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Summer is perfect for spending sunny days outside with the dogs. But I worry about my dogs’ eyes in the sun. After all, I always wear shades to protect my eyes. Do my dogs need dog sunglasses, too?
It turns out, dog sunglasses and “doggles” protect pets from much more than the sun. Plus, they look adorable—just check out this post with photographic evidence.
From protective goggles to retro shades, dog sunglasses come in many styles. Read on to learn all about dog sunglasses, why your dog might need a pair, and how to choose the right set for function, fashion, or both.
Why Does My Dog Need Dog Sunglasses?
According to veterinary professionals, protective eyewear for dogs protects their eyes from injury and sun exposure. Although the science is out on whether or not UV rays affect dogs the same way they affect humans, we know bright sunlight can irritate dogs’ eyes.
Dog sunglasses can increase your dog’s comfort and range of vision in bright conditions. Sunglasses or goggles also protect your dog’s eyes from wind, dirt, branches, water, and other potential irritants.
Here are some situations and activities in which your dog might need eye protection:
- Car, motorcycle, scooter, off-road vehicle, or boat rides
- At the beach, when sand can kick up into their eyes (beach volleyball, anyone?)
- In windy conditions where big gusts (plus the dirt and debris they carry) may irritate their eyes
- Jogging with you along busy roads or in open, sunny places
- On sunny days, or in places where the sun reflects off surfaces, creating extra-bright conditions
- Wading in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs where dirty water can splash into their eyes
Basically, dog goggles or sunglasses can be a good idea in any situation where your dog’s eyes are exposed to the elements.
Eye Protection for Especially Sensitive Eyes
Dog sunglasses are a good choice for almost any dog in certain situations. But some breeds have particularly vulnerable eyes.
Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and mixes are more susceptible to an eye injury. These include pugs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Boston terriers. Their eyes are large and bulge out, making them more vulnerable to plants and other items that can touch their eyes.
In addition, dogs with specific jobs or hobbies in outdoor environments benefit from eye protection. These include search and rescue breeds like labs and bloodhounds, police dogs like German shepherds, and any dog that regularly runs through brush or other outdoor environments.
Choosing the Right Dog Sunglasses for Your Pup
Dogs in sunglasses are cute! A good pair of doggy shades can really up your Instagram game. But will your dog tolerate wearing sunglasses?
Some dogs will take to glasses or goggles easily, especially sunglasses specifically designed to fit doggy heads. But other pups need coaxing to wear protective eyewear. For pointers on getting your pet to wear glasses, check out our post on how to dress up your dog.
If you just want to snap some quick pics, you can place a pair of human-style sunglasses on your dog’s eyes. But if you want your dog to wear sunglasses for any length of time, look for dog-specific sunglasses with straps to keep them securely in place.
Make sure the cup depth of the glasses will accommodate buggier-eyed pups when appropriate. And don’t ignore the utility goggles! Plenty of protective eyewear for dogs is designed to look cool, too.
We’ve scoured online reviews to find some of the best-rated dog sunglasses. Ranging from ultra-protective doggles to flashy, fashionable shades, these are the best sunglasses for dogs.
Our Picks for Overall Best Dog Sunglasses
1. QUMY Dog Sunglasses
A popular bargain pick for function and fashion. These have a bigger lens area than some of the less expensive brands, and people review them highly. A solid choice.
Why we like them:
- Adjustable neck and chin straps for a secure fit
- Wide nose bridge and deep lens cup for comfort and safety
- Come in a variety of cute colors
2. Doggles Dog Goggles ILS
Doggles claim to be the original dog sunglasses brand, and these are the model they came up with after years of experience making their product. The ILS is definitely one of the best models out on the market today.
Why we like them:
- The deep lens cup to give your dog’s eyes space under the lens
- Interchangeable lenses that are UV protecting, shatterproof, and anti-fog (sold separately)
- Truly bendable
- Lots of fun frame designs
3. NamSan UV Dog Sunglasses
With adjustable head and chin straps, your dog can look cool and feel comfortable in these stylish glasses. Note that these glasses are made for small breed dogs.
Why we like them:
- A great bargain choice
- One of the cooler looking dog sunglasses out there
- Solid UV protection
4. Rex Specs Dog Goggles
Rex Specs make the extreme sport dog’s goggles. These aren’t your average dog sunglasses. Made to hold up, stay put, and protect your dog’s eyes on adventure trips, they are top of the line. Get ready to dog sled.
Why we like them:
- Comes with two lenses, one clear and another of your choice
- Different styles
- 3 size options
- Blocks 99.9% of UV rays
Best Large Dog Sunglasses and “Doggles”
5. Doggles Originalz
The classic, functional dog goggle to protect dogs’ eyes from irritants and the elements. Size ranges from small to XL, but this pair is great for large dogs.
Why we like them:
- Doggles are the “original” dog goggle, with years of experience designing eyewear for dogs
- Shatterproof lens and wrap-around style keeps out dirt, debris, and elements
- Padded all around for comfort
6. PETLESO Large Dog Sunglasses
A sporty, contemporary dog goggle for large dogs. The hinged nose piece offers more flexibility over your dog’s nose, and the large lens area offers more fit flexibility.
Why we like them:
- Shatterproof lenses offer UV protection
- Adjustable neck and chin straps mean these stay on
- Hinged nose piece comfortably fits over big breed noses
7. NVTED Dog Sunglasses
These are great shades for the dog who needs a larger lens area. Equipped with both head and chin straps, and a PVC frame.
Why we like them:
- 100% UV block
- Water-proof, shatter-proof, anti-fog
- We’re all for anything that makes a dog look ready to go skiing
Best Small Dog Sunglasses
8. Enjoying Dog Goggles
How cute are these? Sized down for smaller breeds, these dog sunglasses are both fashionable and functional.
Why we like them:
- Comes in classy black and fashionable pink to suit your dog’s look
- Adjustable elastic straps for a secure fit
- Reviewers praise their stay-put design
9. COCOPET New Version Cool Dog Goggles
With a clear fit guide and a ton of positive reviews, these goggles might be one of the best small dog bargain options out there. Another bonus is that they offer a little lens cup depth for those with bigger eyes.
Why we like them:
- They come with head and chin straps
- Up to UV400 protection
- Most reviewers mention how well these fit small dogs
- Six colors to choose from
10. Loggipet Dog Goggles
Another pair for dogs who don’t need any depth in the lens cup, these are fit for small to medium dogs. The less bulky look will be less bothersome to some dogs and allow for a better range of vision.
Why we like them:
- Air vents on the sides allow for circulation
- A hinge at the nose for fit and storage
- Accurate item measurement listings for fitting before ordering
- 100% UV protection claim
11. Vevins Dog Goggles Sunglasses
These are great for small and even medium size dogs. Available in six colors, they have adjustable head and chin straps, and a flexible nose bridge.
Why we like them:
- 100% UV block
- Contains a folding bridge and foam padding
- Air vents on the sides minimize water vapor from forming
Dog Sunglasses Just for Fun
12. G006 Dog 80s Sports Sunglasses
The ’80s are back! Perfect for photo-ops, these plastic shades comes in different colors for different cool looks and are best for medium size breeds.
Why we like them:
- Because retro shades make everyone, and every dog, look fab
- Provided straps keep the glasses on
- 100% UV protection
13. Retro Circular Dog Sunglasses
These stylish dog sunglasses are purely for the ‘gram, and only for small dogs. But we can’t resist a retro John Lennon frame!
Why we like them:
- They’re cute as heck!
Further Reading
For more info on your pup’s peepers, check out the articles below.
- Our Guide to Dog Eye Infections
- Dog Eye Gunk: What is it?
- Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red?
- Meet Chopper the Biker Dog
