Do dogs need sunscreen?

Updated 23/09/2024

Summer’s here and that means it’s time for beach trips, hikes, and all sorts of sunny adventures with your four-legged friend. But before you and your pup head out to soak up the rays, have you ever wondered ‘Do dogs need sunscreen?’.

You might be picturing a pooch in sunglasses and a floppy hat, but doggy sun protection is no laughing matter. Just like us, our canine companions can suffer from sunburn, and those UV rays don’t discriminate between humans and hounds. Here’s everything you need to know about dog sunscreen and keeping your furry friend safe in the sun.

Can dogs get sunburn?

Yes, our four-pawed pals can get sunburned too! Their skin will turn a shade of pink or red and appear itchy and sensitive, especially in exposed spots like the belly or the nose. In severe cases, the skin can blister and scabs can form. Certain breeds are more susceptible to sunburn, including:

• Hairless breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested Dog, and American Hairless Terrier.
• Shorthaired breeds like Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, Boxers, Whippets and Greyhounds.
• Light-colored dogs with white hair and pink skin.
• Dogs with light-pigmented noses like Collies, Dalmatians, and French Bulldogs.
• Dogs with light pigment on their ears and eyelids.

Do dogs need sunscreen? 

Whether you’re out on a long hike or simply snoozing together in the garden, sunscreen can be a great way to protect your dog from the sun. Keeping your pup safe from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is important, as too much exposure can worsen existing conditions like autoimmune disorders and dermatitis and even lead to serious health issues like skin cancer.

Is there sunscreen for dogs? 

Yes, before you grab your own SPF, dogs need special canine sunblock designed just for them. Human sunscreen isn’t safe for our furry friends, so it’s important to find a dog sunscreen that ticks all the right boxes:

• Pet-safe ingredients: While it’s unlikely you’d give your sunscreen-lathered skin a lick, we can’t say the same for your pooch. This is why dog-safe sunscreen should be free from zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), both of which can be dangerous for furry friends to ingest. Thankfully the toxic dose of both zinc oxide and PABA to dogs is very high, so your dog would have to eat a lot of sunscreen to see any side effects.
• High protection: Dog sunscreens aren’t typically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they don’t have an official SPF rating. However, many brands provide an estimated SPF to indicate the level of protection. 
• Waterproof: Look for waterproof options to ensure your pup stays protected during playtime.
• Form: Dog sunscreen can come as a powder, balm, lotion, spray, or even wipe – sprays are usually the best for covering large areas whereas balms can be good for smaller areas like noses and ears.

Best sunscreen for dogs

The following sunscreens are made specially for dogs:

Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen Spray

Developed by a team of chemists supervised by vets, this is the only FDA-compliant dog sunblock, according to the brand. Its gentle formula is made from all-natural, non-toxic ingredients. It’s SPF 30, water-resistant, and smells great too – but it may not be the best choice for dogs with sensitive skin.

Petkin Doggy Sunmist

This sunscreen provides instant sun protection for dogs. This non-sticky, non-greasy formula is the equivalent of SPF 15, meaning it may not be suitable for very hot weather, and needs regular re-application.

Handy Hound SnoutScreen

This moisturizing sunscreen comes in a handy twist-up tube, making it easy to apply to snouts, ears, and other sensitive areas needing extra sun protection. Made from organic, vegan ingredients like raspberry seed, lavender, and coconut, it’s safe for pups and offers protection equivalent to SPF 30-50.

How to apply dog sunscreen

Always follow the instructions on the packaging of your dog’s sunscreen, but if in doubt, here are some tips:

• Put a small amount of dog sunblock on one spot to check for any allergic reactions. Wait 24 hours to monitor fully for any signs of a reaction. 
• Once you’re sure the sunscreen is suitable for your pup, apply it about 20 minutes before heading out into the sunshine.
• Apply plenty of dog sun lotion to the areas most likely to see the sun, including noses, ears, bellies, inner thighs, and groin region. 
• If your furry friend has a thin coat or no fur at all, make sure to massage or spray sunscreen on the rest of the body, especially in areas with light pigmentation or bald spots. 
• Be careful not to get sunscreen in your pup’s eyes. 
• Make sure your furry sun worshipper doesn’t lick their sunscreen off – it can take a few minutes to absorb. Try to distract your dog with a snack, toy, or game while the cream soaks in.
• Reapply every 2-4 hours, and more often if your dog swims or frequently grooms certain areas.

Tips on sun protection for dogs

Sunscreen can’t do it all, so here are some tips to keep your furry friend safe from UV rays and heat:

• Limit sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, which is usually between 10 am and 4 pm. Opt for walks and outdoor activities in the early morning and evening to minimize exposure to harmful rays.
• Test the heat of the pavement by holding your hand against it for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pup’s paws.
• Be sure to let anyone taking care of your furry friend (including your dog sitter) know if your pup’s particularly sensitive to hot weather or the sun.
• Ensure your pooch pal has access to clean drinking water at all times, even when you’re out on walks. Add ice cubes to the water for extra cooling relief.
• Make sure your pup has access to shade wherever possible – an umbrella can be taken on walks to provide on-the-go shelter from the sun.
• Apply dog sun lotion correctly and consistently to all exposed areas of your furry friend’s body.
• Use specially designed protective clothing to shield your dog from harmful UVA and UVB rays, without worrying about them licking off sunscreen. Consider using sun shirts, sun hats, and goggles to give your pup extra points for coolness and sun protection.

For personalized advice on protecting your pup from the sun, have a chat with your veterinarian. They can provide specific recommendations based on your furry friend’s breed, skin type, and overall health. Your vet can also suggest the best sunscreens, protective gear, and other tips to ensure your pooch pal stays safe and happy during sunny days.

Heat stroke

If your dog gets too much sun they are at risk of heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. This condition is particularly noted in short-snouted breeds (Brachycephalics) such as the French Bulldog and Pugs. 

If you notice any of the signs below, take your pet to the vet immediately: 

• Collapse 
• Blue or gray gums 
• Heavy panting or difficulty breathing 
• Seizure or coma 
• Excess salivation or drooling 

Heat stroke can be treated, but needs treatment as soon as possible for the hope of a good outcome. Do not submerge your pet into ice cold water as this can cause them to go into shock. Instead bring indoors, offer a drink of water, and turn the air con on in the car or use a fan on the way to the vet clinic. You can use a flannel to run some room temperature water over your dogs coat, but again be cautious as it’s possible to send your dog into shock if they are cooled down too quickly. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.