Updated May 2026
Yes, dogs can get sunburn.
It is easy to think their coat protects them from everything, but that is not always the case. Some dogs have thin coats, pale skin, white patches, exposed noses, sensitive ears or areas where the fur is sparse. Those areas can burn in strong sunlight.
I see this as part of summer dog safety, not just a beach-day problem. Dogs can get too hot on local walks, in gardens, by sunny windows, and on long days out. Around Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central and Muswell Hill, I adjust walks during warm weather so dogs are not pushed through heat they do not need to be in.
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This article is for general information only and does not replace veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog’s health, behaviour or safety, contact your vet.
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Can dogs get sunburn?
Yes. Dogs can burn in the sun, especially where the coat is thin or the skin is exposed.
The most common areas are:
Nose
Ear tips
Belly
Inner thighs
Eyelids
Lips
Areas with bald patches
White or pale patches of skin
Sunburn is painful. Repeated sun damage can also increase the risk of skin problems, including some types of skin cancer. PDSA notes that sun damage can be linked to squamous cell carcinoma, especially in exposed areas such as ear tips, noses, and eyelids.
Which dogs are most at risk?
Any dog can get sunburn, but some are more vulnerable.
Extra care is needed with:
Dogs with white or light-coloured coats
Dogs with pale or pink skin
Dogs with thin coats
Dogs with bald patches
Dogs who have been clipped too short
Hairless breeds
Dogs with scars or exposed skin
Dogs who like lying in direct sunlight
Older dogs who may not move away from heat quickly
Dogs with skin conditions
White ears and pink noses are two areas I would pay close attention to.
Flat-faced dogs, older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with breathing issues also need extra care in warm weather because they are at greater risk of overheating. That is a separate problem from sunburn, but the two often happen in the same conditions.
Where do dogs usually get sunburn?
Dogs usually burn where there is little fur to protect the skin.
Check:
The bridge of the nose
Ear tips and ear edges
Around the eyes
The belly
The groin area
The inside of the legs
The end of the tail
Any clipped, shaved or bald areas
A dog lying on their back in the garden can expose its belly and inner thighs. A dog walking in strong sunlight may have its nose, ears, and face exposed for longer than you realise.
Some dogs also lie in sunny patches indoors. PDSA advises that pets can still be affected by UV rays through many regular windows, so dogs who sunbathe indoors may still need protection.
Signs of sunburn in dogs
Signs can look similar to sunburn in people.
You may notice:
Red skin
Skin that feels warm or sore
Flaking or dry skin
Itching
Crusting
Blisters
A dog pulling away when touched
Whimpering or discomfort
Licking or scratching the area
Ear edges looking sore or curled
A dog seeming quiet or unsettled
If the skin is blistered, very red, weeping, cracked, painful, or your dog seems unwell, contact your vet.
Do not wait to see if severe burns settle on their own. PDSA advises that severe sunburn should be checked by a vet straight away.
Can I use human sunscreen on my dog?
Use a pet-safe sunscreen.
Do not assume your own sun cream is safe for your dog. Some human sunscreen ingredients can be harmful if licked or swallowed. PDSA warns that zinc oxide and PABA should be avoided because they are toxic to pets.
Choose a product made for pets, or ask your vet which one is suitable.
A good dog sunscreen should usually be:
Pet-safe
SPF30 or higher
Waterproof
Suitable for sensitive skin
Safe for areas such as the ears and nose
Harder for dogs to lick off where possible
Vet Q & A – Does my pet need sunscreen
How to apply sunscreen to your dog
Start slowly, especially if your dog is nervous about handling.
Apply a small amount to one area first and check for any reaction. PDSA suggests testing a small area and waiting 24 hours before wider use.
When applying it:
Use clean hands.
Apply a thin layer to exposed pale or thin-furred areas.
Focus on the ears, nose and belly.
Avoid the eyes.
Distract your dog afterwards so they do not lick it straight off.
Reapply as directed on the product.
Ask your vet if your dog has sensitive skin or a skin condition.
For dogs who dislike having their face touched, build this up gently. Touch the area without cream first, reward calm behaviour, and keep sessions short.
How to help prevent dog sunburn
Prevention is much easier than treatment.
The most useful steps are simple:
Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
Avoid the strongest sun.
Choose shade where possible.
Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas.
Do not clip your dog’s coat too short without advice.
Make sure your dog has fresh water.
Give access to shade indoors and outdoors.
Avoid long periods of sunbathing.
Use a cooling mat or shaded rest area when helpful.
The RSPCA advises pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin such as ear tips and noses, especially for white or light-coloured dogs. They also advise shade, fresh water and walking at cooler times of day.
Around Finchley, this may mean choosing a shorter shaded sniff walk rather than a long pavement walk. Coldfall Woods and parts of Cherry Tree Wood can offer shade, but they are not a free pass to walk in unsafe heat. Dogs can still overheat in shaded areas when the weather is warm and humid.
EXTERNAL LINK: RSPCA hot weather dog advice – place here
What to do if your dog gets sunburnt
If you think your dog has mild sunburn:
Move them out of the sun.
Keep them indoors or in deep shade.
Stop them from licking or scratching the area if you can do so safely.
Use a cool, wrapped compress to apply to the skin gently.
Offer fresh water.
Contact your vet for advice if you are unsure.
Do not put ice directly on the skin. Do not apply human aftersun, essential oils or home remedies without checking that they are safe for dogs.
Call your vet straight away if:
The skin is blistered.
The skin is weeping or cracked.
Your dog is in pain.
Your dog seems unwell.
The sunburn covers a large area.
Some sores do not heal.
Your dog has signs of heatstroke.
You are worried.
Sunburn, hot pavements and heatstroke
Sunburn is not the only summer risk.
On hot days, I also think about:
Hot pavements
Heatstroke
Dehydration
Overexertion
Lack of shade
Dogs being left in cars
Dogs are being pushed to walk when they would be safer resting
Dogs Trust advises checking tarmac with the five-second test and walking at cooler times of day. They also warn that older, overweight, flat-faced dogs and dogs with breathing difficulties need particular care.
Signs of heatstroke can include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, wobbliness, collapse and vomiting. The RSPCA advises contacting a vet immediately if signs of heatstroke are seen. (RSPCA)
How I adapt dog walks in hot weather
For my own dog walking clients, I do not see hot weather as something to push through.
If the weather is too warm, I may suggest:
An earlier walk
A shorter walk
A shaded sniff walk
A comfort break rather than a full walk
Indoor enrichment
A garden visit if suitable
A change of route
Cancelling or adjusting a walk for safety
This is one reason I prefer calm one-to-one walks from the dog’s own front door. There is no van full of dogs. No group pressure. No need to keep walking because several dogs have different needs.
For nervous, older, rescue or reactive dogs, this matters even more. Heat can make dogs less tolerant, more tired and more easily overwhelmed.
Finchley Dog Walker Extreme Weather
calm one-to-one dog walks in Finchley
Quick summer sunburn checklist
Before heading out, ask:
Is the sun strong?
Is the pavement safe?
Can I walk earlier or later?
Is there shade?
Does my dog have pale, thin or exposed skin?
Do I need pet-safe sunscreen?
Do I have water?
Would a shorter walk be kinder?
Would enrichment at home be safer today?
A missed walk is better than a painful burn or an overheated dog.
Product notes
A few summer items can help, but they do not replace common sense.
Useful items may include:
Pet-safe dog sunscreen
A collapsible water bowl
A cooling mat
A basic dog first aid kit
A lightweight shade option for the garden rest
Related guides
You may also find these useful:
Walking your dog in summer
Dog and Cat Care Guides Hub
Hot weather walking policy
Hot weather dog kit
FAQs
Yes. Dogs can get sunburn, especially on the nose, ears, belly and other areas where the fur is thin, or the skin is exposed.
Dogs with white coats, pale skin, thin coats, bald patches, short clips, or exposed skin are at greater risk.
It is safer to use pet-safe sunscreen. Some human sunscreens contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs if licked or swallowed.
Focus on exposed areas such as ear tips, nose, belly and pale or thin-furred patches. Avoid the eyes and ask your vet if your dog has sensitive skin.
Move your dog out of the sun, keep them comfortable, use a cool wrapped compress if appropriate, and contact your vet if the burn looks painful, blistered, cracked, weeping or severe.
Yes, it can happen. Dogs who lie in sunny window spots may still be exposed to UV rays, so keep an eye on dogs who like to sunbathe indoors.
Not without proper advice from your vet. A coat can offer some protection from the sun. Clipping too short can increase the risk of sunburn for some dogs.
No. Sunburn affects the skin. Heatstroke affects the whole body and can be life-threatening. Both can happen in hot, sunny weather, so take signs of either seriously.
If you are looking for calm, one-to-one dog walks in Finchley, North Finchley, East Finchley, Finchley Central or Muswell Hill, I always put the dog’s welfare first. In warm weather, that may mean changing the time, route or length of a walk.
Please take a moment to check out my services or send me a WhatsApp on 07707 763344
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