Can Dogs Get Sunburn? At-Risk Breeds and How to Protect Them

Yes, dogs can get sunburn. RSPCA Australia says that, just like us, pets can get sunburnt, and that sunburn can lead to conditions like skin cancer, particularly in white-haired dogs.¹ The dogs most at risk have white or light coats, pink skin and short or thin fur, and the usual trouble spots are the nose, ear tips, belly and groin.

Can dogs get sunburn in Australia?

They can, and our sun makes it more likely. A joint release from ARPANSA and Cancer Council notes that Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. In January, average UV Index values are forecast to be 11 or more across most of the country on clear-sky days.³ That sits in the Bureau of Meteorology's "Extreme" band, which runs from 11 upwards with no upper limit.⁴

Fur gives some shade, but it isn't a full suit of armour. Sun damage in dogs mainly affects thinly haired, lightly pigmented skin.^2,7

The UV Index, explained in 30 seconds

The Bureau of Meteorology's UV Index runs from 1 (Low) to 11 and above (Extreme), and sun protection is recommended once it reaches 3.⁴ The Bureau also publishes daily sun protection times: the window when the UV is forecast to be 3 or more where you live.^4,5

A few things catch people (and dogs) out:

• UV is not heat. You can still get sunburnt on cold or overcast days.⁴
• UV peaks at midday, even though the temperature often keeps climbing into the afternoon.⁴
• North is stronger. UV generally rises the further north you go.⁵ Of the capital cities, people in Brisbane and Darwin need sun protection all year round, and only Hobart and Melbourne have average winter maximums below 3.⁴

Which dogs are most at risk of sunburn?

Melanin, the pigment in dark skin and hair, helps block UV, so dogs with non-pigmented skin and white coats are more at risk than darker dogs.⁸

White or light coats with pink skin

VCA Animal Hospitals says solar dermatitis is more common in white-haired, short-coated breeds such as the American Staffordshire terrier, bull terrier, boxer, Dalmatian, beagle, Australian shepherd and whippet.² A veterinary dermatologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna adds the Dogo Argentino and white bulldogs to that list.⁶ Kansas State's veterinary diagnostic lab names pit bulls in the same group.⁷

Really, skin colour matters more than breed name. A mostly white Staffy with a pink belly is more exposed than a dark brindle one, and a white or pied Frenchie with pink skin under the white patches deserves extra care. If you can see pink skin through the fur, assume it can burn.

Short, thin or sparse coats

Short white fur lets sunlight straight through to the skin.⁹ Short-coated breeds with non-pigmented areas are more exposed than long-coated breeds, and dogs with very little hair, such as the Chinese Crested, are at risk too.⁸

Recently clipped or shaved dogs

The Vienna dermatologist warns that shorn fur lets UV reach sensitive skin.⁶ After a short summer clip or a surgical shave, treat that skin as exposed until the coat grows back.

Belly-up sunbakers

Lying belly-up in a sunny patch puts sparsely furred skin in direct sun.^6,9 Mar Vista Animal Medical Center adds that pale concrete reflects sunlight onto the belly even if your dog never rolls over.⁹

Dogs with a pink or fading nose

A pink nose is exposed every time your dog goes outside. But don't assume a nose that is losing colour is "just sunburn". The MSD Veterinary Manual says sun-related nose disease is probably rare and can be confused with immune conditions such as lupus, which also cause colour loss and sores.¹² Any nose change is worth a vet visit.

Where do dogs get sunburnt?

Dogs mostly burn where the fur is thinnest and the skin is palest.

Body area	Why it is exposed	What helps most
Nose and bridge of the nose	Little or no fur; often pink skin7,8	Shade, timing, vet-approved sunscreen
Ear tips and ear edges	Thin hair, often pale skin6,10	Shade, timing, vet-approved sunscreen
Eyelids and lips	Thin, often pale skin8,10	Shade and timing
Belly, groin, armpits and inner legs	Sparse fur; exposed by sunbaking and reflected light2,8,9	Shade, timing, a UPF rated shirt that covers the belly
Flanks and sides	Thinner coat in many short-haired dogs2,7	Shade, timing, a UPF rated shirt

What does sunburn on a dog look like?

Mild sunburn looks much like ours: red, warm, flaky skin that can be itchy or sore.⁶ You may only spot it during a belly rub, or when your dog keeps licking one area.

Watch for:

• red or pink skin on a pale area after time outdoors
• dry, flaky or peeling skin^2,6
• crusts or scabs, especially on the nose or ear tips²
• hair loss on sun-exposed patches⁶
• your dog flinching when you touch the area, or licking it a lot

When to see a vet

See your vet if a burn blisters, weeps or seems painful, or redness doesn't settle once your dog is out of the sun. Also get any longer-term change checked: crusts, sores that don't heal, thickened skin, lumps, or "blood blisters" that bleed easily, especially on the tummy.⁹

On a hot day, also think heatstroke. RSPCA Australia says it can be subtle but deadly, with signs like relentless panting, drooling, very red or pale gums and weakness. It is an emergency: cool your dog with tepid or cool (not ice-cold) water and get to a vet straight away.¹

Solar dermatitis in dogs: why repeated sunburn matters

The bigger worry is summer after summer of sun on the same patch of pink skin. VCA describes solar dermatitis as a skin disease caused by sun exposure. It often starts as redness and dryness that looks like sunburn, then progresses to crusted, ulcerated skin.² Over time the skin can thicken, scar or develop blackheads.⁸

The link with skin cancer

Veterinary sources link chronic sun damage with skin cancer in some dogs:

• VCA says solar dermatitis sometimes progresses to a malignant tumour called a squamous cell carcinoma at the same site.²
• Kansas State's diagnostic lab and Pet Poison Helpline both list haemangioma and haemangiosarcoma of the skin, alongside squamous cell carcinoma, as sun-induced growths found in dogs with chronic sun damage.^7,8
• Mar Vista notes that surgery is often curative when these skin tumours are caught early, but new ones can appear, so some dogs need regular skin checks.⁹

That doesn't mean every sunburnt dog will get cancer.⁶ It does mean preventing burns in high-risk dogs is worth the effort, and new or changing skin spots should always be checked by your vet. If your dog already has itchy, reactive skin, our guide to sensitive skin in dogs has more on what to look out for.

How to protect your dog from the sun

Sun protection for dogs is mostly about habits, not gear. Work through these in order.

1. Shade first, always

RSPCA Australia says keeping your pet in the shade as much as possible will help minimise the risk of sunburn.¹ Any dog spending time outdoors also needs a cool, well-ventilated shady spot and fresh water.¹ Shade moves through the day, so check the backyard at 1 pm, not just at breakfast. A shaded lawn also beats pale concrete, sand or water, which bounce UV back up onto the belly.^8,9

2. Walk and play outside the sun protection times

VCA suggests keeping at-risk dogs indoors between 10 am and 4 pm on sunny days.² The most useful local guide is the daily sun protection times for your town from the Bureau of Meteorology or the SunSmart app.^4,5 Early morning and evening walks suit pink-skinned dogs best, and keep paws off hot summer footpaths.

3. Use a dog-safe sunscreen on exposed spots (with your vet's OK)

Sunscreen can help on the nose, ear tips and other bare patches. VCA suggests applying it to thinly haired areas where your dog can't easily lick it off.² The catch is the ingredients.

• Avoid zinc oxide. The ASPCA advises choosing a pet sunscreen that doesn't contain zinc oxide, warning that repeated exposure can lead to zinc toxicity that damages red blood cells.¹⁰ Mar Vista also notes zinc oxide can be toxic if licked.⁹ Pet Poison Helpline says swallowing it more often causes a mild upset tummy than true poisoning, but there's no reason to take the chance.¹¹
• Watch for salicylates. These are related to aspirin. The ASPCA recommends a low concentration in any pet sunscreen.¹⁰ Pet Poison Helpline says aspirin-type ingredients can cause serious health problems for pets.¹¹
• Don't grab the family sunscreen. VCA says never to use a human sunscreen on your dog without checking with your vet first. Ask them to recommend a product.^2,12
• Reapply. Dogs lick, swim and rub, so apply before going out and reapply often.^8,12

4. Cover up with UPF rated clothing

VCA suggests a sunsuit or T-shirt for dogs at risk of sun damage, though clothing can't cover every at-risk spot.^2,8 It is most useful on the body, where sunscreen is hard to keep on.

A UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating tells you how much UV a fabric blocks. Under the Australian standard AS 4399:2020, UPF 50 falls in the top "excellent protection" category, which blocks about 98% of UV radiation.¹³ ARPANSA's advice for people applies to dogs too: never rely on clothing alone. Use it alongside shade and good timing.¹⁴ ARPANSA also notes that stretching a knitted fabric usually lowers its UPF because the gaps open up, so a good fit matters more than a tight one.¹⁴

To be straight with you: a shirt only protects what it covers. Our Red Gingham and Green Gingham rash shirts cover the body, but not the nose, ear tips or lower legs. Those spots still need shade, sensible timing and, if your vet recommends one, a dog-safe sunscreen. Check the size guide so the shirt sits comfortably without being stretched tight. Machine wash cold and air dry (see our guide to washing dog clothing).

Got a Frenchie? Heat is their other summer risk, so see our tips on keeping a French Bulldog cool in summer.

A quick Aussie sun-safety checklist for dogs

• Check the UV Index and sun protection times for your town each morning.⁴
• Walk early and late; keep midday outings short for pink-skinned dogs.
• Make sure there's shade and fresh water in the yard all day, not just in the morning.¹
• Discourage long belly-up sunbaking sessions, especially on pale concrete.⁹
• Use a vet-recommended, zinc-oxide-free dog sunscreen on the nose and ear tips.¹⁰
• Pop on a UPF rated shirt for beach, pool and park days, and take extra care after a short clip.^6,13
• Check the belly, nose and ear tips during cuddles and see your vet about any crusts, sores or lumps.
• Remember UV can be high on cool or cloudy days, and in Brisbane it's a year-round job.⁴

FAQs

Can dogs get sunburn through their fur?

Dense, dark fur gives decent protection, but short white fur lets sunlight through to the skin.⁹ Most sunburn happens where fur is thin or missing, such as the nose, ear tips and belly.⁸ Recently clipped dogs are more exposed too.⁶

Can I put human sunscreen on my dog?

Not without checking with your vet first.² Some human sunscreens contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which vet sources advise avoiding or keeping low in products for pets.^10,11 Your vet can recommend a dog-safe product.

Do black dogs get sunburnt?

It's much less common, because melanin helps block UV.⁸ But even a dark dog can have a pink nose or pale belly patch, so check those spots.

What is solar dermatitis in dogs?

It is skin disease caused by sun exposure, usually on pale, thinly haired skin. It starts with redness and dryness, can progress to crusts and ulcers, and sometimes leads to skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma.^2,7 See your vet about changes on sun-exposed skin.

Does a UPF 50 dog shirt stop skin cancer?

No shirt can promise that. UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UV on the skin it covers.¹³ So it helps reduce UV exposure on the back, sides and belly, but not on the nose or ears. Use it together with shade, good timing and regular skin checks.¹⁴

References

1. RSPCA Australia, Keeping your pet safe during the heat
2. VCA Animal Hospitals, Solar Dermatitis in Dogs
3. ARPANSA and Cancer Council, Cancer Council and ARPANSA stress importance of improved understanding as UV reaches extreme levels this summer
4. Bureau of Meteorology, About the UV Index
5. Cancer Council Australia, Do you only need sun protection if it is a hot, sunny day?
6. University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (via idw), Some dogs and cats prone to sunburn: How to protect your animal from skin damage
7. Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Canine Solar Dermatitis
8. Pet Poison Helpline, Sunburn in Companion Animals, Part 1: Cats and Dogs
9. Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, Actinic (Solar) Dermatitis
10. ASPCA, Pets and Sunscreen: Don't Get Burned by the Myths!
11. Pet Poison Helpline, Sunscreen Toxins
12. MSD Veterinary Manual, Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs
13. Cancer Council Australia, Sun protective clothing
14. ARPANSA, Sun protection using clothing