which the skin cannot heal, and skin cancer. Just a few realize that even four-legged friends require sun protection, like their human owners.
Which Dogs Are at the Greatest Risk?
Dogs can get sunburn, but some are more prone than others as per their body type. Breeds such as the Pit Bull and Boxer, which have short or thin coats, had less density of coat to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun. The hairless breeds section ranks highest in the risk for sunburn incidence, like Chinese Cresteds and American Hairless Terriers, having very little to no fur.
Burns are common for dogs that have white or light-colored fur and also pink or light-colored skin. They expose various areas of the body to sunlight as the belly, nose, ears, and parts with scars or surgical sites, because of the less protection.
Signs Your Dog Has a Sunburn
Sunburns aren't noticeable immediately, but there are some important signs that can be searched for, especially after a dog's exposure to the outdoors. They may include:
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Skin that is red or pink, most often on areas that were directly exposed
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Rough, dry, crusty patches that may exhibit peeling
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Sensitive and painful when touched
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Scratching, licking, or being more restless than usual
In more serious conditions, the skin could bleb; given the opening of sores, immediate veterinary intervention is mandatory.
Risks of Dog Sunburn
It may sound small, but sunburn on a dog can lead to serious health complications. Damaged skin will be more susceptible to invading infections because of active scratching or licking from the dog. Long-term injury entails repeated exposure to sunlight, increasing the likelihood of skin cancers after some time, particularly over these sites: the nose and ears.
Hence, pay proper attention to even slight indicators of sunburn.
Ways to Prevent Sunburn in Dogs:
Most sunburn is due to these precautions:
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Avoid the peak sun hours: Remain indoors or in the shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. because these are the hours when extreme amounts of the sun's rays come down.
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Use dog-safe sunscreen. The sunscreen must be applied on recommended vulnerable areas (i.e., the nose, tips of the ears, and the belly) by the vet. Avoid any products containing dog-toxic ingredients like zinc oxide or PABA.
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Shade with a constant supply of water: Always guarantee a shaded place for your dog to settle down, along with proper amounts of water for hydration.
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Protective gear: For dogs that remain outdoors for the greater part of their time or stay under the sun, it would be wise to consider getting UV shirts, hats, or vests for dogs to protect still-sensitive breeds.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Sunburned
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Prompt treatment of sunburn takes care of pain and averts complications.
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Get out of the sun immediately.
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Cool the skin with a compress or a cloth dampened with cool water.
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Then apply some aloe vera gel (dog-safe) or some other soothing balm as your vet recommended.
Your dog should be closely monitored. If the skin looks seriously burned or blistered, or your dog is acting in pain or distress, contact your veterinarian right away.
Conclusion
The fact is that sunburn in dogs is a real medical condition that can be prevented and should, hence, be taken seriously by all pet owners. Sunburn does not only apply to humans' skin. Our furry counterparts, especially those with short coats that are light in color or have specific spots where they do not have fur are equally exposed. Effects of sunburn can go beyond the skin and damage skin, then possible infections, and later even cancer.
Luckily, a little awareness and a few simple precautions will prevent you from denying your dog the chance to enjoy sunny days with you. By ensuring that you provide shade with pet-safe sunscreen while monitoring for signs of skin irritations, you are not doing skin safekeeping alone but are looking after the total welfare of your dog.
