Avoid sunburn: Understand the top 5 reasons for doggy sunscreen

Your dog needs sunscreen if he has light-colored hair or nose, spends a lot of time outdoors, or has any bald spots.

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays and can experience sunburns, rashes, and sun allergies—even worse, prolonged exposure cause your dog to develop skin cancer.

From prickling sensation and itching to the dangers of skin cancer, pets are also vulnerable to these skin conditions when exposed to intense sun rays.

Thus, your dog needs sunscreen to be protected against these harmful rays.

And, if you think your pet does not require sun protection, discover the risk factors to understand the most common reasons why your dog needs sunscreen.

Short hair

Some dogs have naturally short hair, and if you have a short-haired dog breed who loves to enjoy beach parties or basking under the sun, you should consider using sunscreen to protect your dog.

If you shave your dog’s coat in the summer, you must protect your pup by considering how much time your dog spends under the sun.

You might not know dogs with short coats tend to get sunburns more than their long-haired counterparts.        

Light-colored nose

If your dog has a light-colored nose, you need to consider protecting that nose from the sun’s harmful rays. Using a nose balm provides that light-colored nose extra protection. 

Bald spot

Has your dog undergone any surgery? Is he bald or has a bare belly? If the answer to these is “YES,” your dog will need sunscreen.

When your dog stays under the sun for more than 15 minutes, never miss applying a layer of pet sunscreen to prevent sunburn.

Spending time outside

Does your dog love to spend most of the time outdoors? Does he enjoy the whole day on the beach, hiking the trails, roaming in the woods, splashing in the pool, or kayaking?

If so, your dog needs sunscreen. Never leave him outside uncovered for long periods.

And, just like with humans, apply sunscreen often, especially after swimming or exercise.

A white coat

Is your dog as white as snow, or have a light-colored coat? Then, using sunscreen is a must. Light-colored hair dogs are normally highly susceptible to skin conditions due to sun exposure. Thus, use sunscreen regularly on your furry pal and never skip covering them when outdoors. 

Sunscreen safety

Sunscreen plays a natural part in protecting your furry companion against sun-related skin conditions. However, there is always the question of how safe sunscreens are for your pet.

From a few selected and clinically proven sunscreens recommended by the vet and animal health communities. Types of sunscreen include a nose balm, sunscreen spray, or wipes. 

If your dog is in the water, consider water-resistant sunscreen.

Owners see the need for sunscreen

A 2023 survey of 2,000 U.S. pet owners conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Merck Animal Health discovered 15% apply sunblock to their pets.

From a few selected and clinically proven sunscreens recommended by the vet and animal health communities. Options to consider include a nose balm, sunscreen spray, or wipes. 

Over half make sure their animals have access to fresh water (59%) and fans or air conditioning (54%), while almost half check for fleas and ticks (47%), as well as limit outdoor activities and time spent outside (46%).

Jamie Hytten is a Birmingham-based content writer with vast experience writing content regarding pets and their healthcare. He has ghostwritten for many top pet care sites over the past decade. Besides writing, he loves spending time with his family and pet dogs.