(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) Summer is coming, so you may be reaching for your sunscreen more often. This season is meant for being outdoors, but have you ever wondered if your pet needs UV protection? Do they even make sunscreen specifically for pets? The short answer to both - Yes! Pets need sunscreen, it is actually vital. Dogs and cats can both be sunburnt. 

In this article, you’ll learn why pets get sun damage, how UV rays affect their skin, whether coat length makes a difference, which areas are most exposed to the sun, what kind of sunscreen to use, and much more.

1. Why Pets Can Get Sun Damage Too

Dog and cat owners often assume that if their pet has fur, then they will be protected from the sun's harmful rays. This is not the case. Dogs and cats can suffer from sun damage in the same way that humans do. 

Pet fur provides some protection against UV rays, but does not block them completely. Therefore, depending on the length, thickness, and color of the fur, UV rays can either penetrate through the fur or directly affect exposed areas.

In short, UV rays can penetrate areas that are sparsely covered with fur or exposed. This will lead to irritation, discomfort, and long-term skin problems if sun exposure is ignored.

Here are the most vulnerable pets when it comes to sun exposure:

• Pets with thin fur

• Pets with short fur

• Pets with light-colored fur

Areas with naturally exposed skin are the most vulnerable to UV exposure. The most prone areas to sun exposure are:

• Nose

• Ears

• Eyelids

• Belly

• Any patches of sparse fur

In addition, hairless breeds face an even greater risk because they have less natural protection against UV rays.

Keeping your pet outdoors for extended periods of time, especially during peak sun hours, increases the risk of sun damage. Repeated sun exposure can also lead to skin dryness, redness, and sensitivity, which over time can contribute to more serious conditions, such as skin cancer.

Keep in mind that pets are vulnerable to UV exposure just like humans.

2. Which Pets Are Most at Risk of Sunburn?

Light-Colored and Thin-Coated Pets

As mentioned earlier, the most vulnerable to sunburn are light-colored, thin-coated pets. Light-skinned breeds have less pigmentation. This means they have less natural protection against UV rays. As a result, their skin is also more sensitive to prolonged sun exposure.

Everyday situations such as sleeping in direct sunlight, sunbathing, spending long periods of time in the sun, playing outdoors, or sleeping near windows can gradually increase their exposure to UV rays without you even realizing it.

Hairless Breeds and Sensitive Skin

Hairless or minimally furred dog breeds are also at increased risk. These require extra care because they have minimal protection from the sun. Examples of hairless or minimally furred dog breeds include the Chinese Crested Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog), and the American Hairless Terrier. Among cats, the Sphynx, Donskoy, and Peterbald are well-known hairless breeds. These breeds have their skin directly exposed to UV rays, making protective measures even more necessary.

Dogs and cats with sensitive skin are more vulnerable than other pets, even if they are not hairless. Pets with skin problems such as irritations, thin skin, patches of sparse fur, allergies, etc., may react more easily to prolonged exposure to the sun. As a result, limiting time spent in direct sunlight and using appropriate protective measures can help reduce discomfort and support skin health.

Outdoor Pets and High-Exposure Environments

Pets that spend a significant amount of time outdoors face increased sun exposure year-round. Seasonal changes, warmer temperatures, and stronger sunlight can increase risk levels. Lifestyle habits, including prolonged outdoor play, frequent walks, and spending time in open spaces, can also increase sun exposure.

3. Signs of Sunburn and UV Damage in Pets 

Early Warning Signs

It is important to remember that sunburn is not always immediately obvious. For this reason, it is good to recognize it early to prevent discomfort and worsening of skin problems. Here is what you may notice:

• Changes in the appearance of your pet’s skin, such as redness, dryness, sensitivity, flaking, local inflammation, or irritation. These may occur in areas exposed to the sun.

• Behavioral changes – due to discomfort, dogs and cats may begin to scratch, groom, or rub their affected areas more often. Some pets may also become restless, avoid being touched in certain areas, seek cooler places, or lose interest in outdoor activities.

• Increased sensitivity during grooming

• Frequently changing position while sleeping

• Paying unusual attention to certain parts of the body.

4. When Sun Exposure Becomes Serious

Sun exposure is not always a serious problem. It can become serious when clinical signs begin to affect your pet's quality of life. If it is only a mild irritation, limiting sun exposure and careful monitoring may be enough.

When your pet suffers from intense redness, skin that is very warm to the touch, swelling, blisters, or painful areas, it is time to contact your veterinarian. In addition, the appearance of open wounds and persistent changes in the epidermis should not be ignored.

Therefore, if clinical signs do not improve after reducing sun exposure or if your dog or cat appears lethargic, has behavioral changes, or shows signs of pain, veterinary consultation is the safest option.

Early intervention can help prevent complications and support skin recovery.

5. Long-Term Skin Concerns

As mentioned earlier, repeated sun exposure can have long-term effects on the health of your pet’s skin, especially when UV protection is neglected. At first, the effects may seem minor, but over time, constant exposure can affect the skin’s normal structure and ability to repair itself. With repeated exposure to UV damage, skin cells can begin to change. These cellular changes can lead to more serious conditions, including certain forms of skin cancer.

Skin cancer

In dogs, the risk of skin cancer is higher in breeds with short and light coats (e.g., Pit Bull, Boxer, Dalmatian, Greyhound, Whippet, or Beagle), some terriers, and hairless breeds. In cats, the most at risk are completely white cats or pets with extensive white areas, hairless breeds, and those with very fine coats. Regardless of breed, the most exposed areas are those with little hair coverage, such as the nose, ear tips, eyelids, lips, belly, and other areas of exposed skin. Signs to watch for include sores that don't heal, persistent scabs, new lumps, bleeding, or changes in skin appearance. In cats, sun damage commonly occurs on the ears and nose and may be mistaken for minor scratches in the early stages.

It is very important to monitor any skin changes over time and take your pet to the vet when necessary.

6. How Pet Sunscreen Works and What Makes It Different

Sunscreens for pets are formulated to provide protection against UV rays while taking into account the sensitivity of the skin and the specific behavior of pets. Pet-safe formulas are generally designed to be gentle on the skin, easy to apply, and safer if the pet accidentally ingests a small amount of product.

For sunscreen to be effective on pets, the product should be applied especially to the most exposed areas, such as the nose, ears, and areas with short or light fur. 

To avoid licking before absorption, your pet can be distracted with play or treats (this is especially true for cats).

When choosing a product, always choose those that are formulated for pets. These products do not contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or salicylates, as these can cause adverse reactions if ingested or skin irritation. A fragrance-free product with broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and a minimum SPF 30 protection level is also recommended.

The product should be reapplied as recommended to maintain its effectiveness. If a new product is used, it is recommended to test a small amount on a small area and monitor for any reactions. If irritation occurs or if your pet licks the product and develops symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, a veterinary consultation is advised.

7. Why Human Sunscreen May Not Be Suitable

Human sunscreen should not be applied to pets. Dogs and cats frequently lick their fur and groom themselves, which means that the product applied to the skin can be ingested. Some ingredients used in human products are toxic for pets and can cause irritation or digestive discomfort if swallowed. For this reason, it is recommended to choose a product specifically formulated for pets.

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.