Yes, dogs can get sunburned. Fur provides meaningful protection for most of the body, but it is not a complete barrier against ultraviolet radiation. Areas where fur is thin, sparse, or absent, such as the nose, ear tips, belly, groin, and around the mouth, are directly exposed to UV rays, and the skin in those zones can burn much like unprotected human skin. Protecting your dog during warmer months starts with understanding which dogs face the most risk, how to recognize sun damage early, and how to support the skin from both the outside and the inside.
Fur Helps, But It Has Limits
Melanin, the pigment that gives skin and fur their color, acts as a natural absorber of ultraviolet radiation. Darker melanin draws UV energy away from deeper layers of skin tissue, while lighter pigmentation provides considerably less protection.[1] Dogs with pink or pale skin, even under a coat that appears full, have less melanin working in their favor.
Coat density and coverage matter as well. Even a thick-coated dog has sparsely covered areas, including the nose, ear tips, belly, and inner thighs. On any dog with pale or unpigmented skin in those zones, sun damage can occur faster than most dog parents expect.
One point worth noting: shaving a double-coated dog in summer does not make them cooler or better protected. A double coat insulates the body and acts as a physical barrier against UV rays. Removing it does not lower body temperature the way it might seem, and it leaves the underlying skin without that protective layer. For a broader look at how coat care connects to grooming and skin health, Bernie’s University covers the topic in detail.
Which Dogs Are Most Vulnerable?
Several factors raise a dog’s likelihood of experiencing sun damage:
- Dogs with pink or pale skin, including Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Boxers, white German Shepherds, and Whippets, have less melanin available to absorb ultraviolet radiation.
- Dogs with merle-pattern coloring may have patches of reduced pigmentation alongside their patterning, which creates uneven UV exposure across the body.
- Hairless breeds, including Chinese Cresteds, Xoloitzcuintli, and American Hairless Terriers, lack the fur barrier most breeds rely on, making consistent protection a regular part of their care.
- Dogs who spend extended time outdoors during peak UV hours, approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., accumulate more exposure regardless of coat type or color.
- Active dogs who swim or spend time on reflective surfaces like sand or snow can receive sun exposure from multiple angles, which raises intensity even during shorter outings.
What Sunburn Looks Like
In mild cases, sun exposure may cause temporary pinkness or redness in areas with thin fur or light pigmentation. This can look similar to the flushed appearance that sometimes follows excitement or physical activity, and it often resolves on its own within a few hours.
More noticeable sunburn appears as persistent redness, dry or flaky skin, and tenderness when those areas are touched. Some dogs will scratch at or paw at the affected spot. The skin may feel warmer than the surrounding tissue. Mild peeling can occur over the days following sun exposure as the outer skin layer heals.
More significant reactions, including blistering, open sores, or skin that appears to be breaking down, indicate a level of UV damage that warrants a veterinary evaluation. Chronic sun exposure over months and years may also raise the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that most often develops in areas with thin fur and light pigmentation.[2] Any spot on the skin that is persistently irritated, thickened, ulcerated, or slow to heal should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly.
Protecting Your Dog from UV Damage
Sun protection for dogs involves managing exposure, using physical coverings, and applying appropriate topical products. A layered approach tends to be the most effective, and the right combination depends on your dog’s coat type, lifestyle, and time spent outdoors.
Adjusting outdoor time around peak UV hours reduces cumulative exposure significantly. Early morning and early evening walks are considerably lower-intensity windows. When midday sun is unavoidable, shaded rest areas allow dogs to stay comfortable without prolonged direct exposure.
Lightweight UV-protective garments, sometimes called rash guards or sun shirts, are available in sizes for most breeds and provide physical coverage for the torso and back. These work particularly well for dogs who spend extended time outdoors or in reflected-sun environments like beaches or open water.
Dogs who already manage canine skin sensitivities may find that UV exposure aggravates existing reactivity, which makes consistent protection especially worthwhile for this group.
Topical sunscreen can be applied to the nose, ear tips, and other lightly covered areas, but the product must be formulated specifically for dogs. Human sunscreens should not be applied. Many human formulations contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), both of which are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs are likely to lick any product applied to their skin or coat.[3] Pet-specific sunscreens without these compounds are available through veterinary clinics and pet retailers. Both conventional and natural sun protection approaches can be combined to fit a dog’s specific routine.
Supporting Skin From the Inside Out
Physical protection handles what the environment throws at a dog from the outside. What happens at the skin cell level depends in large part on what a dog takes in through their diet.
The gut and the immune system are closely connected, and this relationship affects how the body manages inflammation throughout the entire system, including in the skin. A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract, where gut bacteria help regulate immune signals throughout the body. When gut balance is disrupted, the immune response can become more sensitive, and that sensitivity can show up in the skin as increased reactivity, slower recovery from irritation, and a more pronounced response to environmental stressors like sun exposure.
Diet, along with premium dog health supplements, can support this balance in specific ways. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are incorporated directly into the phospholipid membranes of skin cells.[4] Once in place, these fatty acids help maintain cell membrane flexibility and support the production of anti-inflammatory compounds called resolvins. A skin barrier that is well-supplied with omega-3s is better positioned to hold moisture effectively, resist environmental stressors, and manage the inflammatory response that UV exposure can trigger. The relationship between omega-3s and skin health is covered in more depth in the Bernie’s blog archive, and the specific role of EPA in inflammatory pathways is also documented in Bernie’s University.
Vitamin E functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant within skin tissue. Ultraviolet radiation generates free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cell membranes and accelerate tissue breakdown. Vitamin E intercepts those free radicals before they cause significant harm, protecting the structural integrity of skin cells.[5] Green tea polyphenols support this antioxidant effect by limiting oxidative stress at the cellular level.
Inside-Out Skin Support With Bernie’s OMG! Omegas
Bernie’s OMG! Omegas 5X Extra Strength Omega-3s DHA+EPA+ soft chews are formulated to support this kind of inside-out skin and coat health. Each chew delivers a concentrated dose of EPA (minimum 140 mg) and DHA (minimum 125 mg) through two sustainably sourced ingredients: anchovy oil from NOAA-managed wild-caught fisheries, and marine microalgal oil cultivated in controlled, sterile facilities.
The formula also includes natural vitamin E (52 IU per chew) and green tea extract (20 mg per chew), both selected to support the absorption and antioxidant activity of the omega-3s. OMG! Omegas are available in pork and salmon flavors, contain no artificial colors or flavors, and are made in the USA in a GMP and SQF certified facility.
A liquid oil format, OMG! Omega Oil, is also available for dogs who prefer their omega-3s mixed into food.
Recommended daily serving: 1 chew for dogs up to 25 lbs, scaling to 2 chews at 26-50 lbs, 3 chews at 51-75 lbs, 4 chews at 76-100 lbs, and 5 chews at 100+ lbs. Start with half the recommended serving to test for tolerance, then increase gradually.
A healthy coat starts with healthy skin, and healthy skin starts from within. Bernie’s OMG! Omegas delivers the EPA and DHA your dog’s skin barrier needs, in soft chews they’ll actually enjoy. Every bag comes with our Growl-Free Guarantee, so you can try it completely risk-free.
Important Dog Health Tip: Major changes to diet, supplements, or activity levels should take your dog’s individual health history into account. When in doubt, seek professional input before adjusting your dog’s routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs get sunburned through their fur? Fur does offer real UV protection for most of the body, but it is not a complete barrier. The density of the coat and the pigmentation of the underlying skin both play a role. Dogs with thick, darkly pigmented coats have more natural UV resistance, but areas where fur is sparse or absent, such as the nose, ear tips, belly, and groin, remain exposed on every dog.
What does sunburn look like on a dog? Mild sunburn typically appears as redness or pinkness in areas with thin fur or pale skin, particularly the nose, ear tips, and belly. The skin may feel warm and tender to the touch. As it heals, light peeling can occur. More significant reactions, including blistering or open sores, indicate greater UV damage and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Can I use human sunscreen on my dog? Human sunscreens should not be applied to dogs. Many contain zinc oxide or PABA, both of which are toxic to dogs if ingested, and dogs are very likely to lick any product applied to their skin or coat. Pet-specific sunscreens formulated without these compounds are available and are safe to apply to exposed areas like the nose and ear tips.
Which dog breeds are most prone to sunburn? Dogs with pink or pale skin and light-colored or short coats face the highest risk. Breeds commonly in this category include Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Boxers, white German Shepherds, and hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli. Dogs with merle patterning may also have patches of reduced pigmentation that are more vulnerable to UV damage.
How do omega-3 fatty acids support dog skin health? EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and algal oil, are incorporated into the membranes of skin cells. Once in place, they help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and support anti-inflammatory processes that keep skin resilient and well-hydrated. A skin barrier that is well-supplied with omega-3s is better positioned to manage the environmental and inflammatory stressors that UV exposure can trigger.
Citations
[1] Brenner M, Hearing VJ. The protective role of melanin against UV damage in human skin. Photochem Photobiol. 2008. 84(3): 539-549. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18435612/
[2] Miller WH Jr, Griffin CE, Campbell KL. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier. 2013. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/muller-and-kirks-small-animal-dermatology/miller/978-1-4160-0028-0
[3] Hovda LR, Brutlag AG, Poppenga RH, Peterson KL. Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Toxicology. 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell. 2016. ISBN 9781119036548.
[4] Bauer JE. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011. 239(11): 1441-1451. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22087720/
[5] Thiele JJ, Traber MG, Packer L. Depletion of human stratum corneum vitamin E: an early and sensitive in vivo marker of UV-induced photo-oxidation. J Invest Dermatol. 1998. 110(5): 756-761. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9579541/
