Sun Safe Tips For Your Dog This Summer

Golden Retriever standing in a paddling pool

Sun Safe Tips for Dogs this Summer

You might have heard that white dogs are especially prone to sunburn, and that's true—but here's the thing: any dog can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke. Light-colored pups, dogs with thin or short coats, those with pink skin, and recently groomed dogs are all at higher risk.

Sun safe tips for your dog:

• Pet-safe sunscreen: Apply it to vulnerable spots like the nose, ear tips, and belly. Just make sure it's specifically made for pets—human sunscreen with zinc oxide or PABA can be toxic to dogs.

• Let them choose: Dogs are pretty smart about regulating their temperature, so give them the agency to move between sun and shade as they please. Make sure shaded areas are always accessible, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest.

• Fresh water: Keep plenty of cool, clean water available at all times.

• A shallow pool for cooling off: Set up a kiddie pool or water-filled sandpit so your dog can hop in and cool down whenever they want to. Keep it shallow so they can easily get in and out on their own terms.

White Bully X standing in grass

Extra tips:

• Hot footpaths can burn paw pads—Hold the back of your hand on the footpath for 5 seconds, if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws

• Watch for heatstroke, especially in dark coloured dog. Warning signs: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or vomiting

• Flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, along with senior dogs, need extra attention in the heat

• And never, ever leave your dog in a parked car.