Does anyone else dread getting sunburned? I can almost always guarantee one good sunburn for myself every summer. But, when Yoda came home with us, I found myself wondering, can dog snouts get sunburned too?
Yoda has very light fur, light eyes, and his little blue snout is pretty delicate too. I had planned a day trip to go out on a pontoon boat and realized that I needed to research protecting him from sunburn. Our Vet had also warned us that his eyes and skin could be more susceptible to sun damage. So, can dog snouts get sunburned?
Yes, they can.
Fun facts about dog snouts…
A dog’s nose is sensitive and so crucial to its daily functions. Compared to humans, a dog has close to 300 million olfactory receptors, and humans only have roughly five million.
Did you know a dog’s nose can separate air?! The separation gives them the ability to breathe and send smells to the olfactory area of their nose. So a bad sunburn can cause a lot of issues for your pups’ senses. Dogs rely on their noses so much to analyze their environment, so it’s essential to try and protect their snouts as best as we can.
What does it look like when your dog’s snout has a sunburn?
It looks exactly like what you might expect. A sunburned snout can look a bit dry and pink if sunburned. It’s important to note that chemical burns on the snout can look very similar to a sunburned snout. It’s always important to consult with your Vet about any burn, especially if you’re uncertain how your dog’s snout got burnt.
Your dog may also try to lick or rubs its nose if its snout has a sunburn. There are different levels of severity when it comes to sunburned snouts. You can likely help a minimally sunburned snout at home but always check with your Vet to be sure. Anything worse than a minor sunburn can be very painful and potentially get infected.
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Tips for preventing and treating a dog’s sunburned snout.
I know ALL of my dogs love soaking up the sun as much as possible in the summer. However, I take a few extra steps in the summer when it comes to protecting my dog’s snouts from getting sunburned.
- I make sure their outdoor dog beds are in the shade and near their water bowl. Doing this will entice them to move out of the sun into a comfy spot and get hydrated.
- Keep your dog’s inside during the hottest and sunniest part of the day.
- If I notice they’re sitting in the sun a little too long, I will encourage them to move into the shade or bring them inside.
- Give your dogs an enrichment activity in a shaded area. This will keep them occupied and focused on hanging out in their shaded area.
- Last but not least, there are a lot of great sun protection products that are made for dogs. I use our favorite balm from The Natural Dog Company called Snout Soother.
*** Always consult your Vet before using new products for your pet. All product recommendations are based on my own opinion and experiences. Knowledge and guidance from a licensed Vet is imperative when it comes to your dog’s health.
Sunburn Protection for Dogs
There are a lot of great sunscreen options for dogs. They come in balms, sprays, and creams. I love Snout Soother from Natural Dog Co. because we already use it for the dog’s snouts when they’re dry. My French Bulldog Luna’s snout doesn’t get dry often, but Yoda’s nose needs constant maintenance.
Snout Soother offers all-natural sun protection that is also lick proof. That means if your dog licks the balm, they will not get sick. In addition, Kukui Oil and the Organic Shea Nut Butter offer natural sun protection and are incredibly soothing to your dog’s sensitive snout.
You can order Snout Soother via Amazon or directly from Natural Dog Company. If ordering direct, use code JEDISYODALUNA to save 10% on your order.
Now we know dog snouts can get sunburned. It’s also important to use most human sunscreens are not safe for use on dogs.
Aloe Vera is a great plant that helps to soothe sun-damaged skin. However, Aloe is very toxic to dogs if ingested. Therefore, it is recommended that you never use Aloe to cure any of your dog’s ailments.
Look for a pet-safe product that contains Aloe if you want to utilize its health benefits. Your Vet may also have great recommendations on pet-safe products with Aloe.
Human sunscreens that contain Zinc oxide are also toxic to your dog. Zinc ingestion can result in severe anemia in your dog. Zinc oxide can also cause GI upset.
If you suspect your dog has ingested Zinc oxide or Aloe, contact your Vet or the ASPCA’s Pet Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.
Overall, get ready to enjoy a lovely warm summer and protect those snouts! Consult with your Vet if your dog is sunburned and keep Snout Soother from Natural Dog Company on hand to help prevent or soothe any discomfort from sunburn.
**This blog may contain affiliate links that allow me to make a small commission if you make a purchase by clicking the links – including Amazon. This is at no additional cost to you and any money I may receive is put right back into this blog. Thank you all so much for your support! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*** Always consult your Vet before using new products for your pet. All product recommendations are based on my own opinion and experiences. Knowledge and guidance from a licensed Vet is imperative when it comes to your dog’s health.
