- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you and your dog love having fun in the sun, your summer is probably packed with beach days, sunny hikes, and backyard games (or lounging). But prolonged sun exposure can pose as much of a risk to your pup as it does to you—which is why dog sun shirts and UV shirts can be a critical piece of gear.
Dog sunscreen gets a lot of hype (and for good reason!), but did you know that dog sun shirts can be just as—if not more—effective in preventing sunburn? The physical barrier offers extra protection to dogs with short coats, thin fur, and light-pigmented skin. They’re reusable, so you won’t find yourself buying a new bottle every summer, and they don’t wash off when your pup swims or need to be reapplied after a few hours.
Good dog sun shirts are quick-drying, breathable, and lightweight, offering UVA and UVB protection. Reflective fabric (and cool patterns) are nice touches, but the real key is full torso coverage to protect both back and belly—which is why it’s important to find the right fit by measuring your pup.
We’ve rounded up the best dog sun shirts for UV protection and long-lasting summer fun.
Best All-Purpose Dog Sun Shirt: PlayaPup Sun Protection Shirt (Verified Review)
The PlayaPup dog UV shirt is one of our favorites for both function and fashion. It’s made in the USA from lightweight, breathable fabric that stretches with your dog’s movements. Unlike vest-style clothing, this shirt has sleeves to ensure a snug fit around the arms and chest with flat-lock stitching to prevent chafing. It covers your dog’s back, chest, and belly, and the UPF 50+ fabrics block up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
Highlights:
- Comprehensive coverage of back, chest, and belly
- Available in a wide range of sizes and colors
- Fit may be tight on barrel-chested breeds
Best Budget Dog Sun Shirt: Canine Friendly Dog Shirt
While you certainly don’t want to skimp when it comes to sun safety for your dog, economically priced options do exist. This Canine Friendly dog shirt is practically priced and comes in sizes ranging from XX-Small to XX-Large. Choose from two colors, pink or blue, both made from quick-drying, four-way stretchy fabric. This shirt offers a UV protection factor of 40+ and has the added benefit of a convenient leash access port.
Highlights:
- Breathable, four-way stretchy fabric
- Provides UPF 40+ sun protection
- Sizing may run large; consider sizing down
Best Sun Shirt for Small Dogs: Louie de Coton Cooling Dog Sun Shirt
Toy and small breed dogs (as well as puppies) need clothing designed specifically for their bodies, or it simply won’t fit. It may not matter too much for a holiday outfit, but fit is extremely important for a dog sun shirt. The shirt needs to cover your dog’s back, chest, and belly without being too baggy or cumbersome.
This fluorescent sun shirt from Louie de Coton is available in more than 10 sizes, including XXX-Small. The lightweight, reflective fabric delivers a UPF of 50+, and it has reflective lining for extra visibility.
Highlights:
- Lightweight stretch fabric for comfort
- Available in small sizes for puppies and small dogs
- Neck size may be too large for some dogs
Best Sun Shirt for Big Dogs: Kickred 2-Pack Summer Dog Shirts
Coverage and fit are incredibly important when choosing a dog sun shirt, and it can be difficult to find both in the same product for bigger dogs. The Kickred summer dog shirt features lightweight, stretchy fabric that conforms to your dog’s body without constricting their movements.
It’s available in bigger sizes, from Large to XX-Large, and comes in an economically priced two-pack. This sun shirt has a pullover design, which may take getting used to for some dogs, but it helps keep the shirt from sliding off during a rambunctious day of summer play.
Highlights:
- Two different-colored shirts included
- Available in bigger sizes, M through 2XL
- Some dogs may dislike the pullover design
Best Dog Sun Shirt for Hiking: PAIKKA UV & Bug Dog Shirt
UV protection is a good idea for all outdoor adventures, but if your dog loves a romp in the woods, they might need a little extra protection. This dog UV shirt delivers an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+, and the zebra-striped pattern distracts flying insects to keep them from pestering your pup. Constructed from lightweight, breathable materials, this sun shirt allows your dog to move freely and comfortably.
Highlights:
- Sun protection rating of UPF 50+
- Lightweight, breathable fabric for comfort
- Sizes may run large—check the manufacturer’s size chart for measurements
Best Dog Sun Shirt for Swimming: Pet Life Active “Barko Pawlo” Shirt
A day at the beach or by the pool is the perfect way to cool off, but it creates a challenge when it comes to dog clothing. Constantly switching from wet to dry is rough on most fabric, but this performance tee works well for swimming. The Barko Pawlo performance tee features four-way stretch, Flexo-Shell Endurance fabrics.
It has strategically designed micropanels on the side for added flexibility, and the fabric is quick-drying to keep your dog comfortable. The tee has sleeves, a collared neck, and a long back to provide comprehensive UV protection.
Highlights:
- Designed for flexibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking
- Sleeves, collar, and long back provide UV protection
- Material may pill after several washings
Best Eco-Friendly Dog Sun Shirt: Gold Paw Sun Shield Dog Tee
When considering the best choice for your dog, it’s also worth considering what’s best for the environment. Human commodities are moving quickly toward sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices, so why shouldn’t the pet industry be the same? The Gold Paw sun-shield tee for dogs is largely made from recycled materials, which makes it a more eco-friendly choice for your pup.
It’s snug and stretchy for comfort and offers full coverage protection against UV rays. This tee comes in a wide variety of sizes and five different colors so you can find one to suit your pup’s personality.
Highlights:
- Made largely from recycled materials
- Full-coverage design blocks 98% of UV rays
- Size and length run a little large
Best Dog Sun Shirt for Cooling: DOGZSTUFF Dog Cooling Vest
When the dog days of summer arrive, your pup will appreciate any chance they get to cool down. Spending time outdoors is bound to be hot, but your dog doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. With evaporative microfiber technology, this dog cooling vest absorbs excess body heat to help keep your dog cool. Just get it wet and let it do its thing!
It covers your dog’s back and chest as well to deliver UPF 50+ protection against harsh UV rays. Choose from five different sizes, all with an adjustable waistband to ensure a snug and secure fit.
Highlights:
- Cooling vest helps wick away body heat
- UPF 50+ sun protection rating
- Dries up more quickly than some cooling vests; needs to be resoaked frequently
Best Dog Sun Shirt for Style: Backcountry x Petco Sun Dog T-Shirt
Sun safety is important, but who says it can’t be stylish as well? Your pup will look and feel good in this stretchy sun shirt. Made from UPF 20+ fabric with a full-coverage design, this dog UV shirt blocks UV rays to keep your pup protected during summer adventures. The lightweight fabric comes in an attractive heather red accented with a graphic mountain scene and the words “take me to the mountains.”
Highlights:
- Lightweight, stretchy fabric for comfort
- Full-coverage design with long sleeves
- May be too warm for dogs who run hot
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Rover’s Dog People Panel. We considered UVA and UVB protection, full-torso coverage, stretch, and comfort. 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
- The 6 Best Sunscreens for Dogs for a Sunburn-Free Summer
- Do All Dogs Need Sunscreen? We Ask the Experts About Sunscreen and Sun Shirts
- The 15 Best Dog Shoes and Boots for Snow, Hiking, Hot Pavement, and More
- The 9 Best Dog Lifejackets for Safe Swimming
- Our 9 Favorite Dog Cooling Vests to Beat Summer Heat