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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 sunglasses, too?
It turns out, dog sunglasses and “doggles” protect pets from much more than the sun. Dog eye protection keeps them safe from sun, dust, debris, and other irritants. 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 why your dog might needs sunglasses, and how to choose the right pair for function, fashion, or both.
Why Does My Dog Need Sunglasses?
According to veterinary professionals, protective eyewear for dogs protects their eyes from injury and sun exposure (source). 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, plus they’re closer to the ground, 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 Sunglasses for Your Pup
Let’s face it: 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 some coaxing to wear protective eyewear. For pointers, 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 will accommodate those of the buggier eyed bunch. 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
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
Promising review: “Our little girl loves riding in the convertible. Her hair blows in her eyes so we bought these doggie goggles for her. I love the way the straps go under her neck and behind her ears to hold them on. We love them.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $8.99Doggles ILS Sunglasses
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
Promising review: “Bought these in the spring to protect the pups eyes while on the Motorcycle. They have seen over 6000 miles this year! You do need to take the time to train your dog to get used to them. In my case, I found the best thing was to make it part of the Motorcycle training, soon after she realized when you are on the Motorcycle you wear the Doggles.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $21.11NamSan 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
- Maybe some of the cooler looking dog sunglasses out there
- Solid UV protection
Promising review: “These are awesome. We go four wheeling a lot for long distances and the trails are very dusty. Without the doggles, he would have very watery itchy eyes by the end of the day and these seem to help a lot. Plus they look hilarious.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $12.99Rex 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, 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
- 22 awesome styles
- 6 size options for a great range of fit
- Blocks 99.9% of UV rays
Promising review: “These are the real deal. Took about 10 minutes of training my 1-year-old (100lb) Newfoundland before she became comfortable with them. After that, I installed the tinted lens and she has no problems wearing them. These are very well made and deliver exactly what the website says they will.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $79.95Best Large Dog Sunglasses and “Doggles”
Doggles Originalz
The classic, functional dog goggle to protect dogs’ eyes from irritants and the elements. Size range from small to XL, from toy to giant breeds.
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
Promising review: “[These are] PERFECT! They’re very sturdy and very adjustable. He’s not too thrilled wearing them on our walks now, but he’s getting used to it; like anything else, with a good dog, you can get there, it just takes patience and training. Also, obviously, he looks adorable.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $20.84PETLESO 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
Promising review: “These are wonderful for my dog. He is an 85 lb boxer mix and they fit perfectly. I got them to keep wind/items off his eyes when we are in car rides with head out the window.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $12.50DETI Dog Sunglasses
These are great starter goggles for the dog who needs a larger lens area and deeper lens cup. They have head and chin straps, and a bendable PVC nose bridge.
Why we like them:
- 100% UV block
- So many proofs: water-proof, wind-proof, anti-fog, dust-proof, shatter-proof, and scratch-proof
- Extra deep lens cup
- We’re all for anything that makes a dog look ready to go skiing
Promising review: “My Aussie, Charli loves these goggles. We have tried soooo many that she would not wear but she refuses to ride on my motorcycle without these on. I will be a repeat customer FOREVER!”
Buy Now on Amazon for $13.99Best Small Dog Sunglasses
Enjoying Dog Goggles
How cute are these? Sized down for smaller breeds, these dog sunglasses are both fashionable and functional.
Why we like them:
- Come 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
Promising review: “Our 10-lb. chihuahua, Joey, is hard to fit. But these really cute, adjustable goggles fit!”
Buy Now on Amazon for $8.50COCOPET 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
- Claim 100% UV protection
- Most reviewers mention how well these fit small dogs
- Six colors to choose from
Promising review: “I like that they have UV and shatter resistant lenses and foam pad around the perimeter of the glasses so they are comfortable for my little man to wear. He looks cool wearing them.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $8.99-9.99Kailian Dog Goggles
For tiny dogs with recessed (not buggy) eyes, these sleek lenses work well. They look a bit more like traditional swim goggles and don’t take up a lot of room on those with small heads.
Why we like them:
- A refined, cool look
- Black and pink options
- Adjustable strap and tiny size
- Great starter goggles for motorcycle or convertible riders
Promising review: “I didn’t think my Yorkie would actually wear these, but decided to try. She tried to take them off at first, but I put them on her a few minutes each day and gave her a treat afterward. When we took her for a ride in our RZR, she wore them without complaint! They work great and helped to keep the dust out of her eyes. Now, we no longer have to leave her at home when we go for rides.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $8.50LOOYUAN Dog Sunglasses
These work for small to medium dogs because the two straps have a lot of adjustability range. The slits on the sides should provide some airflow while still protecting the eyes from dust. And they look like extreme sports are about to happen.
Why we like them:
- Good for those looking for a more sporty look
- Can fit dogs over 25 pounds
- A great price
Promising review: “Totally fits the face of a taller schnauzer mix that is about 25 lbs. He likes it when his hair isn’t smashed up against his face blocking his view. Stays on no matter how much he uses his paws to try and remove it. Fun little item if you have a pup that loves to have his face out the window when riding in the car.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $12.99Loggipet 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
Promising review: “Pleasantly surprised with the build quality and they really do stay on well considering my dogs were initially fidgety with them. These things are mandatory for their car rides.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $9.99Dog Sunglasses Just for Fun
G010 Dog Pets Aviator Turbo Sunglasses
Hey, is that Val Kilmer circa Top Gun? Nope, just the coolest dog ever. Give your dog the pilot look and a little UV protection with these cool aviators.
Why we like them:
- Because aviators make everyone, and every dog, look cool and retro
- Provided straps keep the glasses on
- Some function in their UV protection
- Fun accessory for bigger dogs, too!
Promising review: “The cutest dog glasses I have ever seen! Love that there are two straps to accommodate different dogs and snouts!
Buy Now on Amazon for $9.99Doggles Sidecar Eyewear
In addition to being the original dog goggle brand, Doggles offer a ton of fun options and styles for dog eyes who need protection. We love the Sidecar style in copper for it’s slightly Snoopy-as-the-Red-Barron feel.
Why we like them:
- Doggles generally make high-quality dog eyewear
- The attention to detail: check out the faux stitching around the lens and that nose bridge
- Rated for small to large dogs (15-150 pounds!)
Promising review: “These have a nice cushion around the frame keeping the lens a good distance from my dog’s eyes. These work great for my Frenchie. He doesn’t mind wearing them.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $21.66Retro 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!
Promising review: “Cute and funny. Great for pictures. Sure to make you smile and catch attention when worn.”
Buy Now on Amazon for $7.99Further Reading
- Our Guide to Dog Eye Infections
- Dog Eye Gunk: What is it?
- Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red?
- Meet Chopper the Biker Dog
