5 Ways to Protect Your Dachshund From Sunburn
It’s Summertime! Warmer weather means spending a lot more time outside, going swimming, and visiting the beach. Hot summer heat requires a lot of sun protection, not just for you, for your Dachshund too!
Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and other sun-related medical issues. It is very important to Protect Your Dachshund From Sunburn.
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Table Of Contents
Dog Breeds Prone to Sunburn
All dogs are at risk for sunburn, but some are more susceptible than others. Dogs with thin, white or cream-colored coats are more prone to sunburn than others.
Any pup with white or pink pigment on their nose or ears also needs more sun protection.
The lighter the dog, the greater the risk!
The following dog breeds have a high risk of sunburn:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boxer
- Chinese Crested
- Dachshund
- Dalmatian
- Greyhound
- Weimaraner
- Whippet
- White German Shepherd
As you can see from the picture above, my Dachshund puppy, Eko has very thin hair and light pink skin on his nose. He also has a coat of fur that is primarily white in color.
Where Do Dogs Get Sunburn?
All Dachshunds love to find warm sunny spots for a cozy afternoon nap. Pay close attention, sunburn will most likely occur on your Dachshund’s nose, ears, around the eyes, lips, or belly.
Even if your doxie isn’t laying on their back while sunbathing, the sun’s rays can easily bounce off of the sidewalk outside or the sand at the beach.
Dachshunds have a high risk of belly burn because they are so close to the ground and their tummy hair is very thin.
Be careful not to let your doxie lay outside for very long to avoid sunburn. A sunburn on your dog is not only painful, but it can also develop into skin cancer.
Fact: Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in dogs. (AKC.org)
Dog Sunburn Symptoms
The symptoms of a dog’s sunburn include redness, soreness, dry and cracked skin.
Sunburn on your doxie’s floppy ears will show curling dry skin at the edges.
Your Dachshund may scratch at the itchy sunburn spot and whimper when the affected area is touched.
If your dog’s sunburn is severe, they may also develop a fever.
Post You May like: How To Prevent And Treat Dachshund Skin Issues.
Sunburn and Disease
As you know, sunburn can be super painful, but it doesn’t stop there – it can also lead to serious medical problems.
Skin Cancer: Dogs that are exposed to too much sunshine can develop skin cancers like Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanomas, Hemangioma, Cutaneous Lymphoma, Histiocytoma, and Mast Cell tumors.
Medical Conditions: After your Dachshund has a sunburn, they can develop autoimmune disorders and dermatitis.
Sunburn Prevention Tips
You can lower your Dachshund’s risk of serious sun exposure by taking certain precautions and planning ahead.
Here are some easy ways you can protect your Dachshund from the sun: Dog Sunscreen, Sunscreen Alternatives, Summer Haircuts, Off-Peak Outdoor Activities, and provide plenty of shade and water.
Sunscreen for Dogs
Protect yourself and your fur-baby from painful sunburn with sunscreen. That’s right! They have sunscreen that is formulated just for dogs.
Dog sunscreen products that are free of PABA, zinc oxide, and are unscented work best.
Dog sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and waterproof are preferred.
Can Human Sunscreen Harm A Dog?
Human sunscreens are not formulated for dogs and are made with chemicals that are toxic to dogs.
If a good amount of human sunscreen is ingested, yes, it can be harmful to your dog.
Stick with sunblock that is formulated for dogs to avoid poisoning your pup.
Best Dog Sunscreen
#1 Choice: Sit. Stay. Forever.
Pros: The Sit. Stay. Forever Organic Sunscreen & Moisturizer is all-natural, organic, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and non-toxic!
This sunscreen includes natural ingredients with the highest SPF protection. Coconut Oil (SPF 4-6), Olive Oil (SPF 2-8), Shea Butter (SPF 3-6), Red Raspberry Oil (SPF 28-50), Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 38-40), Hemp Oil (SPF 6) and Lemongrass Oil (SPF6.5). This dog sunscreen is made in the USA.
Cons: This is a small container of product.
How to Apply Sunscreen to Dogs
Apply dog sunscreen 20 minutes before taking your Dachshund out in the sun. Reapply every 4-6 hours or after your dog gets wet.
Test It First: Always test a small area of your dog’s skin to see if they have an allergic reaction before applying it all over.
If everything looks OK, apply a thin layer of the dog sunblock to the most exposed spots on your dog.
Where To Apply: The Dachshund snout, tips of the ears, and tummy are a good place to start.
Be very careful around your dog’s face and avoid your dog’s eyes (it will sting).
You can also apply the sunscreen to the armpit and inner thigh areas.
Focus on the areas with pink or light-colored skin that isn’t covered by a lot of fur. You don’t have to apply sunblock to the areas with a good amount of fur.
After you have applied the sunscreen on your doxie, try to keep your pup occupied for about 20 minutes to allow proper absorption, and don’t let them lick it off.
Some frozen dog-safe peanut butter smeared on a licki mat can effectively divert your doxie’s attention for a bit.
Sunscreen Alternatives
If you aren’t sure about using a sunscreen on your dog, I recommend UV-blocking dog clothes instead.
They are great for outdoor activities and will keep your Dachshund cool and protected on those hot summer days.
If your Dachshund has sensitive skin or is allergic to sunscreen, sun shirts are a nice alternative.
They also help keep your dog from licking off any applied sunscreen. Dog sun clothing will protect against UVA and UVB sun rays, are lightweight and will dry quickly.
Dog UV Shirt
The PlayaPup Dog Sun Shirt (From Amazon) is so adorable and colorful! It’s lightweight, UPF 50+ fabrics provide ultimate sun protection by blocking 98% of UVA and UVB, wet or dry.
They are even great for water activities. The special stretchy fabric is soft, comfortable, and quick drying.
Note: Check the size chart to get the best fit for your Dachshund.
Here is cute video of little Eko sporting his new sun shirt on YouTube.
My Dachshund, Reno (pictured below), is sporting a special doggie sunhat all the way from Australia. His Aunt wanted to give him a practical gift while she was visiting the country on vacation. She believed he needed some extra sun protection. He wore the hat with no issues and it looked pretty cute too.
Dog Sun Hat
This Summer Dog Hat (from Amazon) will keep your doxie cool and comfortable in the sun. There are several different sizes. It is handmade in the USA.
Dog Sunglasses
Protect your Dachshund’s precious eyes this summer too. Dog goggles are flexible, waterproof, and provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. They work well for your everyday stroll around the block or for a fun motorcycle ride.
Here is a pair that is highly rated: Dog Goggles (from Amazon). They offer UV/UVB protection from UV sun rays, wind, water, and debris. They are a great choice for smaller dogs, like Dachshunds.
Haircuts
If you are thinking about giving your long-haired Dachshund a super short haircut this summer, be very careful how short you go. Shorter hair won’t protect your dog from sunburn, it will reveal more skin.
The longer hair acts as a protective sun barrier for your pup. Yes, for the heat, give them a nice trim, but don’t take off too much.
Off-Peak Outdoor Activities
Take your pup for their morning walk before the sun gets too hot and their evening walk after the sun goes down. If your pup enjoys swimming, a game of fetch outside, or going for long hikes, avoid peak time so your doxie doesn’t get too hot or sunburn.
In the USA, avoid the sun during peak time: 10 am to 4 pm daylight saving time.
Shade and Water
This one’s a bit obvious, but a natural way to prevent sunburn is to find some cool shade.
If you are gone for the day and you have an indoor/outdoor kennel for your dog, make sure there is plenty of shade for your pup to get out of the sun.
While playing at the park, look for some cool shade under a tree or even an umbrella.
Hydrate Your Pup! Not only is a sunburn dangerous, but your doxie is also at risk for heatstroke when it’s hot outside.
Make sure to have plenty of cool water available for your doxie at all times and don’t let them stay out in the heat for too long.
How to Treat Dog Sunburn
Try your best to prevent dog sunburn by keeping your pup out of direct sunlight during the middle of the day, when it’s too hot.
If your Dachshund does get a bad sunburn, they will be in a lot of pain and will need to be treated.
For minor sunburns, use the following to help your dog feel better.
Cool Water Mist or Compress on the sunburn can help relieve some of the pain.
Aloe Gel can be used on minor sunburns. Just don’t let your doxie lick it off! Aloe gel is not toxic, but if ingested, it can upset your dog’s stomach.
If your doxie’s skin is red and blistered, take them to the vet.
It isn’t worth letting your doxie be in pain, get some help.
Your veterinarian can give your pup some medicine to prevent inflammation, treat infection, and help with the pain.
Let’s be more prepared this summer. You know it’s going to be a hot one, so protect your Dachshund’s delicate skin from too much sun exposure.
It’s better to prevent a sunburn than to have to deal with the painful effects of sun damage.
How Do You Keep Your Dachshund Safe From The Hot Summer Sun? Let Us Know Below.
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