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The importance of sunscreen for humans gets a lot of coverage every summer—but did you know that dogs need sun protection too? All dogs can get sunburned; their skin is just as susceptible to UV rays as our own. That’s why dog sunscreen can be a good addition to your pup’s summer gear.
It can be hard to know, though, what kind of sunscreen will work best for your particular pup—or when it’s necessary. Some dogs need sunscreen more than others. Dogs with thick coats and dark-pigmented skin have a degree of natural protection from sun damage, but dogs with thin coats, short fur, or hair loss need more preventative measures. It’s also generally wise to use dog sunblock on ears, noses, and bellies.
A good dog sunscreen will offer a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. it should protect against both UVA and UVB rays and be free from potentially harmful ingredients like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). If you’re enjoying a water activity with your pup, be sure to choose a dog sunscreen that’s waterproof or water-resistant.
As for human sunscreen? Don’t use it. Dogs lick themselves, and there are a few ingredients usually found in sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, that are toxic.
We’ve rounded up a collection of some of the most effective dog sunscreens to help you protect your pup this summer.
Best All-Purpose Dog Sunscreen: Epi-Pet K-9 Care Spray
Packaged in a 3.5-ounce aerosol spray can, this dog sunscreen is quick and easy to apply. It sprays at all angles, making it perfect for a wriggly pup. It’s water-resistant and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Plus, this sunblock is veterinarian-formulated and enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants to support skin health.
Highlights:
- SPF 30+ protection from UVA and UVB rays
- Aerosol can sprays at all angles
- Some find the vanilla fragrance a little strong
Best Value Dog Sunscreen: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sunblock Spray
If you and your dog spend a great deal of time outdoors in the summer, you probably don’t want to buy a new bottle of sunscreen every two weeks. This sunblock spray comes in a large eight-ounce bottle and is priced under $20. Made with all-natural ingredients, the formula contains octinoxate as the active ingredient. It’s also enriched with moisturizing ingredients, so it works well for after-sun care too.
Highlights:
- Contains octinoxate as the active ingredient
- Moisturizing ingredients support skin health
- May have a noticeable chemical smell
Best Dog Sunscreen for Dark Skin: Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist
Dogs with dark skin and dense fur may not require the same degree of sun protection as light-skinned and thin-coated dogs. This dog sunblock spray offers a sun protection factor of 15 to give your pup a little boost of protection on their sensitive areas. Sold in a 4-ounce bottle, its spray is non-greasy and easy to apply. It goes on white so you can see areas you’ve missed before massaging it into your dog’s skin.
Highlights:
- Sprays on white so you don’t miss a spot
- Easy to apply in spray form
- Not waterproof or water-resistant
Best Smelling Dog Sunscreen: Warren London Sunscreen Spray
Most human noses are used to the signature scent of sunscreen, but many dogs, with their extra-sensitive noses, hate the chemical smell. If you’re looking for a dog sunscreen spray that protects with a less offensive odor, this formula could be a good option. It’s made with benzophenone as the active ingredient and has a refreshing citrus scent. It also contains aloe vera to soothe your dog’s skin and moisturize it after a day in the sun.
Highlights:
- Has a refreshing citrus scent
- Contains aloe vera to moisturize the skin
- Water-resistant formula
Best Dog Sunscreen Balm: My Dog Nose It! Sunblock Balm
Perfect for dogs with light-pigmented noses and ears, this sunscreen balm is easy to apply. It’s a non-greasy formula that dries quickly, so your pup is ready to go in a matter of minutes. It contains naturally moisturizing ingredients, like carnauba wax and ethylhexyl stearate from coconut oil; it’s also water-resistant. Make sure to reapply this dog sunblock every two hours when playing outside or in the water.
Highlights:
- Dries quickly with no greasy feel
- Free from parabens, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide
- Fairly pricey for a small 0.5 ounce jar
Best Sunblock for Puppies: Gerrard Larriett Vitamin and Essential Oil Sunscreen Spray
Your puppy needs to be protected, and not just from the sun. They’re prone to put everything in their mouths and have delicate skin, so it’s particularly important to choose a dog sunblock that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals. This spray is formulated with a veterinarian-approved blend of organic essential oils that helps inhibit UVA and UVB absorption. It’s deeply moisturizing, easy to spray on, and doesn’t leave a greasy mess.
Highlights:
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Safe for puppies and sensitive skin
- Not a waterproof formula
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms and interviews with veterinary experts. We considered UVA and UVB protection, water resistance, moisturizing potential, scent, and ease of use. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- Do All Dogs Need Sunscreen? We Ask the Experts About Sunscreen and Sun Shirts
- The Best Dog Sun Shirts for UV Protection and Summer Safety
- Should You Buy a Swimming Pool Just for Your Dog?
- The Best Dog Floaties for Summer Swimming
- The Best Cooling Mats to Get Your Hot Dog Chilling
- Our Favorite Dog Cooling Vests and Bandanas to Beat the Summer Heat
