Can dogs get sunburns?

As the weather warms up, you want to spend more time playing outdoors with your dog. As you enjoy these sunny days, don't forget to protect your furry best friend from the sun. Just like humans, dogs can get sunburned and need our help to stay safe. This guide will help you understand how to protect your pup from sunburns while still having fun.

Risks of Sunburns for Dogs

Sunburns are a real concern for our furry companions. While a dog's thick fur can help protect him from the sun, he's still vulnerable. The risk is especially high in places where your dog's skin is exposed or the fur is thinner, like his nose, eyes, groin, and belly regions.

Sunburns aren't just painful; they can be dangerous to your pup's health. They put your pup at risk of developing skin cancer, and the risk is especially high if your dog is lighter in color or has thin fur. Chronic UV exposure can even suppress your dog's immune system in the long run.

But these long-term concerns aren't the only dangers. Sunburns can also put your dog at immediate risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and eye damage.

Signs of sunburn include reddening spots on the skin (your dog may whine if you touch those spots), dry or cracking skin, and itching and scratching at exposed spots.

Plan Your Outings Carefully

The good news is you can protect your dog from the sun with a little planning. Put dog-safe sunscreen on your pet's most vulnerable regions, like your dog's nose, ears, and belly. (Don't ever use human sunscreen, as it can be toxic!) You can even find UV-protective dog rash guards and cute little doggie sun hats that can help.

During the summer, schedule your dog's outings for the early mornings or evenings when it's not as hot. And remember: your dog's paws can get burned on hot surfaces. Try doggie booties or walk in shady, grassy areas, avoiding hot pavement and artificial grass.

Provide Lots of Shade

When you go outside to relax with your pup, look for shady areas out of direct exposure to the sun. Or provide the shade yourself!

The K&H Pet Canopy comes in multiple sizes and is made of water-resistant fabric to keep your dog cool. It fits multiple K&H elevated cots, such as:

• K&H All Weather Pet Cot: This bed keeps your dog cool by letting air circulate beneath her. And it has a breathable mesh cover.
• K&H Original Pet Cot: This bed has a mesh center with a machine-washable cover that can be hosed down.
• K&H Coolin' Pet Cot: This cot has a refillable cooling center. Like the other cots, it's easy to assemble and take with you.
• K&H Original Bolster Pet Cot: This outdoor bed is made of waterproof fabric. It has a plush bolster for extra comfort.

The canopy even fits over a doggie pool. The K&H Dog Pool & Pet Bath lets your dog splash and play outdoors, and the canopy helps him stay cool. A convenient drain plug is located on the side of the pool, and it has a sturdy metal frame.

If you prefer a fully enclosed shelter, check out the K&H Pet Cot House. It's made of heavy, water-resistant fabric with two side windows for extra airflow, an open entrance, and a mesh center for great circulation. Your pet will feel safe and secure while napping in the shade.

Help Your Dog Cool Down

If you already have shade for your dog, you still want to help her stay cool in the heat. And a cooling bed can make a big difference. These beds require no electricity and use no toxic gels, but they still keep your dog nice and cool on a hot day.

• K&H Cool Bed III Cooling Dog Bed: Simply add water to this bed and adjust the easy air valve to the comfort level your pup prefers. The Cool Core diverts the cooling liquid throughout the bed, helping your pup stay comfy and chill.
• K&H Coolin' Comfort Bed: This orthopedic cooling bed is the ultimate in comfy. The water you add, plus the orthopedic foam core, is great for recovering on a hot day.
• K&H Coolin' Pet Pad: This affordable cooling bed is an excellent choice for pet parents on the go! The pad is lightweight for easy travel and comes in multiple sizes.

After you've found the perfect cooling bed and shade for your pup, don't forget to provide plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The K&H Coolin' Bowl - Cooling Water Bowl for Pets keeps your dog's water fresh and cold for up to 15 hours. Fill the interior with water to activate the cooling crystals the first time you use it. After that, simply freeze the bowl each night before use. It doesn't require any electricity, so you can take it anywhere.

Protect Your Pup from Sunburns with Shade and Cooling Comfort

Our favorite canine buddies can get sunburns, just like us. And like any loving pet parent, you want to protect your pup from this danger. By timing your outdoor adventures just right and providing lots of shade, cool spots, and water, you can help your pup enjoy the outdoors safely.