--- title: Can Dogs Get Sunburned in Dixon? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-dogs-get-sunburned/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Can dogs get sunburned in Dixon summers? # Can dogs get sunburned in Dixon summers? Yes, dogs can sunburn, and the risk is highest for hairless dogs and dogs with short, thin or light hair and fair skin. Every Happy Paws run pairs an outdoor area with an indoor room that is air-conditioned in summer, and each dog chooses where to be. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Fur hides the problem, so many owners never think about it. In a place where July afternoons average about 97 degrees, sun deserves a place on your pre-trip list next to heat and hot pavement. ## Which dogs burn most easily The American Animal Hospital Association lists three groups at higher risk: hairless dogs and cats, such as the Chinese crested dog or the Sphynx cat, breeds with short, thin hair or fair skin, and pets with medical conditions that cause hair loss. A dog that was recently shaved or clipped close can also burn where skin shows. - Short, thin coats: many pointers, greyhound types, pit bull types, boxers and similar breeds. - Pink skin showing through white or pale fur, especially on the nose. - Hairless and nearly hairless dogs. - Dogs clipped short for summer. ## Where and how to look AAHA names the ear flaps, the bridge of the nose, the belly, the groin and any shaved areas as the places to check. Look for red or tender skin, and be gentle, because a burn is painful. AAHA also notes that sunburn raises the long-term risk of skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, and that a burn with blistering or open wounds calls for a veterinarian. ## How owners reduce the risk AAHA suggests considering pet-safe sunscreen for dogs at risk, applied to exposed areas such as the bridge of the nose, and says UV-blocking clothing is an option as long as you weigh the risk of overheating against the risk of sunburn. Ask your veterinarian which product is safe for your dog, because many human sunscreens are not made for pets. Timing matters as much as products. The nearest NOAA station to Dixon, in Vacaville, averages about 27 days at 90 degrees or higher in July, so the sun is strongest and the pavement hottest in the middle of the day. Short outings in the morning and evening are easier on any dog. ## How a Happy Paws stay handles sun The 100 runs are indoor/outdoor, with doggie doors, so a dog is never stuck in the sun. The inside room is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, and a dog with a thin coat can choose to spend the hot hours indoors. Each run also has a Kuranda bed and blankets. Tell staff on your boarding agreement about any skin conditions, recent clipping, or products you use on your dog. Medications are given at no extra charge. If you are choosing a kennel size for a lean, short-coated dog, the [kennel class guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) explains the options, and the [Dixon summer heat guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) covers temperatures. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAHA: Heat safety warnings for veterinary teams and pet owners](https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/heat-safety-warnings-for-veterinary-teams-and-pet-owners/) - [AAHA: Heatstroke in Pets](https://aaha.org/resources/too-hot-to-handle-a-guide-to-heatstroke-in-pets) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Hot pavement and paws](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-pavement-and-paws/) - [Heat stroke in dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-heat-stroke/) - [Small dog boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/small-dog-boarding/) - [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) ## Read next - [Boarding or day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-vs-day-care/) - [Use a day of day care as a trial run before a long trip](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/use-day-care-as-a-trial-run/) - [Why quick goodbyes at drop-off help](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/quick-goodbyes-at-drop-off/) - [Choosing a toy for a boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-toy-for-a-boarding-stay/) - [How to read your dog's vaccine certificate before you upload it](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-a-vaccine-certificate/) - [Kennel cough vs canine flu](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-cough-vs-canine-flu/) - [Indoor cats and boarding vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/indoor-cats-and-boarding-vaccines/) - [Boarding a shy cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/boarding-a-shy-cat/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Do dogs with dark fur get sunburned? They can, but the risk is lower. Skin tone and coat thickness matter more than color alone. ### Is a shaved dog more likely to sunburn? A close clip exposes skin, and AAHA lists shaved areas among the spots to check. Ask your veterinarian before clipping a dog short for summer. ### Can I use my own sunscreen on my dog? Check with your veterinarian first and choose a pet-safe product. Many human formulas are not made for animals. ### Will my dog be in the sun all day at Happy Paws? No. Each run has an indoor room with air conditioning in summer, and the dog chooses inside or out through the doggie door.