If you own a Labradoodle, you probably know how much they love to be outside. And your dog probably also loves to be around the water as much as any fish.
Well, when you are going outside on a hot summer day, one of the precautions you take is to use plenty of sunscreens. You have most likely been sunburned at least a few times in your life and know how painful those can be.
What about your Labradoodle?
Can your Doodle get sunburned? YES. Labradoodles can get sunburned just as easily as people. While their coats provide UV protection to most of their bodies, there are several places on their bodies that are sensitive to sunburn including their eyes, belly, nose, and mouths.
Sunburns are equally as painful for your Doodle as they are for you.
You should do everything in your power to prevent sunburns and knowing how to treat them if your Doodle is unlucky enough to get one can also prove priceless.
What Causes Sunburns in Labradoodles
Sunburns on humans are due to the same cause as on your dog: Ultra Violet light from the sun or some artificial source like the light bulbs in a tanning bed light(which I hope you don’t use for your dog though!).
The particular UV light ray is normally associated with sunburns and is called UV B.
The other type is called UV A, and that is the typical source that’s connected to skin cancer in both animals and humans.
So, when looking to protect your dog against sunburns, be on the lookout for methods that can block light rays from both the A and B spectrums simultaneously.
Do not think for even a second that your dog is safe just because you are only exercising him on a cloudy day.
The Mayo Clinic has a page on sunburns and skin cancer, and according to that, 80% of the damaging UV rays can easily cut through the clouds and damage your pup’s sensitive parts.
Are Sunburns on Dogs the Same as Human Sunburns?
Dogs and humans share many similarities, and the cause of your dog’s sunburn is exactly the same as your own sunburn.
An example of this is that when you get exposed to the UV rays of the Sun, your body starts to increase its production of melanin. This makes the skin of humans turn darker.
This is what we call a suntan.
And Labradoodles can technically get a suntan as well.
And just like with you, your dog’s body will also increase melanin production. And that is great because melanin is fantastic to protect the body against the UV B rays that are the cause of skin cancer.
You have most likely noticed that if there is a part of your body that is covered when you are outside, you won’t get a tan in those areas?
Think about where you are wearing a watch band or a ring.
Your dog’s coat acts like a raincoat. It protects almost all of his body against the disastrous effects of UV B.
Areas on Your Labradoodle That Gets Sunburned
Unfortunately, there are some places that are not protected from the sun’s beastly rays. Those include:
- Nose
- Eyes
- Mouth
- Underbellies
- Ears (tips and inside flap)
These are all less hairy parts of your Labradoodles body and they are at risk every time you take your dog out into the sun, no matter what the temperature or the time of year it is.
This is why a lot of skiers end up with harsh sunburns even though it is the middle of the winter.
Some of these areas can be a bit more tricky than others to protect.
For that purpose, I have created a complete guide to protecting your furry friend from the harmful UV B rays below, including the best possible products you can buy to save your Doodle from days of painful recovery.
What Color of Labradoodle is More Prone to Sunburn?
The fact that Yellow Doodles naturally have less pigment in their skin, means they are more at risk than their darker counterparts like a Black Doodle.
This is even more pronounced in the lighter colors of Labradoodles that lack pigment in their noses and eyelids.
How To Prevent Labradoodle Sunburns
There are quite a lot of products, both good and bad, that you can use to protect your dog from the sun. And they can be found on any online marketplace that deals with pet supplies.
Allow me to mention a few of my preferred methods for keeping my dog safe and comfortable while we are outside and about during the hot summer days.
Keep him inside or in the shade
The first piece of advice I can offer is also the most basic method for protecting your dog during the most intensely hot months of the year, and that is to pretty much keep them out of the sun.
Taking your Doodle for walks in the colder hours of the evening or morning when the UV rays are not as strong is a pretty much-guaranteed method to avoid getting sunburned.
Your dog will typically seek out the shady places in the garden if he can’t be inside with you. So, make sure that your garden has some shade to offer for all hours of the day.
Sunscreen
Staying in the shade all day isn’t always an option, maybe you are camping or you just don’t want to let the sun keep you inside.
There are quite a few sunscreen options for a dog.
NOTE: DON’T USE THE SAME SUNSCREEN ON YOUR DOODLE THAT YOU DO YOURSELF.
There are two ingredients in the sunscreen made for people that are TOXIC to dogs.
Here are a few suggestions of brands found on Amazon that I’ve previously tried and would recommend.
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen (Amazon link)
This sunblock not only protects your dog’s nose against the sun but also adds a little moisture as well.
- No More Oily, Sticky Fur After Sunscreen : Tired of greasy dog sunscreen ruining your pup’s coat? Our non-greasy, no-oil formula absorbs fast, leaving no residue. It’s the clean choice for pet sunscreen for dogs and dog sun protection at the beach or park. Contains Vitamin E and other anti-oxidants making it a dog safe sunscreen
- Stops Painful Burns on Sensitive Noses & Ears: sunburned noses are the #1 issue—our solution? A targeted dog sunscreen for nose, ears, and belly that forms a nose sun protector barrier. Ideal sunscreen for dogs with sensitive skin and light fur. Also Protect against the development of malignant skin tumors such as melanomas, carcinomas, sarcomas and mast cell tumors type II
- Easy Spray-On—No Wrestling with Lotions: No more messy creams or lotions your dog hates! Just spray and go with our vet-developed dog sunscreen spray—a must-have for dog beach accessories and camping essentials for dogs.
- Not Just for Dogs—Protects Horses Too: Why carry multiple products? This sunscreen for dogs and horses makes it the only pet sunscreen you need. Trusted by equine owners as a top-rated horse sunscreen.
- Perfect for Summer, Hiking, & Boat Days: Whether it’s the beach, lake, or trail, protect your pup’s skin from harmful rays. Keep this dog sunblock in your dog summer essentials, dog camping essentials, dog hiking gear, or boat accessories for dogs all season long.
Protects against not only UV-A but also UV-B and UV-C.
A great thing about this product is that it’s non-greasy, which means that it doesn’t collect any dirt, and it’s also waterproof.
This is the most expensive product on the list for the reason that it is probably also the most durable you can buy, and the risk of this fading or being flushed away from your dog is highly improbable.
Another fine product from Petkin that a lot of people really seem to like is the Sun Wipes (Amazon link). It’s pretty smart how these works, and it’s really nice that you can quickly apply the sunscreen using these wipes without the greasy mess of regular creams.
- Petkin Sunscreen Sunwipes for Dogs – Just like people, dogs need protection from the sun. Petkin Doggy Sunwipes are a convenient way to protect your dog from the sun's harmful UV rays whenever they're outdoors. Includes 20 wipes, SPF 15.
- Not Greasy or Sticky – Each pet friendly sunscreen wipe is moistened with a gentle non-greasy formula developed especially for dogs. Compares to SPF 15 rated sunscreens for humans. Vanilla coconut scent.
- Veterinarian Approved – Simply wipe all over anytime your dog is out in the sun, especially on ears, nose, muzzle, pink skin areas and entire coat of light colored or short haired dogs. Provides instant sun protection.
- Super Convenient – An ideal pack-size for keeping handy in your purse or backpack. Apply at least every 2 hours. Use with our Doggy Sunstick and Doggy Sunmist for additional sunscreen protection.
- Easy to Use – To open, lift bottom edge of front label. Remove and unfold cloth. Reseal package by firmly pressing label back down.
These seem nice because you can carry them with the rest of your dog gear pretty easily. Having a regular sunscreen container leak into your bag would usually mean a lot of mess, but not with these.
Kickred Dog Shirt
The Kickred Dog Shirt (Amazon link) is a great option where you can equip your dog with it and not have to worry about it during the day.
Using shirts like these means that you will only have to make sure to keep up with sunscreen on your Doodles’ nose and ears, but a shirt such as this will take care of its’ belly during the entire day.
- SIZE - S: (Neck Girth: 11.1''/28cm; Chest: 15.7''/40cm; Back: 13.4''/34cm). Suggested Weight: 7-15LBS(3-6KG). Weight for reference only. Recommended Breeds: Fox Terrier, Jack Russel, Scottie, Shih Tzu and so on. Measure the Chest Girth, Back Length, Neck Girth of your dog and compare to the size chart before placing orders, leave 2-3 fingers of space for best fit and comfort. If your dog is stronger or has thick hair, order one size up would be better.
- SUN PROTECTION DOG SHIRT - This dog shirt for large dogs is perfect for daily walk, beach day, park visits, city strolls, or couch cuddles. Effectively blocks harmful UV rays during summer playtime, whether they’re splashing in the pool or romping outdoors. Indoors, it effectively solves shedding problems by controlling loose fur. This dog tshirt protects against dirt, allergens, and grime, keeping your pup clean and happy. It is a cared choice for a furbaby who has skin issues.
- SOFT & BREATHABLE - Our dog vest are made of 90% Polyester + 20% Spandex fabric, soft & lightweight & breathable. Sleeveless vest design and stretchable fabric allows full freedom of movement without restricting your dog's shoulders, letting your dog run, jump, and play freely in hot weather. Dog cooling vest is easy to clean and maintain, using cold water, low temperature tumble dry mode, mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softener to prevent damage to the material.
- FASHIONABLE DESIGN - Vivid colors and simple styles, providing your dogs with a sense of vitality, making your dogs look more charming and stylish. The dog cooling shirt fits for wearing in various occasions, such as daily, outdoor, party, wedding, traveling, photo props and so on. Wearing it, your dog will be instantly transformed into a sunny and energetic little social media star who stands out from the crowd. High abdomen cut, no worry about toileting, easier to put on and take off.
- FOR YOU - Thank you for choosing Kickred! At Kickred Pet Clothes, we prioritize your satisfaction and are committed to delivering premium-quality products with a thoughtful shopping experience. In order to ensure that you buy the most suitable goods, please feel free to reach out through Amazon's official channels to contact us. If there’s any quality issue, we’ll refund you, no hassle. We are committed to providing excellent service until all your concerns are addressed!
Goggles for dogs
Finally, let’s see what options there are for your dog’s eyes.
I don’t know if you have ever sunburned your eyes, but I have, and let me tell you that it is an unbearable experience.
But is it in any way possible to prevent it? You can’t exactly apply sunscreen to your eyes, and would probably feel even worse than the actual sunburn.
The best option for us humans is, of course, a good old pair of sunglasses.
So, let’s look at the same thing for a Labradoodle.
There are several options of UV-protected sunglasses for a dog.
When looking at user reviews, this is the pair I recommend that you try if you want to make sure your dog’s eyes are protected during your next outdoor adventure.
PEDOMUS Dog Sunglasses
These PEDOMUS sunglasses (Amazon link) can be adjusted to always be a perfect fit for your specific dog, and they can be used anywhere from a sunny day at the beach, to a ski trip to Aspen.
- Superb Material: The lens is made of high quality polycarbonate, which can filter and reduce UV, UV400, Infra Red and visible light intensity. Protect your pets’ eyes from snow, UV, wind, dust and fog.
- Adjustable Strap: The strap use high-elasticity elastic band, adjustable elastic cord fit for different head shapes which can let your pets wear the sunglasses in comfortable and firm manner.
- Good Protection for Outdoor Activities: The dog goggles will be a good protection aids for your pet if you want to do some outdoor activities with your pets such as skiing, climbing and swimming etc.
- Sponge Pad Inside: Sponge is padded around the lenses, high density sponge has a great breathable effect and thermal performance perfectly alleviating eyestrain or the pressure from the shaft and the dog is not uncomfortable to wear normally.
- Super Cool Style:The pet goggles with fashionable shape would be a good gear to dress up your pets in an attractive look. Each dog has a difference in body size. Before buying, we strongly recommend that you measure your dog's head size to ensure that our products are suitable for your dog.
How to Know if a Labradoodle Has a Sunburn
There aren’t really any big differences in sunburns between us and our dogs, the biggest difference really is the fact that it is much harder to spot in our dogs.
When my legs or back is sunburned, it is painfully obvious for everybody to see because such a large area has been affected.
Signs that your Labradoodle is sunburned include
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Lack of appetite
- Pinkness or redness in the skin
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Skin that is painful to the touch
If you see that your dog looks to be in pain whenever you touch him or if he feels especially warm in any of the areas I talked about earlier, you should really give him a good checkup.
As with most sunburns on humans, the skin turning red is your first indicator. If you notice your dog’s skin has a red or pink hue and it feels warm to the touch, it is very likely that he has a sunburn.
The deciding factor is if you notice that simply touching him is a cause of pain.
If your dog whines and/or tries to move away from your touch, then it is time to look into some home remedies to help him with the pain.
But the most important thing to do if your dog has sunburn is that you will need to take some actions that will help him maintain body temperature in the area between 100 and 102 degrees.
Treating Your Doodles’ Sunburn
For simple or mild sunburns, an easy solution is to use a cool compress. A wet rag is often enough if your dog will remain calm enough for it to stay in place.
If you experience that the wet rag keeps falling off, you can always get an old t-shirt and soak it and then put it on your dog and let him cool off that way.
Setting a fan beside the dog with a wet t-shirt will also provide some additional help to keep him cool.
If you end up contacting a vet, you might also be provided an aloe vera gel that is approved for use on animals. Don’t just go buy any random product off the shelf without consulting your vet first.
With more severe burns, especially anything involving blisters and the like, you will have to consult your vet right away.
Your vet will then be able to put your mind a bit at ease and can probably also offer some comfort that will help more than any home remedy you might have found online.
The Consequences of Sunburn
A dog doesn’t have the best of systems to control their body temperatures.
The best home remedies from above will be those that can help ease your Labradoodles’ discomfort and cool his body at the same time.
If you notice your dogs’ body temperatures start to climb above 102, you will face additional problems that can prove fatal.
Those possible fatal issues that sunburns can lead to include:
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Liver and kidney failure
Just because of the serious nature of some complications related to heat, I would advise that you check your dog’s temperature often. How often you should measure it depends on how severe the sunburn is.
If the sunburn is serious enough that you find yourself quite worried about your dogs’ temperature, then you should surely seek the advice of the nearest qualified vet.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
