Does your dog need sunscreen? Which breeds are most susceptible to burns — and how to protect them

New York Post

2 days ago

Hot dogs won't be the only ones roasting this Fourth of July weekend.
While you're flipping franks and catching rays, your furry friend might be getting fried — and too much sun can bring some seriously ruff consequences.
But don't sweat it: The Post fetched expert advice from two veterinarians on how to keep your pooch cool, safe and tail-wagging all summer long — including how to avoid a well-meaning but potentially 'toxic' mistake.
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6 Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells quickly, including in dogs.
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Can dogs get a sunburn?
Yes, so paw-lease be careful out there.
'Dogs can get a sunburn on areas of their body with less hair, such as the bridge of their nose,' said Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director of community medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) eastern region.
Other areas that are vulnerable to the sun include the ears, belly, tail and eyelids.
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Are certain breeds more at risk?
'Dogs that have minimal to no hair covering their bodies are more predisposed to have sunburns,' said Dr. Timnah Lee, the medical director of Seaport Animal Hospital and Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital.
Think: American hairless terriers, Chinese crested and Xoloitzcuintli.
But it's not just the hairless crew who can suffer from sun damage.
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'Those with short hair, thin coats, light colored fur, or pale skin are also at a greater risk of sunburn — just like people,' Bierbrier said.
6 Some dogs are at higher risk of sunburn due to their thin fur coat.
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That includes Dalmatians, collies, Weimaraners, bulldogs, boxers, pit bulls, whippets and greyhounds.
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Even fluffy breeds like huskies, German shepherds and Golden Retrievers aren't off the hook, since seasonal shedding can leave them more exposed to the sun's rays.
And before you reach for the clippers, think twice. While it might seem like shaving your furry friend would help them cool off, Bierbrier warned that it can actually do more harm than good.
'A dog's coat keeps them from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps them from overheating in the summer,' she explained.
'Shaving your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort, overheating and other serious dangers like sunburn or skin cancer.'
6 Sun protective clothing can shield your dog from harmful UV rays.
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How do I keep my pup safe in the sun?
'On those more susceptible dogs, I recommend a doggy sunscreen on their bodies and face,' Lee said. 'Remember to reapply like you do for yourself.'
Pet-friendly sunscreens come in a variety of forms. The AKC suggests choosing water-resistant, unscented formulas with an SPF of at least 30.
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'It is extremely important that you use the sunscreen designated for pets only, as human sunscreens can be toxic,' Bierbrier warned.
Certain ingredients in human products — like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid — can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, even zinc toxicity or liver damage if ingested.
'Sun shirts are also available to put on your pet to protect their skin,' Bierbrier noted. 'Also, avoiding the sun at the highest temperature points on the day is advised.'
6 For severe sunburns, experts recommend seeking veterinary care.
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How can you tell if your dog's been burned?
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'Sunburns can be different in each pet depending on their coloring and how often they were exposed to the sun,' Bierbrier said.
'Similar to humans, dogs can get red skin that is tender to the touch. The skin may be inflamed, flakey or blistered,' she added. 'Your pet may also show signs of dehydration.'
Dehydration symptoms in dogs include dry, sticky gums, loss of skin elasticity, heavy panting, sunken eyes, lethargy, decreased appetite and darker or reduced urine output, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
6 Sunburn can be exacerbated by hot weather and dehydration.
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My dog has a sunburn — now what?
If your pooch is pink, don't panic.
'Consult your veterinarian if you believe your pet has a sunburn,' Lee advised.
'We don't always want to put aloe on them like we do for ourselves, as they can lick it off, and sometimes that can create an upset tummy,' she added.
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For more serious burns, Bierbrier said vets may prescribe medicated ointments. But for milder cases, there are easy at-home treatments, like oatmeal baths.
'Keeping your pet well hydrated is extremely important,' she noted. 'Cold compresses can also help relieve the inflamed skin.'
6 Pet sunscreens come in sprays, lotions, balms and wipes.
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Can sunburn lead to skin cancer in dogs?
'It can, but since dogs have fur, their skin is overall better protected than humans from the risk of skin cancer,' Bierbrier said.
Still, it's important to stay alert, since skin cancer in dogs is often treatable when caught early.
'Monitor the skin for any new growths, especially if they grow rapidly,' Bierbrier said. 'A veterinarian can test the growth to determine if the growths are cancerous or benign.'
But skin cancer isn't the only reason to be cautious about letting your dog soak up too many rays.
Besides being painful, sunburns damage the skin's protective barrier, making your pup more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections.
It can also worsen other conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and dermatitis, according to the AKC.