ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, has put together this essential guide because Australian summers are genuinely tough on exposed dog skin, and it is one of the most overlooked parts of warm-weather care. Sydney has recorded some of its hottest summers on record in recent years, and while most of us are well versed in slip, slop, slap for ourselves, our dogs often miss out on the same level of protection. This guide covers who is most at risk, how diet can help from the inside, and which natural oils genuinely work for sun-exposed areas like noses and ears.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Every dog can get sunburnt, but some are considerably more vulnerable than others. Dogs particularly susceptible to sun damage include:
- Short-haired breeds
- Dogs who have recently had a haircut or clip
- Dogs who spend a lot of time swimming or on boats
- White or pale-coated dogs, who tend to have fairer skin underneath their coat
Even long-haired dogs are not immune. Every dog has a few genuinely vulnerable areas regardless of coat length, particularly the nose, the tips of the ears and the belly.
Dietary Support From the Inside
Diet plays a bigger role in skin resilience than most owners realise. Lycopene is a bright red plant pigment that gives many fruits and vegetables their colour, and it has a genuine role to play in supporting skin health, including acting as a mild natural defence against sun exposure. Some of the best dog-friendly, lycopene-rich foods include:
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Red capsicum
- Grapefruit flesh (no pith or seeds)
- Goji berries
- Tomatoes
- Parsley
- Paw paw (seeds removed)
- Watermelon (seeds removed)
Lycopene is better absorbed when paired with a healthy fat such as coconut oil, olive oil or flaxseed oil. A simple warm-weather treat is to slice red capsicum, spread a light layer of coconut oil on each piece, then freeze or chill it for an extra cooling effect on a hot day. Raw, minimally processed meat also naturally contains higher levels of the amino acid histidine, which supports the skin's own ability to manage everyday molecular stress from sun exposure. This is one of the reasons so many Australian owners feeding a balanced raw diet notice better coat condition through summer.
Why We Are Cautious About Commercial Pet Sunscreens
Many commercial pet sunscreens contain ingredients we would rather avoid on a dog's skin, especially given how often dogs end up licking treated areas. Common ingredients worth checking for on the label include:
- Artificial colours or preservatives
- Benzophenone, Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-3
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Homosalate
- Titanium Dioxide
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Octyl dimethyl PABA, Octyl-methoxycinnamate and Octyl-salicylates
- Oxybenzone
- Salicylates
It is entirely your choice as an owner, but we would encourage checking the label closely and doing a little of your own research before applying anything new to your dog's skin.
Natural Topical Options That Actually Work
The most effective natural sunscreen mineral is zinc. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, physical sunscreens containing zinc scatter the sun's rays before they penetrate the skin. Seed and nut oils are naturally high in zinc and vitamin E, which is why the two we recommend most for short exposure, such as a walk around the block, are:
- Almond oil
- Coconut oil
Both are gentle enough to use on the nose and ear tips, and neither is a problem if your dog licks a little off afterwards. For longer periods outside, two oils with a naturally higher SPF profile are worth considering:
- Carrot seed oil: naturally higher on the SPF scale and rich in antioxidants and vitamin A, making it particularly useful for dogs with sensitive skin.
- Red raspberry seed oil: also on the higher end of natural SPF, packed with vitamins A and E plus alpha-linoleic acid, with additional soothing properties for skin that has already had some sun exposure.
No natural oil offers complete protection, and there is no substitute for common sense. Keep shade available at all times and avoid the harshest part of the day, generally late morning through mid-afternoon in most of Australia.
Application matters as much as the oil itself. A thin layer rubbed gently into the nose, ear tips and any exposed patches of skin before heading outside is usually enough for a standard walk. Reapply after swimming, since water washes most natural oils away quickly, and always let your dog shake off excess water before you top up. Dogs with pink or unpigmented skin around the lips and eyelids are worth checking particularly closely, since these areas tend to be thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the coat-covered body.
Hats, bandanas and lightweight sun shirts designed for dogs have also become more common in Australian pet stores over the last few years, and they are worth considering for dogs who spend long stretches outdoors, such as those accompanying owners on boats, at the beach or on long hikes. A shirt covering the back and belly reduces the surface area exposed to direct sun and can make a real difference for pale-skinned or short-coated breeds in particular.
Building a Sensible Summer Routine
Combining diet, natural topical oils and smart timing gives your dog layered protection rather than relying on any single fix. If you are working out the right feeding plan for your dog's age, breed and activity level heading into summer, our free meal planning quiz takes just a couple of minutes, and our guide to prepping your dog's diet for Australian summer covers the broader seasonal picture. New to raw feeding altogether? A sample pack is a low-pressure way to see how your dog responds before committing to a full changeover. For more seasonal guidance, our companion article on keeping dogs cool in summer covers hydration and heat safety in more depth.
The ardam team keeps an eye on emerging research around canine skin health and dietary support, and we are always happy to talk through a specific dog's needs, especially breeds we know are more sun-sensitive. If you notice redness, flaking or a sore that will not settle, it is worth a proper check rather than guessing. The Australian Veterinary Association can help you find a registered vet near you, and the MSD Veterinary Manual is a reliable plain-English reference on skin conditions in dogs.
Sun safety for dogs deserves the same attention we give our own skin, particularly in a country with UV levels as high as Australia's. A sensible mix of diet, shade, timing and the right natural oils will keep your dog comfortable through the warmest months without resorting to harsh chemical products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs really get sunburnt?
Yes. White, short-haired, or recently clipped dogs are especially at risk, along with any dog that spends a lot of time outdoors or in the water.
What is the best natural oil for sun protection on dogs?
Almond oil and coconut oil work well for short walks. Carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil offer a higher natural SPF for longer periods outside.
What foods help support a dog's natural sun resistance?
Lycopene-rich fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, red capsicum and watermelon, paired with a healthy fat, can support the skin's natural resistance to sun damage.
Is zinc safe to use on a dog's nose or ears?
Zinc oxide used topically in a dog-safe formulation is one of the most effective natural sunscreen minerals, as it physically scatters UV rays rather than absorbing them.
Should I use human sunscreen on my dog?
No. Many human and even some commercial pet sunscreens contain ingredients that are unsafe if licked off, so check the label carefully or use a natural alternative made for pets.
Which parts of a dog are most at risk of sunburn?
The nose, the tips of the ears and the belly are the most vulnerable areas, particularly on short-haired or lighter-coloured dogs.
Can diet alone protect my dog from sun damage?
Diet supports the skin's natural resilience but does not replace shade, sensible timing of walks and a topical natural sunscreen for exposed areas.
Do Australian summers make sun protection more important for dogs?
Yes. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, so sun-safe habits for dogs matter more here than in milder climates.
