What – my dog was sunburned? It’s not possible! In spite of the protection offered by the fur, the skin of the dog would not be free from the damage caused by the blazing sun. The blazing hot sun would have dangerous effects both to the health of humans and dogs. Humans will be protected by clothing and dogs will have their fur but these protections will not be adequate shields against the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun. Dog owners allow the pet to play in the sun as sunlight really does have health benefits for the dog. Summertime is a happy time for these animals that love to be in the sun. Playing under the heat of the sun would result to sunburn, a condition that will make the dog very uncomfortable.

How would you know if the pet needs treatment because you have allowed it to play too long in the sun? When the pink nose of the pet has become the mock-up nose of Rudolf the red nosed reindeer. Ears are more prone to drying up, cracking and curling because they are less covered with hair. Skin affected by sunburn will become leathery and white in color. These symptoms will be noticed if the dog’s sunburn is superficial. Deep partial thickness and full thickness sunburns are serious types of sunburn. Blisters and sores can form on the severely affected skin. Dogs with these types of sunburn need hospitalization. These serious types of sunburns commonly cause severe damage to the skin thus skin grafts may be necessary.

For minor or superficial types of sunburn, the dog can be treated at home. For this type of sunburn, the hair on the affected area is best shaved to make application of medication easy and also to monitor the healing of the burn. The wound is then cleaned with iodine to prevent infection. Topical creams for burns can be applied as well.

Aloe vera plant is an effective treatment for sunburn. An aloe vera ointment or the juice of the fresh plant can be applied to the burned skin for soothing coolness. Gel squeezed from a fresh aloe vera leaf is applied to the affected skin.

To speed up the healing process, the oil from a vitamin E capsule can be squeezed out and applied to the affected area. Vitamin is as well proven to reduce scarring. Sunburned skin would cause the dog pain and itching. Baking soda or any oatmeal product added to the bathwater of the pet would relieve the pain and itching.