AUSTIN, Texas (July 22, 2025) – As temperatures climb and dogs bask in the summer sun, Thrive Pet Healthcare is raising awareness about a warm-weather risk that many pet owners may not consider: sunburn and skin cancer in dogs.
“Many people don’t realize that dogs can suffer from sun damage just like we do,” said Dr. Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist and National Specialty Director of Dermatology at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “Breeds with short, sparse coats like pit bulls, whippets, Boston terriers and bull terriers are especially vulnerable, particularly if they also have light-colored skin.”
Repeated sun exposure can lead to serious conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma and hemangiosarcomas, which are types of skin cancer linked to ultraviolet (UV) damage. Dogs that enjoy lying in the sun, such as pit bulls and pit bull mixes, are at even greater risk, especially in hot climates where triple-digit temperatures don’t stop them from sunbathing.
Sunscreen for dogs? Yes, but only if it’s made for them
Just like people, dogs benefit from sunscreen, but only if it’s formulated specifically for pets. Many sunscreens made for humans, even those labeled “baby-safe,” contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs if licked. Zinc oxide and salicylates, both commonly found in human sunscreens, can cause serious health issues in dogs.
“Pet owners often think baby sunscreen is gentle enough for dogs, but that’s not the case,” Dr. Schick said. “Zinc can be toxic when ingested, and some chemical sunscreens can cause allergic skin reactions or worse. The only FDA-compliant sunscreen formulated for pets is called
Epi-Pet.”
Sunscreen should be applied to sun-exposed areas, including the top of the nose, inside the ears, under the front legs and along the groin. Dogs with sparse hair in those areas are especially vulnerable. For hairless breeds such as the Chinese crested or Xoloitzcuintli, full-body sun protection clothing is often the best option, with sunscreen applied to exposed skin that the clothing doesn’t cover.
What about dogs lying in the sun indoors?
Many dogs love to nap in sunny spots indoors, often in front of windows where sunlight streams through. While glass blocks most UVB rays (the ones primarily responsible for sunburn), it does not completely block UVA rays, which contribute to long-term skin damage and cancer risk. For dogs that spend long periods in sunny windows, especially those with light-colored skin and thin coats, it’s still worth taking precautions.
“If a dog lies in direct sunlight through a window for hours every day, especially in the same spot, it can gradually lead to UV damage,” Dr. Schick said. “Using UV-filtering window film or shades, or simply encouraging them to nap in shaded areas, can help reduce that risk.”
When and how to apply
Sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours if dogs remain outdoors. But prevention, Schick said, is the best protection.
“Dogs don’t know when enough is enough,” she said. “As much as they enjoy lying in the sun, it’s up to us to keep them safe, whether that means applying sunscreen, dressing them in a sun suit or simply keeping them in the shade.”
To find a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency veterinary care, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
