Sunburn: First Aid 2025 🌞🐾

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and this comprehensive 2025 guide walks you through everything pet owners need to know about sunburn—how to prevent it, care for it if it happens, and ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable.

🧴 What Is Sunburn?

Sunburn is damage to skin tissues from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Most pets are protected by fur and pigmented skin, but areas with thin, light-colored, shaved, or hairless skin—like noses, ears, belly, or paws—are vulnerable. Even pigmented noses can burn under intense sunlight or reflective conditions.

☀️ Prevention: Top Priority

• Limit sun exposure: Keep pets in shade during peak hours (10 am–4 pm).
• Protective clothing: Use lightweight shirts, sun hoodies, or hats for outdoor pets.
• Vet-approved sunscreens: Choose pet-safe products—many human sunscreens contain zinc or PABA, which can be toxic if licked. Opt for formulations like non-toxic SPF 30+ wipes or sprays labeled “pet use” and water-resistant; confirm suitability with your vet.
• Avoid licking: Distract your pet or use light Elizabethan collars to prevent ingestion of sunscreen.

🔥 Signs Your Pet Is Sunburned

• Red, warm, or sensitive skin—often on ears, nose, belly, paw pads
• Dry, flaky patches or peeling skin
• Frequent licking or rubbing of affected area
• Rarely, blisters or swelling
• Discomfort when touched or mild fever symptoms

🩹 Emergency First Aid Steps

1. Move out of sun: Immediately bring your pet indoors to a cool, shaded environment.
2. Cool compresses: Apply cool (not icy) damp cloths to the burnt area for 5–10 minutes to soothe skin.
3. Apply aloe vera gel: Use pure, pet-safe aloe (99% or higher) on the affected area to soothe and assist healing.
4. Monitor hydration: Offer fresh water and encourage drinking—sunburn increases fluid and electrolyte needs.
5. Bandage if needed: For severe burns on paws or belly, lightly cover with sterile non-stick gauze to prevent contamination.
6. Schedule vet care: Call your vet if burns involve blisters, swelling, ear tissue is drooping, your pet appears in pain, or refuses food/water.

🚫 What **Not** to Do

• Do **not** use creams containing zinc oxide, PABA, or salicylates—these are toxic if ingested.
• Do **not** apply human burn ointments (like Neosporin) without vet advice—they may contain harmful ingredients.
• Do **not** give pain meds like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin unless directed by your vet—they’re dangerous for pets.
• Do **not** pop any blisters—leave this to veterinary professionals.

🐱🐶 Vet Care Expectations

At the clinic, your vet may:

• Examine the burn depth and affected area
• Prescribe pet-safe analgesics like NSAIDs (e.g., meloxicam) and topical steroids if needed
• Administer IV fluids or nutritional support in severe cases
• Perform debridement of tissue if necrosis or infection is present
• Recommend follow-up to monitor healing and rule out infection

📅 Healing Timeline

• Minor superficial burns: Usually heal in 7–14 days with gentle care.
• Deep burns with blistering: May require weeks of treatment and wound care.
• Monitor closely: Watch for red flags—blister fluid, bad smell, unexpected warmth, refusal to eat—indicating infection or complications.

📦 First Aid Kit Essentials for Sunburn

• Pure aloe vera gel (99%+), fragrance-free
• Pet-safe sunscreen SPF 30+ (vet-approved)
• Cool compress packs or soft cloths
• Sterile non-stick gauze, vet tape or light bandages
• Vet contact details, including Ask A Vet

🔁 Prevention & Check-Up Routine

• Limit time outdoors during sunny hours
• Reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours, especially after swimming
• Use protective clothing on beach days or outdoor runs
• Check ears, noses, bellies on high-sun days for redness
• Schedule annual vet visits—skin checks help detect pre-cancerous lesions (like hemangiomas)

📲 Get Help via Ask A Vet

If you're unsure whether your pet’s burn is serious, send a photo and description via Ask A Vet. Our vets will:

• Help assess severity
• Recommend immediate comfort measures
• Advise whether an in-person vet visit is needed

Install the app via AskAVet.com for instant peace of mind.

✅ 2025 Sunburn Safety Checklist

• ✔️ Vet-approved sunscreen and aloe are in your kit
• ✔️ Protective clothing stored for outdoor use
• ✔️ Sunburn signs checklist posted for easy observation
• ✔️ Emergency vet and Ask A Vet contacts pre-saved

🌞 Final Words

Sunburn may seem minor, but left untreated it can cause discomfort, infection, and long-term skin damage. Taking quick, gentle action and preventing future exposure can keep your pet happy, safe, and healthy under the sun.

👉 Download the Ask A Vet App for Expert Guidance!

Whether it’s a sunburn or any other skin issue, our veterinary team is ready to assist you. Visit AskAVet.com—help is just a tap away. 💖

—Dr Duncan Houston BVSc