Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Insane Star on 20/07/2009 23:30:02

Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: Insane Star on 20/07/2009 23:30:02: Insane Star asked the Naked Scientists:

Hello Naked Scientists!

I have a 'summery' question: Can any animals, other than humans, get sunburnt?

Thanks and keep making the fab podcast (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/)!

InsaneStar, North Yorkshire
What do you think?
Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: Chelsie on 20/07/2009 23:53:26: Absolutely, but it's generally seen more often in mammals. Although a mammal's hair can offer some protection they too can get a sunburn. Just like humans, it is completely dependent on the amount of pigmentation, the amount of hair, and the climate the animal lives in. While I was doing my undergrad, I worked as a veterinarian technician at a small animals hospital. We often had dogs or cats that came in with burns on sensitive areas such as around their nose and near their belly. Just to give you an example, it is very common for white horses to sunburn and many owners will use sunblock on the areas of their body with exposed skin.

It should be noted however that some animals are genetically inclined to be more pigmented and thus more protected against sunburns depending on their country of origin. Gorillas are an example.
Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: neilep on 21/07/2009 00:08:29: Pigs can suffer terrible sunburn and are often protected with sun cream.
Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 21/07/2009 06:41:29: Quote from: neilep on 21/07/2009 00:08:29
Pigs can suffer terrible sunburn and are often protected with sun cream.
Here's a burnt pig

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsizzleonthegrill.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F12%2Froastporkburntbonesweb.JPG&hash=7bb51f5a8a116798eb31b8045f978fca)

The rest of you pig better watch out. [:P]
Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: Don_1 on 21/07/2009 08:22:43: Geeze, that must have been a ferociously hot day!
Title: Do animals suffer sunburn?
Post by: Don_1 on 21/07/2009 08:26:13: Wild animals, such as elephants and rhinos use sunsreen, usually mud. Hippos prefer to stay under water for protection from the sun.