The Dog Lover‘s Guide to Sunscreen: Protecting Your Pup From the Sun

As a dog lover, you want the best for your furry friend – and that includes protecting them from harmful UV rays. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from painful sunburns, skin damage, and even skin cancer. In fact, the Veterinary Cancer Society estimates that skin tumors account for about 30% of all canine cancers. That‘s why using a sunscreen specially formulated for dogs is so important, especially if your pup has risk factors like a short or thin coat, pink or light skin, or loves to sunbathe.

How to Tell if Your Dog Needs Sunscreen

All dogs can benefit from sun protection, but some are more prone to burning than others. Hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli and American Hairless Terrier are extremely vulnerable, as are dogs with white, thin, or sparse coats like Bull Terriers, Boxers, Greyhounds, and Pitbulls. Dogs with light pigment on their eyelids, nose, and ears are also at higher risk, regardless of coat type. Even thick-coated dogs may need sunscreen on areas with thinner fur, like the belly.

Other risk factors include:

• Living in a high altitude or sunny climate
• Spending a lot of time outdoors, especially during midday hours
• Enjoying sunbathing or lying on reflective surfaces like sand
• Having a history of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions
• Taking certain medications that increase sun sensitivity

If you‘re not sure if your dog needs sunscreen, err on the side of caution or ask your vet. "It‘s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sun protection," says Dr. Jennifer Kovacs, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. "I recommend using sunscreen on any exposed skin, especially for light-colored dogs or those with thin coats."

What to Look For (And Avoid) in a Dog Sunscreen

When shopping for a dog sunscreen, the active ingredients are key. Look for formulas that use titanium dioxide as the primary sun blocking agent. "Titanium dioxide is a physical sunscreen that sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays," explains Dr. Kovacs. "It‘s safer for dogs than chemical sunscreens, which can be irritating or toxic if ingested."

Avoid any sunscreens containing zinc oxide, which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe anemia if consumed in large amounts. Other ingredients to steer clear of include para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), octyl salicylate, homosalate, octocrylene, and any artificial fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.

The best dog sunscreens will also contain moisturizing ingredients like:

• Vitamin E
• Aloe vera
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Olive oil

These help soothe and protect the skin while keeping your dog‘s coat soft and healthy. For dogs with very dry or sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free formulas with minimal ingredients.

Top Dog Sunscreen Picks

Here are some of our top recommendations for dog-safe sunscreens:

Our top pick, the Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray, ticks all the boxes: it uses titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection, it‘s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and it contains soothing vitamin E and aloe. The spray nozzle makes it easy to apply all over the body and hard-to-reach places.

For protecting sensitive spots like the nose and ears, we love My Dog Nose It! Coat Balm. The natural waxes form a protective barrier while nourishing oils like hemp seed and coconut hydrate the skin. Since it‘s a thicker balm, you‘ll need to spend a bit more time working it in, but a little goes a long way.

If you prefer a spray but are on a budget, Emmy‘s Best Dog Sun Skin Protector is a solid choice. It provides UVA and UVB protection with titanium dioxide and contains moisturizing vitamin E and green tea extract. Just keep in mind that you may need to reapply more often, as the company doesn‘t specify if it‘s water resistant.

How to Apply Dog Sunscreen

Proper application is key to getting the most protection from your dog‘s sunscreen. Dr. Kovacs recommends the following tips:

1. Test the sunscreen on a small patch of skin first to check for any irritation or allergic reaction. If your dog‘s skin looks red or inflamed after a few hours, discontinue use.

2. Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to absorb.

3. Use about 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. For sprays, apply a thin, even layer and rub in well.

4. Don‘t forget often-missed spots like the bridge of the nose, ears, belly, groin, and the skin around the lips and eyes. Use caution when applying near the eyes.

5. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if your dog is swimming or playing in water.

6. After sun exposure, wipe your dog down with a damp cloth to remove any excess sunscreen and salt, sand, or chlorine. Follow up with a moisturizer.

"It‘s also important to provide plenty of shade and fresh water if your dog will be spending extended time outdoors," adds Dr. Kovacs. "Limit activity during peak sun hours, and never leave your dog unsupervised in the heat."

As a dog parent, I know it‘s not always easy to wrestle your excited pup and slather them in sunscreen, especially when all they want to do is chase the ball or splash in the waves. But taking those few extra minutes is so worth it for the peace of mind that your best friend is protected. I‘ve seen firsthand how painful dog sunburns can be, and I never want my own pups to experience that.

That‘s why I always keep a bottle of dog sunscreen in my beach bag, right next to the puppy snacks and waste bags. It‘s become such an integral part of our summer routine, I don‘t even think twice about it anymore. And when I see my dogs happily romping in the sun without any pinkness or irritation, I know I‘ve done my job as their loyal protector.

With all the risks our canine companions face, from heatstroke to dehydration to skin cancer, sun protection is one simple way we can give them a leg up – so they can keep fetching, rolling, and living their best doggy lives for years to come. As dog lovers, it‘s the least we can do.