Dog Community

Sunburn on the nose

Posted : 6/30/2006 2:45:27 PM

Hello all, I am new to this forum, so lets see if I can do this right!

I have a black chow/shepherd mix who loves to run outside and play. During the summer time, she comes back in with red spots on the top of her black nose, which similarly resemble sunburn on humans. It starts with one, then almost covers the entire nose, making it sensitive and swollen. Eventually with no care, they go away.

What are these spots, how do I prevent them, and once they show up, how to get rid of them so my baby is ok!

Thanks for anything you can provide.

Concerned mom

brookcove

Posted : 6/30/2006 4:06:36 PM

This could also be bug bites - the biting flies are very bad this year. Do you have them where you are?

You can put sunscreen on your dog's nose - just look for a brand that is safe for babies - one that is for faces with a 45 to 70 spf is best. You will have to periodically reapply throughout the day. Make sure the lotion covers the area of thin hair above the nose, too.

dvet

Posted : 6/30/2006 6:46:58 PM

usually Collies that have a pink nose are very susceptible to sun burn..the problem with putting sunscreen on is that I think the record length of time for it to last due to licking is about 10 seconds...Some collies have to have their nose tatooed black to prevent it but it is rare for the average dog to get a sunburned nose...I think Brookecove may be right is thinking it is bug bites...but again sun burn lotion will not help...if in doublt keep your pup out of the sun....but a burn or irritation is very rare.

Christi

Posted : 6/30/2006 9:13:33 PM

Wrigley gets a sunburned nose! We've put baby sunscreen on it...it seems to help even with the licking!

ETA: The white right above his nose, not his acutal black nose.