Can Dogs Get Sunburnt? What Every UK Owner Needs to Know This Summer

I'll be honest with you — for years, I had no idea dogs could get sunburnt. It wasn't until a friend's lovely white bull terrier came back from a day in the garden with a bright pink tummy that I realised our dogs need sun protection too. ☀️

And with the summers we've been having lately, it's something every UK dog owner deserves to know about.

So let's get straight to it.

Yes — Dogs Really Can Get Sunburnt

Just like us, dogs have skin that can be damaged by the sun's UV rays. Their fur offers some natural protection, but it's far from complete — and some dogs have barely any protection at all.

Sunburn in dogs looks much like it does in people: pink or red skin that's tender to the touch, sometimes with dryness, flaking or, in bad cases, blistering. And just like with us, repeated sunburn over the years can lead to more serious skin problems, including skin cancers.

The good news? Protecting your dog is simple once you know what to look for. 💛

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Some dogs catch the sun far more easily than others. Your dog is at higher risk if they have:

🐶 White or light-coloured fur — think white Staffies, Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, white Boxers and light-coated Frenchies

🐶 Thin or short coats — Whippets, Greyhounds and other fine-coated breeds have very little natural barrier

🐶 Pink skin or pink noses — pigment offers protection, so pale skin burns faster

🐶 Hairless or clipped areas — freshly groomed dogs, surgical shave patches, or naturally hairless breeds

🐶 A love of sunbathing — you know the ones. Belly up, on the patio, for hours. 😅

The most vulnerable spots on any dog are the nose, ear tips, belly, groin and any area where fur is thin — these are the places to check after a sunny day.

The Signs of Sunburn in Dogs

Keep an eye out for:

🔍 Pink or red skin, especially on the ears, nose or belly 🔍 Skin that feels warm and tender when touched 🔍 Your dog flinching or licking at a particular spot 🔍 Dry, cracked or flaking skin in the days afterwards 🔍 In more serious cases, blistering or hair loss around the area

If you spot mild pinkness, move your dog into the shade and keep the area cool. If the skin blisters, breaks or your dog seems in real discomfort, it's always worth a call to your vet. 🩺

How to Protect Your Dog in the Sun

Here's the lovely part — keeping your dog safe doesn't mean missing out on summer. A few small habits make all the difference:

1. Time your walks wisely 🕐

The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm. Early morning and evening walks are kinder on their skin — and their paws, as pavements can get painfully hot in a heatwave too.

2. Make shade the default ⛱️

Whether it's a parasol in the garden or a shady spot on a day out, make sure your dog always has somewhere cool to retreat to. Most dogs will seek shade when they need it — but the dedicated sunbathers sometimes need encouraging!

3. Use a pet-safe sunscreen 🧴

For high-risk dogs, a dog-specific sunscreen on the nose, ear tips and belly is a brilliant idea on sunny days. One important warning though: never use human sunscreen on dogs. Many human formulas contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to dogs if licked — and licking is guaranteed. Your vet or pet shop can recommend a safe canine formula.

4. Give them a cool place to rest 🧊

Sunburn and overheating tend to go hand in hand — a dog that's too warm will flop down anywhere, including in full sun. A cooling mat placed in a shaded spot gives them somewhere genuinely comfortable to rest, drawing their body heat away as they lie on it. Our Superior Cooling Pet Mat needs no water, gel or electricity — just lay it down in the shade and let them settle. It's available in six colours and six sizes, from XS right up to XXL for the biggest of best friends. 🐾

5. Keep water topped up 💧

Fresh, cool water at all times — it helps their whole body cope with the heat, skin included.

6. Don't clip too close in summer ✂️

It's tempting to give thick-coated dogs a very short summer cut, but their coat actually provides insulation and sun protection. Ask your groomer for a trim that keeps a protective layer rather than a full shave-down.

A Quick Word on Cats 🐱

Cat owners — this applies to your feline friends too! White cats and those with pale ears and noses are particularly prone to sunburn, and sadly ear-tip skin damage is something vets see in sun-loving cats every summer. The same rules apply: shade, cool resting spots and pet-safe sun protection for the vulnerable bits.

The Bottom Line

Dogs absolutely can get sunburnt — but with shade, sensible timing, a cool spot to rest and a little pet-safe sunscreen for the high-risk ones, there's no reason your dog can't enjoy every golden moment of a British summer safely. ☀️🐾

Because summer should be full of happy memories — for both ends of the lead.

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Ready to keep your best friend cool this summer? Our Superior Cooling Pet Mat is part of our Summer Sale — up to 35% off, automatically applied at checkout, with FREE UK shipping on orders over £24.99. 🛒💛