What Kind of Sunscreen is Best for Dogs? A Guide to Protect Your Pets

Summer has arrived. When summer arrives, you and your beloved puppy will spend more time outside, either participating in outdoor activities together, such as playing suitable sports for hot weather, or simply taking a long walk to enjoy the sunshine. However, as a dog owner, you should always remember that your dog can get sunburned, just like us, if exposed to too much direct sunlight. So, what should you do to protect your dog from the harsh effects of lots of direct sunlight during the summer? What kind of sunscreen is best for dogs? Keep reading on to find out the answer to these questions!

What sunscreen is good for dogs?

Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?

Dogs should wear sunscreen because, like their owners, they are susceptible to sunburn.

In addition to the pain and discomfort, sunburn can also lead to more serious issues on your dogs, like certain types of skin cancer. Moreover, it can exacerbate certain conditions like autoimmune disorders and dermatitis. 

So, it’s crucial to protect your dogs from harmful sun rays, especially if they are susceptible to sunburn. It is one of the key pet care in hot weather.

Your dogs may get sunburned easily

What Breed of Dogs Easily Get Sunburned?

All dogs can get sunburned, but it’s worth noting that some breeds are more susceptible to sun exposure than others. 

Hairless dog breeds, dogs with thin coats or white coats, dogs with light-pigmented noses and eyelids, and those with white or light pigment on ears or near the nose are more at risk for sunburn. 

Even ones with thick coats may suffer hair loss from their seasonal shedding or due to a health condition; their coats become very thin, and they are all more at risk for sunburn than others. 

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to sun exposure than others

According to Canine Journal, some common dog breeds that are at higher risk for sunburn include: 

• Boxers

• Australian Sheepdogs

• Pit Bulls

• Bulldogs

• Chinese Cresteds

• Dalmatians

• Collies

• Greyhounds

• Whippets

• Weimaraners

• Golden Retrievers

• Yellow Labrador Retrievers

What Kind of Sunscreen is Best for Dogs?

Using the incorrect kind of sunscreen might lead to issues. So, you should use sunscreen formulations designed especially for use on dogs. 

Dog-specific sunscreen formulations shouldn't include para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) or zinc oxide. Dogs will frequently lick their skin and inadvertently swallow the sunscreen, as these ingredients are hazardous to them if consumed. 

Moreover, seeking a dog sunscreen that is odorless, water-resistant, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is also a smart choice.

Using the inappropriate type of sunscreen may cause problems for your dog

Dog sunscreen is available in various forms, including creams, sticks, wipes, and sprays. Regardless of what type you will choose, always be sure that the sunscreen you purchase for your dogs is pet-friendly and pet-safe.

Wonder what sunscreen is safe for dogs? You may consider one of the following products:

• Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray

• Emmy’s Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray 

• Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray

• Handy Hound SnoutScreen

• Petkin Dog Sunscreen Sunwipes…

When to Apply Sunscreen to Your Dog?

How to care for your dog in hot weather? If your dogs will be outside in the direct sun for more than a few minutes, you need to apply sunscreen on them. 

For one, having the habit of lying down in sunny spots while indoors and then applying sunscreen is also necessary. 

When to use sunscreen on your dog?

Sunscreen should also be applied to your dog before long walks or hikes, trips to the park or beach, or any other outdoor activity.

This is especially important if your dog is outside between 10 A.M and 2 P.M when the sun is at its brightest (you’d better not let your dogs out in the sun during this part of the day). 

Reapply sunscreen to your dog throughout the day, following the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Apply Sunscreen to Your Dog?

Applying sunscreen the right way will help ensure the best sun protection for your dogs. Let’s see what you should do below:

Test before full application

Test before full application

Dogs, like humans, can have allergic skin reactions to products and sunscreen is not an exception. So, before applying sunscreen to your dog's entire body, test it on a small area of skin to ensure there are no issues.

Pay attention to sensitive and exposed areas

On your dog’s body, some areas are more susceptible to sunburn than others. 

When putting sunscreen on your four-legged friend, make sure that areas like the bridge of the nose, skin around the lips, ear tips, groin, inner thighs, spots where pigmentation is light, and areas where fur is thin are all covered. 

Also, be sure not to get any sunscreen in your dog's eyes.

Pay attention to sensitive and exposed areas

Make sure sunscreen absorbed into your dog’s skin

For the highest effectiveness, sunscreen must be well absorbed into your dog's skin. It's necessary to rub in the sunscreen properly so that it gets through the fur and then seeps into the skin. 

After applying the sunscreen, keep an eye on your dog for about 10 to 15 minutes to make sure he doesn't lick it off until the sunscreen is completely absorbed.

Reapply sunscreen regularly

Apply sunscreen to your dog 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every four to six hours or more frequently if your dog is out in the sun for a long period. Also, remember to reapply dog sunscreen anytime he gets wet.

Reapply sunscreen regularly

Dog Sunscreen Alternatives

Sometimes, finding what kind of sunscreen is safe for dogs is a big challenge for the owners, especially if their dogs have sensitive skin, allergies, or he/she likes licking so much. 

Don’t worry since there are many sunscreen alternatives as well as products providing sun and heat protection for your dog. Following are a few superb options for you to consider: 

• A light-colored, lightweight t-shirt that is tailored to fit the torso of your dog

• A rash guard or sun shirt

• Dog goggles to protect sensitive eyes

• Doggy hats or visors to protect sensitive facial skin…

► See also: Can Animals Predict the Weather?

Dog googles

Can You Use Human Sunscreen on Your Dog?

For sure, you should NEVER use human sunscreen on your dog. 

This is because human sunscreen contains harmful ingredients for dogs, like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). They are highly toxic to dogs if ingested.

As a pet owner, you clearly know that dogs like to lick so much. So for their safety, do not use human sunscreen on your dogs.

Don’t use human sunscreen on dogs

Wrapping up

Knowing what kind of sunscreen is best for dogs is crucial to protect your dog’s skin from sunburn and other related health conditions. But keep in mind that human sunscreen is unsuitable for your dogs.

Importantly, during the hottest parts of the day, please keep your dog out of direct sunlight even when it’s put sunscreen on. Also, make sure your dog always has access to shade in case he becomes overheated.