When people think about protecting dogs from summer heat, they usually think about water, shade, and hot pavement — not sunscreen. But dogs can get sunburned just like people, and Georgia’s intense summer UV levels make it a real risk for certain dogs. At Robin’s Groomingdales in Dunwoody, sun exposure is something we actively factor into how we approach a dog’s summer groom.
Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?
Not every dog faces the same sunburn risk, but several groups in particular need extra attention during Dunwoody and Sandy Springs summers:
- Light or white-coated dogs. Less pigment means less natural UV protection, similar to fair-skinned people.
- Thin-coated breeds. Boxers, Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, and other short-haired breeds have less coat density shielding the skin.
- Recently shaved dogs. A dog shaved very short for summer loses a layer of natural sun protection along with the heat.
- Dogs with exposed pink skin. The nose, ear tips, belly, and areas with thin or no fur are the most common sunburn sites, regardless of overall coat color.
Signs of Sunburn to Watch For
- Red or pink skin, especially on the nose, ear tips, or belly
- Dry, flaky, or peeling patches
- Sensitivity, warmth, or pain when the area is touched
- In more severe cases, blistering or swelling
Repeated sun exposure over time can also increase the long-term risk of skin damage, so this isn’t just a one-day-at-the-lake concern — it’s worth thinking about across the whole summer season.
Why Shaving Too Short Can Backfire
It’s a common instinct to shave a dog short for summer, assuming less fur means a cooler, more comfortable dog. For some breeds that’s true — but for double-coated breeds especially, the coat actually functions as insulation against both heat and UV rays. Shaving a double coat too short removes that natural barrier, can disrupt regrowth, and leaves the underlying skin more exposed to sunburn rather than better protected from heat.
This is why we talk through coat type and skin sensitivity with owners before recommending a summer cut — the right length depends on the breed and coat type, not a one-size-fits-all shave.
How to Protect Your Dog’s Skin This Summer
- Use a pet-safe sunscreen on exposed, thin-furred, or recently shaved areas — never human sunscreen, which can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Limit peak-sun outdoor time between roughly 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV exposure is strongest.
- Provide shade during outdoor time, whether on walks or in the yard.
- Ask about the right summer coat length for your dog’s specific breed and coat type before requesting a short shave.
- Check exposed skin regularly, especially after beach or pool days, for redness or sensitivity.
Robin’s Groomingdales: Grooming With Skin Health in Mind
Every groom at Robin’s Groomingdales includes a skin and coat check as standard practice. If we notice signs of sun sensitivity, irritation, or a coat that’s been cut too short for the season, we’ll flag it and talk through options for your dog’s next visit.
Sun protection is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a simple addition to your dog’s summer routine — right alongside water, shade, and the right grooming schedule for their coat.
📍 Robin’s Groomingdales
2482 Jett Ferry Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
📞 (770) 396-8902
🌐 Book online at robinsgroomingdales.us
🕐 Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM