There are important things to know about our precious four-leggeds as the weather gets warmer.  Our canine buddies can suffer from the effects of the sun, including painful sunburns and even the development of sun related skin cancers. A severe dog sunburn can lead to skin ulcerations in dogs, as well as autoimmune skin conditions that can be extremely uncomfortable for your pet. 
The most common areas for dog sunburn to occur is around the edges of the nose, as well as the groin and abdominal area. When a dog walks on a hot sidewalk, his underside is subject to reflected light that bounces off the sidewalk which can result in a sunburn to the underbelly region. 
When choosing sun protection for dogs, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least fifteen and is nontoxic. Avoid ones that have PABA or zinc oxide which can be toxic to dogs. To be safe, it's best to use a sunscreen specifically designed for dogs. An alternative to a sunscreen made for dogs is to use sunscreen designed for children. Children's sunscreens are less likely to have added scent and other ingredients that can irritate a dog's sensitive skin.
When you apply sunscreen to prevent dog sunburn, apply it to any areas where the skin is exposed such as the nose, along the tips of the ears and the underbelly if your dog isn't wearing protective clothing.
Avoid cutting and/or shaving your dog's hair too short in the summer since hair helps to protect against sun damage.
Also, remember their pads on their paws can get blistered and burned from walking on the hot pavement.