Dogs often spend considerable time outdoors during warmer months, and after heatstroke, sunburn is one of the most common risks for dogs with pale or thin coats. You may think a dog's fur provides enough protection, but this is not always true. Dogs with dark, dense coats usually have adequate natural protection against sun damage. However, Weimaraner puppies, for example, and other breeds with light coloured fur, short, fine coats, or areas where the skin is exposed are at more risk from UV damage and should have sunscreen applied to these spots when outdoors.
The market now offers sunscreens specifically formulated for dogs, which is the safest option since they are designed to avoid harmful ingredients and suit canine skin. If you choose a human sunscreen, please ensure it has no zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), both of which can be toxic to dogs if licked and ingested. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to provide effective protection. A sunscreen providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is essential.