Dogs require sunscreen just as humans do. Even though dogs have furry skin, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still cause damage. The sun doesn’t discriminate based on species! Dogs may suffer from conditions like skin cancer and painful red or peeling skin if not protected. Fortunately, we have put together a list of the “Best Sunscreens for your Dog this Summer!” to help you. We highlighted the Best Overall Sunscreen and Best antibacterial cream. As well as the Best Sunscreen for Noses and Best cream alternative Sunscreen.
Most dogs enjoy playing in the sun, but it can be risky without the right dog sunscreen. Dogs can get sunburn, just like humans, so it’s our responsibility to safeguard their delicate skin. Areas like the nose, near the lips, tips of the ears, and the belly are more likely to get sunburned, especially if there’s thin fur.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the top dog sunscreen products. It’s a good plan to consult your vet before buying to ensure you choose one that’s safe and effective for your furry friend. Also, ensure your dog has shade and water access when playing outdoors.
See also: 10 Typical Dog Behavior Challenges and Solution
Can my Dog use my Sunscreen?
Be careful not to use human sunblock on dogs because some ingredients can be harmful to them. Dogs tend to lick their noses a lot, especially when cream is applied, so it’s not a good idea to use anything that might be poisonous.
The good news is there are many great sunscreens and sprays made specifically for dogs available. We’ve picked out the best ones for you. Keep it cool, pups!
Best Sunscreens for your Dog this Summer!
Best Overall Sunscreen: Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen stands out as a unique product in the market, and it’s hard to find another one with all its qualities—or at least one that can prove it. This dog sunscreen is a top-seller and the only FDA-approved sunscreen for dogs. It comes with a strong SPF rating between 30-40. People and professionals love it, and it’s easy to apply, especially with its cleverly designed spray bottle that works from any angle.
K-9 Care dries quickly without leaving any oily or sticky residue on your dog’s fur. Dr. Budgin, a recommending vet, praises the spray’s micro-emulsified quality, which helps it penetrate the hair.
Apart from protecting against sunburn, Epi-Pet K-9 Care is proven to provide significant defense against both UVA and UVB rays, skin tumors, and inflammation leading to dermatitis. It’s also enriched with vitamin E, promoting healthy fur.
See also: How To Use A Dog Bath Brush
Best Sunscreen for soothing allergies: Warren London Dog Sunscreen with Aloe Vera
When we tried this clear spray on our arm, it felt really refreshing, like a cool mist. Our dog tester, Attlee, didn’t mind being sprayed, so we assume it felt good to him too.
The spray has a citrusy smell from the orange oil, which we thought might stop him from licking it off his nose, but it didn’t. So, we had to spray a few times to make sure he was protected.
Attlee has allergies and an itchy belly, so we tested the spray’s cooling properties with aloe vera. The result? It stopped him from scratching. Once the heatwave is over, we’ll keep using it to relieve his itches.
Best Budget Sunscreen: Petkin Doggy Sun Stick
This favorite among pet owners easily fits in your pocket, making it a handy companion for any outing with your pup. It’s safe for all dogs, using mineral ingredients to protect their skin from the sun without any harmful effects. The sunscreen is gentle, not greasy, and not sticky, making it simple to apply and reapply without leaving residue on your dog’s coat or causing any discomfort.
However, the downside is that the Petkin Doggy Sun Stick has a low SPF rating. While it’s great for quick outdoor trips, its SPF is only around 15, which might not be enough for extended outdoor stays—especially for dogs who love sunbathing. If your dog has light-colored or thin fur, you might want to consider a stronger lotion. This is one of the Best Sunscreens for your Dog this Summer!
See also: 10 Ideas to make your Dog’s Birthday Memorable
Best antibacterial cream: Aniwell Filtabac
The Aniwell Filtabac antibacterial cream does a lot to protect your pup. It acts like a second skin against the sun, helps soothe sunburn and irritated skin, and covers wounds to prevent infections. It’s not just for dogs—it works on horses, goats, sheep, and cows too.
How did it work on a sunny morning in the park with our tester dog, Attlee? The thick white cream seemed like it would take a bit to rub in, but it actually turned into a thin protective layer in just five seconds.
Attlee licked it, so we had to apply it a couple of times. However, he came back from the park half an hour later with a wet but sunburn-free snout.
Filtabac, made in New Zealand since 1970, has titanium dioxide as its main ingredient. Besides the 50g tube, you can get larger sizes, which is cost-effective if you have more than one dog or other animals like horses.
Best Sun-Block Sunscreen: ClothingPlayaPup Dog Sun Shirt
If your dog doesn’t like solutions applied to their skin, consider sun-block clothing as an alternative. A great budget-friendly choice is the PlayaPup Sun Shirt, available in various playful patterns and colors.
Even though a sun shirt may seem less effective than specialized skin care products, PlayaPup’s shirt is designed to block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays with its UPF 50+ fabric. Don’t worry about your pup’s comfort—the flatlock stitching design ensures a comfortable fit, preventing itching and chafing.
See also: Best Products you need to Fly with a Dog
Best cream alternative Sunscreen: Lecon Princess Pet Hat
The Princess Pet Hat has some good features—it’s made of breathable mesh fabric, comes in four colors, and looks pretty cute.
However, a tester, Solomon, didn’t enjoy walking around with it, even though he sat still while we put his long ears through the holes and tightened the drawstring under his chin. The hat flopped about on his head, giving variable shade. This is one of the Best Sunscreens for your Dog this Summer!
Best Sunscreen for Noses: Lucky Pup Sunscreen Balm
If your dog has a lighter colored nose, they are likely more susceptible to sunburns. The Lucky Pup Sunscreen Dog Balm comes in a tube—just like lip balm for humans—so it’s convenient to carry and easy to apply on a dog’s nose while you enjoy the outdoors. Each tube is manufactured in Colorado and formulated with beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil so it’s moisturizing. Additionally, titanium dioxide gives this balm the ability to protect a dog’s delicate snout against UVA and UVB rays.
The nose protecting balm can also be applied to paws and elbows. It’s waterproof and made without any artificial flavors or fragrances. The formula goes on clear and won’t stain surfaces or clothing that come in contact with your dog’s nose. With an SPF of 10, reapplication is recommended every two hours. However, it becomes every hour if your dog is swimming or splashing themselves on wet surfaces.
See also: Top 10 Best Travel Friendly Dog Water Bottles
Best insect repellent: Be:sunsafe Dog Sunscreen Balm
A famous dog tester, Attlee, enjoys taking a stroll in the evening, especially when he’s wearing Be: unsafe balm. This is because it keeps pesky insects away with its Citronella scent. The best part is that it’s tested on humans too, so we can use it. But how well does it protect against the sun in the park?
Be:Sunsafe is one of the natural balms for dogs by Be:Loved, a brand that also makes vegan dog shampoo bars. The sunscreen includes vitamins A, E, and F, Beeswax, Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Chamomile, Lavender, Carrot Seed, and Raspberry Seed Oil, along with Citronella for a pleasant scent (unless you’re an insect).
It took a few seconds of rubbing between our fingers to soften the balm enough to apply to Attlee’s nose. However, once we did, it felt non-greasy and smooth. Even though he licked off our first application, some balm remained. Overall, e were confident that he was sun safe, given the SPF of 15, as the name promises.
Conclusion
Protecting your dog from the sun doesn’t have to be hard. Use the right dog sunscreen, and you can easily shield your canine friend from the sun on bright days. Check for any harmful ingredients and ask your vet if you’re unsure. Besides sunscreen, make sure your dog has enough shade and water in hot weather to avoid overheating and dehydration. With these precautions, your furry friend can enjoy the sun safely. Let us know which one of the Best Sunscreens for your Dog this Summer! you’d use.
See also: https://www.aspca.org/news/pets-and-sunscreen-dont-get-burned-myths