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6 Best Dog Sunscreens to Protect Your Favorite Pup

Because even our four-legged friends need sun protection.

Headshot of Elizabeth BerryBy Elizabeth Berry
puppy running at the park
Capuski//Getty Images

You wouldn't forget to slather yourself in sunscreen before heading outside for a day of fun in the sun — but are you remembering to pack sunscreen for Fido, too? That's right: Some dog breeds can be just as sensitive to UV rays as humans. That's why covering your pup in a sunscreen specially formulated for dogs before your next outdoor adventure is paramount to avoiding sunburn or even certain types of skin cancer.

Do all dogs need sun protection?

When shopping for the best dog sunscreen, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. The first is that not all dog breeds require sunscreen for a day in the sun. Dr. Meagan Painter, DVM, DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist currently practicing at Angell-West in Waltham, Massachusetts, explains that dogs with thicker hair coats usually have natural protection from harmful UV light. However, dogs who are sensitive to UV impact should try to avoid direct sun exposure: "This would include dogs with light colored hair coats, sparse hair coats, or diseases which could predispose them to solar damage," says Dr. Painter. If your pup falls under one of these categories, it's probably a good idea to purchase some dog sunscreen — but first, call your vet to make sure it's recommended for your pup and that the formula you're thinking about purchasing won't cause any allergic reactions.

Why dogs can't use human sunscreen

Dogs need specially formulated sunscreen because some of the ingredients in human sunscreen, including zinc oxide, are toxic to dogs, explains Colleen Demling, a certified dog trainer and owner of Pawtopia Dog Training in San Diego, California. According to the American Kennel Club, dog sunscreens should not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and should be waterproof with a sun protection factor of at least 30. And just like with your kids, you want to make sure you're reapplying sunscreen to your dog throughout the day. "You also want to ensure your dog doesn't lick it off after application," notes Dr. Katie Pagán, a veterinarian at Heart + Paw in Baltimore, Maryland.

In addition to using sunscreen, you can help your dog avoid sun damage by avoiding walks and outings during peak sun times. "Walking at dawn or dusk is the safest time to walk a dog who might be sensitive to the impact of UV rays," advises Dr. Painter. But if there's no way to avoid being outside on a sunny day, just make sure your dog has access to water and shade as "dogs are very susceptible to overheating and it is important to avoid direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time," says Dr. Pagán.

The best dog sunscreen

If your dog can benefit from extra sun protection, rest assured that there are plenty of top-rated canine sunscreens that you can buy, as well as protective pet accessories for your pup. Based on our pet experts' research and recommendations from veterinarians, these are the best sunscreens and sun protectors for dogs that are easy to apply and, most importantly, protect your pup from harmful rays.

1
Best Overall Dog Sunscreen

Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen

Amazon’s Choice
K-9 Care Sunscreen
1
Best Overall Dog Sunscreen

Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen

Now 15% Off
$15 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$18 at Chewy
Pros
  • SPF 30+
  • Non-sticky solution
  • FDA-compliant
Cons
  • Some owners note their dogs had an allergic reaction

If you're bringing your pup along on your beach vacation this summer, waterproof sun protection is key. Epi-Pet's aerosol sunscreen spray is FDA-approved, water-resistant, and easy to apply even on wiggly pets. Online reviewers also rave about the scent. "This stuff smells much better than human sunscreen if you ask me!" writes one Amazon shopper.

2
Best Value Dog Sunscreen

Warren London Dog Sunscreen with Aloe Vera Moisturizer

Dog Sunscreen with Aloe Vera Moisturizer
2
Best Value Dog Sunscreen

Warren London Dog Sunscreen with Aloe Vera Moisturizer

Credit: Warren London
Pros
  • Moisturizing
  • Pleasant citrus scent
  • No greasy residue
Cons
  • Lacks SPF

You already know that aloe vera feels great on a sunburn, but it's also good for skin that hasn't yet been kissed by the sun. Try this specially formulated dog sunscreen that contains the moisturizing plant extract, which will soothe your pup's skin while also keeping it safe from the sun's rays.

3
Best Moisturizing Dog Suncreen

Emmy's Best Pet Products Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray

Amazon’s Choice
Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray
3
Best Moisturizing Dog Suncreen

Emmy's Best Pet Products Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray

Now 36% Off
Credit: Emmy's Best
Pros
  • No harsh ingredients or zinc oxide
  • Moisturizing
Cons
  • Lacks SPF

This non-toxic sunscreen contains zero zinc oxide, making it a safe bet for all dog breeds. The formula includes shea butter and coconut oil to moisturize your pup's skin, nose, and paws, too. Reviewers note that while it has a light, refreshing scent, their dogs don't try to lick it off.

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4
Best Sunscreen Wipes for Dogs

Petkin Doggy Sunwipes

Doggy Sunwipes
4
Best Sunscreen Wipes for Dogs

Petkin Doggy Sunwipes

Credit: Petkin Store
Pros
  • Easy application
  • No leftover residue
  • SPF 15
Cons
  • Some reviewers claim the wipes get dry too quickly

If your dog can be impatient when it comes to applying sunscreen, these doggy wipes are a must. Simply wipe these on for instant sun protection without the hassle. Reviewers claim these wipes are not greasy or sticky, so even the most irritable dog won't complain.

5
Best Sunscreen Balm for Dogs

Natural Dog Company Snout Soother Stick

Snout Soother Stick
5
Best Sunscreen Balm for Dogs

Natural Dog Company Snout Soother Stick

Credit: Natural Dog Company Store
Pros
  • Vegan and organic
  • 100% safe if digested
Cons
  • .15-ounce stick is on the small side

Just like people protect their lips with SPF balm, dogs need their snouts protected from the sun, too. This stick, which has over 11,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, is made with organic ingredients to heal dry snouts, help prevent infection, and soothe other nose troubles your pup may be experiencing. Made with hemp seed oil, chamomile, jojoba oil, rosemary, and vitamin E, this balm reduces your dog's exposure to UVA and UVB rays.

6
Best Sun Protection Clothing for Dogs

RUFFWEAR Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest

Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest
6
Best Sun Protection Clothing for Dogs

RUFFWEAR Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest

Credit: RUFFWEAR
Pros
  • UPF 50+ protection
  • Easy to get on and off
  • Reflective trim
Cons
  • Pricey

In addition to dog sunscreens, you can also find sun suits and cooling gear for your canine friend that will help protect him from the sun, like this top-rated vest that comes in six sizes and has three built-in layers that reflect heat, absorb water, and keep your pup dry.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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