Can dogs get sunburned?

Thanks, and yes she is pink skinned, which is why I was concerned.  We only allow her outside when we are home - the door is open so she can come back inside whenever she wants.  She will sunbathe for a while, come in to have a drink, and then go back out.

Yes, white dogs can get sunburned.  I have a friend that has a Boston Terrier.  It got cancer in the white area.  The vet told her that dogs with white areas or white dogs had an increased chance of getting I would guess skin cancer.  I don't know this by fact, but by what she told me the vet said.

ETA - This is the only 'dog-specific' one I could find [http://www.funstufffordogs.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD=011&PROD=1080228749]

My sister and her boston, Cloe, used to live in Florida and if my sister didnt put sunblock on her lips, chest and toes Cloe would get sunburned since those areas she has pink skin...

They can... And it can be very painful for them...

But I think you should be able to find some balsam especially made for dogs in every good pet store.

 I used to smear mud on myself and my son when we were out in the hot New Mexican son down by a creek or something. It blocks the sun real well!

So if you are out by a lake and you realize you forgot your sunscreen, use mud.

 I think for the most part that cancer is the thing to look out for. Pit bulls with their thin coat get skin cancer really easily with very much sun exposure. I know several in Albuquerque who fought it for years.

If dogs can use sunscreen, I think it is a good idea, but I don't think it's a good thing for them to eat. Anyone ever ask a vet?
 

I'm going to answer this from a whole different angle -- remember, if you allow this dog free access to the outdoors it is NOT going to have common sense about when it has had 'enough'.  That's *your* job.

The longer a dog lies in the sun, the more relaxed and 'mushy' brained they get -- often the dog won't even move to GET  a drink!!

Please limit this dog's ability to just 'go out'.  It feels good -- but they know no logic about "I have to protect myself" and sunblock just won't do it. 

Dogs are like children and sometimes they may love something that needs to be limited.  A child may like ice cream but letting them have "all they want" is disaster.  Please watch the clock and only allow the dog to be outside for short periods of time, closely monitored.  Then don't let the dog go back outside ... but keep it inside.  If you shut the door the dog will be content - particularly if you supply affection and playing as compensation.  But your gentle 'No, you've had enough' will always be the best thing.

I have hairless dogs and they also tan and can get sunburned. I would also recommend a cotton tee shirt for any time outside exceeding 30 minutes. The tee will offer some protection just as in ppl. I have not had a problem with sunburn as let mine out for short periods of time in a shady yard and the UV index is really high here in MS. Let common sense be your guide.

some 'doggiescreen' 

http://houndsaroundtown.com/lifestyle/doggy-sunscreen.html