Can Dogs Get Sunburn? Signs, Risks, and Safety Tips

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 23 October 2026.

Some dogs love nothing more than finding a sunny spot and stretching out for a nap. But while they’re busy soaking up the sunshine, their skin could be getting more sun than it can handle. That’s right, dogs can get sunburnt too. Too much sun can damage their skin and may increase the risk of more serious skin conditions, including skin cancer.

The reassuring news? A few simple precautions can help keep your best mate safe. Here’s what to keep an eye out for, plus some practical tips to help them enjoy the outdoors safely.

Table of contents

Can dogs get sunburn?
Which dogs are most at risk of sunburn?
Signs of sunburn in dogs
How to protect your dog from the sun
Do dogs need sunscreen?
Sun safety and heatstroke
How pet insurance can support your dog

Can dogs get sunburn?

You might think a furry coat is all the sun protection a dog needs, but that’s not always the case. Dogs can get sunburnt, particularly in areas where their fur is thin, sparse, or light-coloured. Just like in humans, sunburn happens when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damage the skin.

The most common places for dogs to get sunburnt are:

Nose
Ears (especially the tips)
Eyelids
Belly

Sunburn can be painful, and repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to more serious skin problems over time. These include ‘solar dermatitis’ (skin inflammation caused by the sun), a pre-cancerous condition called ‘actinic keratosis’, and skin cancers such as ‘squamous cell carcinoma’, which require vet treatment.

Which dogs are most at risk of sunburn?

Some dogs are more vulnerable to sun damage than others. This includes dogs with:

White or light-coloured fur
Pink or lightly pigmented skin
Short, thin, or patchy coats
Little or no hair

Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk too. And, as many pet parents will know, plenty of dogs love a good snooze in the sun, which can increase their exposure to UV rays. That’s why it’s worth keeping an eye on their sun exposure, even when they seem perfectly content.

Signs of sunburn in dogs

Dog sunburn can often look a lot like sunburn in people. Signs to watch for include:

Red skin
Crusting or flaking skin
Itching
Blisters
Pain or sensitivity when touched

Your dog’s coat can make sunburn difficult to spot, so it’s important to check areas such as their nose, ears, eyelids, and belly regularly, particularly after they’ve spent time in the sun. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet for advice.

How to protect your dog from the sun

Protecting your dog doesn’t mean you have to keep them out of the sunshine altogether. Instead, it’s about helping them enjoy the outdoors safely while limiting exposure to harmful UV rays. Providing shade, avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high UV, and using a pet-safe sunscreen recommended by your vet can all help reduce the risk of sunburn.

Provide plenty of shade

Make sure your dog always has access to plenty of shade and fresh water when they’re outside. Whether they’re relaxing in the backyard or joining you for a day out, give them somewhere cool and sheltered to escape the sun. And remember, shade can move throughout the day, so check that their favourite spot stays protected as the sun shifts.

Time your walks wisely

Try to walk your dog in the early morning or evening, when the sun is less intense and UV levels are generally lower. Sticking to the cooler parts of the day can help reduce your dog’s sun exposure and protect their sensitive paw pads from burning on hot surfaces.

Do dogs need sunscreen?

Yes, some dogs can benefit from sunscreen, particularly those with light-coloured coats, pink skin, or areas with little to no fur. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, a pet-safe sunscreen recommended by your vet can help protect exposed areas like their ear tips and nose. However, sunscreen should be used alongside other sun-safety measures, such as providing shade and limiting outdoor activities during periods of high UV. But before you reach for sunscreen, there are a few things worth knowing.

Choose a pet-safe sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are suitable for dogs, and human sunscreens shouldn’t be used on dogs unless specifically recommended by your vet. Some ingredients found in human sunscreen can be harmful to pets, especially if they lick the product off their skin after it has been applied. Before using sunscreen on your dog, ask your vet to recommend a pet-safe product that’s appropriate for them.

How to apply sunscreen to your dog

Once your vet has recommended a suitable pet-safe sunscreen, apply it before your dog goes outdoors and follow the product’s directions for reapplication. Pay particular attention to exposed areas like the nose, ear tips, and belly, while keeping sunscreen away from your dog’s eyes.

Because dogs may lick sunscreen off their skin, try to keep them occupied with a favourite toy or activity while the product dries or absorbs. Remember, sunscreen is just one part of the sun-safety picture. Providing shade and limiting outdoor activities during periods of high UV are also important ways to help protect your dog from sun damage.

Sun safety and heatstroke

Sunburn isn’t the only thing to be mindful of on hot days. Too much time in the sun can also put your dog at risk of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Signs can include excessive panting, lethargy (low energy), fast breathing, weakness, shaking, vomiting, and collapse. If you think your dog may have heatstroke, seek vet attention immediately.

To help prevent heatstroke, make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, shade, and good airflow. Avoid exercising them in hot weather, and never leave your dog alone in a car, even for a short period of time.

How pet insurance can support your dog

Even with the best sun protection, dogs can still develop skin problems. And if your best mate develops a serious condition like skin cancer, treatment can sometimes involve surgery, ongoing care, and follow-up visits, with costs that can add up.

That’s where pet insurance may be able to help, covering a portion of your eligible vet expenses and taking some of the financial pressure off you.

If you’ve been thinking of getting cover for your best mate, RSPCA Pet Insurance may be worth a look. With cover you can customise to suit your dog’s needs and your budget, and every policy contributing to the RSPCA’s vital work, it’s protection with purpose. For your own pup and thousands of other animals in need across Australia.

To learn more about RSPCA dog insurance, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

References

[1] People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. Sunburn in pets. Available from: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/sunburn-in-pets

[2] Veterinary Sciences. Ultraviolet light-induced skin cancer and the safety of sunscreen use in pets: an important but under researched aspect of companion animal health. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/13/7/605

[3] Agriculture Victoria. Heat and pets. Available from: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/dogs/health/heat-and-pets

[4] RSPCA Australia. Caring for animals over summer. Available from: https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/caring-for-animals-over-summer/

[5] People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. Vet Q&A: does my pet need to wear sun cream? Available from: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-does-my-pet-need-to-wear-sun-cream

[6] RSPCA Australia. What can I do to protect my companion animals from heatstroke? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/what-can-i-do-to-protect-my-companion-animals-from-heatstroke

[7] RSPCA Australia. How can I protect my dog from heatstroke? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-from-heatstroke

FAQs

While a furry coat offers some protection from the sun, it isn’t foolproof. Dogs can still get sunburnt, particularly where their fur is thin, sparse, or light-coloured. Areas like the nose, ears, eyelids, and belly are especially vulnerable, so check these areas regularly if your dog has been spending time outdoors, particularly during periods of high UV.

Some dogs do, particularly those with little or no fur, light-coloured coats, or exposed pink skin. If your dog loves spending time outdoors, a pet-safe sunscreen recommended by your vet can help protect sensitive spots like their nose and ear tips. Just remember, sunscreen works best alongside other sun-safety measures, such as providing shade and avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high UV.

No. Human sunscreen shouldn’t be used on dogs unless specifically recommended by your vet. Some ingredients in human sunscreen can be harmful to dogs, especially if they decide to lick it off. If your dog needs sunscreen, ask your vet to recommend a pet-safe product that’s suitable for your dog.

Just like us, dogs can develop red, sore, or irritated skin after too much sun exposure. Other signs of dog sunburn can include itching, flaking, crusting, or even blisters. Sunburn often affects areas with less fur, such as the nose, ears, eyelids, and belly. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact your vet for advice.

Yes, it can. Repeated exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your dog’s skin and increase the risk of certain conditions, including a pre-cancerous condition called ‘actinic keratosis’ and skin cancers such as ‘squamous cell carcinoma’.

Prevention is key, so help protect your dog from excessive sun exposure and check their skin regularly. If you notice any unusual lumps, sores, or changes in skin appearance, contact your vet for advice.