How to protect your dog from the sun & heat
Sun protection for dogs
In summer, many dogs enjoy long walks, garden time or trips to the water. However, many dog owners underestimate this: Dogs can also get sunburnt and suffer from intense heat. Particularly sensitive skin, thin fur or light-coloured areas of skin often react much faster to UV radiation than expected. This is precisely why sun protection is an important issue for dogs on warm days.
Not every dog is equally at risk. Dogs with light-coloured coats, little undercoat or very short hair are much more sensitive to direct sunlight. Skin irritation can also quickly occur on areas of the body with little fur - such as the nose, ears or belly. Particularly at the height of summer, when hiking, on holiday or spending long periods in the garden, care should therefore be taken to protect your dog.
Sun protection is particularly important when dogs are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. For example, when hiking, in the car, on the beach or in a tent when travelling. Older dogs, puppies and sensitive animals also benefit from additional protection from the sun and heat.
Which dogs are particularly sensitive to the sun?
Not every dog reacts to UV radiation in the same way. Dogs with little natural protection through their coat or skin pigmentation are particularly sensitive.
Dogs with light-coloured coats
Dogs with light-coloured coats or pink areas of skin are much more susceptible to sunburn. Especially white dogs or dogs with very light-coloured coats often have little pigmentation on their nose, ears and belly, which means that UV radiation can trigger skin irritation more quickly.
Dogs with thin coats
Dogs with thin coats or little undercoat have less natural protection against the sun. Care should be taken to ensure that sensitive skin is not exposed to direct sunlight for too long, especially with short summer haircuts or when changing coats.
Short-haired dogs
Short-haired dogs such as Boxers, Dalmatians or Vizsla often react more sensitively to the sun than long-haired breeds. Their backs, flanks and bellies can heat up much more quickly.
Puppies and older dogs
Puppies and older dogs often regulate their body temperature less efficiently. On hot days, they should generally spend less time outside and more time in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Typical areas of the body that should be protected from the sun
Certain areas of a dog's body are particularly sensitive to the sun because they have little fur or particularly thin skin.
| Body area | Grooming |
| Nose | The nose is one of the most sensitive areas. Light-coloured or pink noses in particular can dry out or redden quickly. A special sun spray for dogs can be useful here. |
| Ears | The tips of the ears, especially those with thin hair, react quickly to UV radiation. This is particularly true for light-coloured dogs. |
| Belly | When lying in the garden, on the beach or on warm ground, the belly is often exposed to direct sunlight. |
| Back with thin coat | Dogs with very short coats or thin undercoats often need additional protection on their backs. |
We recommend the following products to ensure your dog is properly protected from the sun
First aid for sunburn in dogs
If a dog shows signs of sunburn, it should be taken out of the sun immediately.
1. Take the dog out of the sun
The most important first step is shade or a cool indoor area.
2. Cool the skin gently
Cool, damp cloths help to soothe the skin. Ice should not be placed directly on the skin.
3. Use skin care products
Soothing skin care sprays or gentle skin care products can help irritated skin. Suitable products at PERRO:
- Soothing sprays for sensitive skin
- gentle skin care products from the PERRO care range
4. Vet for severe reactions
If the skin is very swollen, blisters appear or the dog is in pain, a vet should be consulted.
Products from PERRO that protect your dog from the sun
- effective heat protection
- ideal for the car
- Cooling through reflection
- easy to fit
- UV protection factor 50+ - blocks harmful sun rays and protects sensitive skin
- Insect repellent with GREENFIRST® - natural, plant-based treatment against mosquitoes and ticks
- Zebra pattern - optical illusion to further deter insects
- Lightweight and breathable - ensures high wearing comfort even on hot days
- Elasticated fit - allows unrestricted freedom of movement when romping around
- Quick-drying - perfect for active dogs in summer and when travelling
- Praktisches Display mit 6 Sets – ideal für Präsentation und Verkauf
- Je Set mit Sonnenschutzspray und After Sun Shampoo – perfekt aufeinander abgestimmt
- Schutz vor UV-Strahlung – unterstützt Haut und Fell bei starker Sonneneinstrahlung
- Gegen Fellverfärbungen – hilft, die natürliche Fellfarbe zu erhalten
- Für Haut und Fell geeignet – pflegt und schützt gleichzeitig
- Optimal für Sommer und Urlaub – rundum Pflege vor und nach dem Sonnenbad
- Highly reflective aluminium material - effectively reduces UV radiation and heat
- Pleasant cooling - reduces the temperature under the sail by up to 70
- Lightweight and mobile - weighing just 2 kg, ideal for travelling
- Quick set-up - set up in seconds with poles and tensioning ropes
- Versatile - perfect for the beach, garden, camping or training
- Practical set - incl. rucksack bag, guy ropes, poles and ground pegs
Sun protection on a walk
The sun is often underestimated, especially on daily walks. We have the following tips for you and your four-legged friend to protect you both from the sun:
Take walks in the cooler hours:In summer, early mornings or evenings are much more pleasant.
Use the shade:Forest paths or paths along water are much more suitable than open tarmac paths.
Avoid asphalt heat: Asphalt retains a lot of heat and puts additional strain on your paws .
To ensure that you are always well equipped when travelling, we at PERRO have the right products for hot summer days:
- Drinking bottle for dogs
- Folding bowl for breaks
- Cooling waistcoat
Sun protection on the water and on holiday
UV exposure is often particularly high at the lake, beach or when camping.
Sun protection for dogs by the water
Water also reflects UV rays. Dogs are therefore more exposed than on normal walks.
Sun protection for dogs in tents
When camping, people often underestimate how much tents can heat up. Therefore, sun protection for dogs in tents should always be considered:
- Choose a shady spot or use shade sails
- Use cooling mats for dogs and cooling waistcoats for dogs
- Water toys for active cooling
