Most pet owners know to watch for heatstroke on hot days, but sunburn is a separate risk that gets far less attention. Dogs, cats, and other pets can burn just like humans, and repeated sun exposure without protection can lead to serious skin damage over time. Knowing what to look for and how to respond quickly makes a real difference.
Can Pets Really Get Sunburned?
Yes, and more easily than many owners expect. According to veterinary dermatologists, pets with light-coloured or thin coats, pink skin, white fur, or sparse hair around the ears, nose, and belly are at significantly higher risk. Short-haired breeds, hairless cats such as the Sphynx, and dogs with white or merle colouring are among the most vulnerable. That said, any pet with prolonged, unprotected sun exposure can develop sunburn, regardless of coat colour.
Areas most commonly affected include the ear tips, nose, around the eyes, the groin, and the belly, where fur coverage is thinnest. In cats, the ear margins are a particularly common site, and repeated sunburn in this area is a known risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common skin cancers in cats.
Signs of Sunburn in Dogs and Cats
Sunburn in pets does not always look the same as it does in humans. Early signs can be subtle, and many owners miss them until the skin is already damaged. Watch for:
- Redness or pink discolouration on exposed skin, particularly around the ears, nose, and belly
- Skin that feels warm or tender to the touch
- Dry, flaky, or peeling skin in sun-exposed areas
- Your pet scratching, rubbing, or showing sensitivity around the affected area
- In more severe cases, blistering, crusting, or hair loss
Cats may show sunburn signs primarily on the ear tips, which can become red, crusty, and eventually curl or thicken with repeated exposure. If you notice any of these changes, particularly if they recur each summer, speak to your vet promptly. Chronic sun damage in cats warrants a dermatological assessment.
Which Pets Are Most at Risk?
Risk is highest for:
- White or light-coloured dogs and cats (Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, white Boxers, white cats of any breed)
- Hairless breeds (Sphynx cats, Chinese Crested dogs, Xoloitzcuintli)
- Dogs with thin or sparse coats (Whippets, Greyhounds, Weimaraners)
- Pets that have recently been shaved or clipped short
- Pets recovering from skin conditions that have caused hair loss
- Outdoor cats that spend extended time in direct sun
Older pets and those on certain medications (such as long-term corticosteroids) may also have increased skin sensitivity. If your pet falls into any of these categories, sun protection should be part of your warm-weather routine.
How to Treat Sunburn in Pets
If you suspect your pet has sunburn, act calmly and methodically. Most mild cases can be managed at home, but moderate to severe burns always warrant a vet visit.
For mild sunburn:
- Move your pet out of the sun immediately and into a cool, shaded area indoors.
- Apply a cool (not cold) compress to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce heat and discomfort. A clean cloth dampened with cool water works well.
- Do not apply human sunscreen, aloe vera gel, or any topical product unless it has been specifically formulated and approved for use on pets. Many human products contain zinc oxide or salicylates, which are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested during grooming.
- Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid letting your pet lick or scratch the burned skin.
- Monitor closely over the next 24 to 48 hours for any worsening, blistering, or signs of infection.
When to call your vet:
- Blistering, open sores, or significant peeling
- Your pet is in obvious pain or distress
- The burn covers a large area
- Signs of infection: swelling, discharge, or a foul smell
- Recurring sunburn in the same location, particularly on the ear tips in cats
Your vet may prescribe a pet-safe topical treatment, anti-inflammatory medication, or, in cases of suspected chronic sun damage, recommend a biopsy to rule out early skin cancer.
How to Prevent Sunburn in Pets
Prevention is straightforward once you know what to look for. A few consistent habits significantly reduce your pet's risk.
Limit peak-hour sun exposure
UV radiation is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. During summer months, keep at-risk pets indoors or in shaded areas during these hours. This is especially important for outdoor cats and dogs that spend time in gardens or on balconies.
Use pet-safe sunscreen
Pet-specific sunscreens are available and should be applied to high-risk areas (ear tips, nose, belly) before outdoor time. Look for products that are free from zinc oxide, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and artificial fragrances. Reapply every 3 to 4 hours during prolonged outdoor exposure, or after swimming. Always check with your vet before using any new topical product on your pet.
Provide physical protection
For dogs spending time outdoors in high UV conditions, a lightweight protective vest can help shield the skin on the back and sides. Our Dog Cooling Vest is designed for breathability in summer heat while providing an additional layer of coverage, making it a practical option for sun-sensitive dogs on warm days. Pair it with the rest of your warm-weather kit: our Summer Adventure Kit covers the essentials for safe outdoor time with your dog.
Create shade at home
If your pet has access to a garden, balcony, or outdoor space, ensure there is always a shaded area available. Parasols, shade sails, and covered resting spots give pets the option to self-regulate their sun exposure.
Watch the pavement too
Sun protection is not just about the skin above. Hot pavement can cause serious paw pad burns alongside sunburn risk. Our guide on how to protect your dog's paws from hot pavement covers everything you need to know about keeping paws safe in summer.
Sunburn and Dehydration: A Combined Risk
Sun exposure does not just affect the skin. Pets spending time outdoors in heat are simultaneously at risk of dehydration, which compounds the stress on the body. If your pet has been in the sun and is showing signs of sunburn, check for dehydration symptoms at the same time. Our article on signs your pet is dehydrated and how to act fast walks through what to look for and how to respond.
A Note on Cats and Skin Cancer Risk
This deserves its own mention. In cats, chronic sun exposure, particularly to the ear tips, is one of the most well-documented risk factors for feline squamous cell carcinoma. Studies published in veterinary oncology literature suggest that white cats with outdoor access have a significantly elevated lifetime risk compared to indoor or dark-coated cats. Early signs include persistent redness, crusting, or thickening of the ear margins that does not resolve between seasons. If you notice these changes in your cat, do not wait. Early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.
Summary
Sunburn in pets is real, preventable, and, if caught early, manageable at home. The key steps are knowing which pets are most at risk, recognising the early signs before they escalate, acting quickly with cool compresses and shade, and building sun protection into your warm-weather routine. For anything beyond mild redness, your vet is always the right call.