Preventing dog getting sunburn

[shivvy]

When we got our pup from the shelter she didn't have much hair. Since then she has come on well but she is still quite bald on her nose and head. I don't think it is very clear in these photos but it might give you an idea.
<img src="http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn146/shivvy_photos/Bella036.jpg" border="0" alt="Bellas nose">
<img src="http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn146/shivvy_photos/1stnight006.jpg" border="0" alt="Bella">
In the recent really hot weather we have been putting a high factor sun lotion on her nose but we are a bit worried about sunburn to her baldy head! I know that places sell hats for dogs and although it might look a bit bonkers, I was wondering whether this might be a good way of preventing sunburn?
Has anyone else got experience of this?
Thanks.

PS - I obviously take other precautions like always providing shade, water etc for her but she will still be exposed to the sun and I want to know how best to protect her.

[4getmenot]

I was told that apart from people pigs are the only other mammal to get sunburn

[markysngc]

http://www.ehow.com/how_2058156_deal-dog-sunbu rn.html

[garner]

Oh shivvy she is a lovely girl, I bet you are so pleased with her.I would be inclined to keep up with the sunscreen on her nose part just in case.What lovely colouring she has.Thanks for the pics.g.

[shivvy]

4getmenot - dogs can def get sunburn - she was a bit of a rudolf after her first exposure to the sun.
markysngc - thanks for the link.
garner - thankyou so much. Although she is a bit on the baldy and scrawny side, we think that she is as pretty as a picture! She had a bad start in life but is getting bigger, stronger, more confident (and hairy!) by the day.

Can anyone else advise on the use of a hat please?

[leelapops]

shivvy can't help you so much on the hat, although I know my friend's white staffie needs sun cream on during the warmer weather.

I just wanted to echo garner's comments: what a babe your Bella is! Her name describes her perfectly :)

Giver her a cuddle from me xx

[pastafreak]

I am another one who can't help you....I just want to echo what leela said......your pup is just gorgeous!!! I want her-lol

[shivvy]

leelapops and pastafreak - thankyou so much for your kind comments about my lovely girl. Many people think that they have to get a pedigree dog to get good looks - clearly I disagree!
Because she is a rescue dog, her pedigree/heritage is unknown and even the vet was a bit stumped when we asked her to commit to suggesting what breeds her parents might have been!
Maybe I should post a question on here to see what people think her parentage might be?!

[wolf63]

She is a cute little dog. She looks like she is quite sweet natured too. Bella is an apt name for her.

I believe that dogs/cats can get skin cancer from sun exposure so you are being wise in protecting her from the sun.

She looks as if she will be a biggish dog when she grows up. How old is she? She still has a puppy look about her.

[shivvy]

thanks wolf - she is a very good natured little lady. We have never heard her growl or be angry in the 5 months that we have had her.
Her exact age is unknown but we think she is about 10 months. She hasn't done any growing (in height) since we got her but she has filled out a bit, put on some much needed weight and grown a bit more hair!

[lankeela]

I would say she is some sort of terrier/collie cross, maybe with a bit of lurcher in her, although lurchers are usually a collie/sighthound cross.

[innocenti]

Suntan lotion, the higher factor the better. I have a white English Bull Terrier and he is a sun worshipper, we have to smother him in lotion as he burns on his stomach and nose.

[christine847]

aahhh what a lovely dog you have,i have a beardie with the same colouring,didnt think about sunburn!

[shivvy]

Thanks so much christine!