Does My Dog Need Sunscreen?
Like their human counterparts, dogs are just as easily susceptible to burning their skin in the sun and developing other complications with sun exposure. To lower your pet’s risk of sun-related health problems, there are several sun precautions you can take as a pet owner to protect Fido, including sunscreen, sun shirts, or their tent!
Risks of Sun Overexposure
Harsh sun exposure can lead to certain types of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, and hemangiomas. These kinds of skin cancer can worsen existing issues and new conditions to manage.
Some dogs are more at risk than others; hairless and light-colored coats or features are predisposed to sunburn since they lack the hair or melanin to protect their skin. Luckily, these pups can still enjoy themselves outside, but they need extra UV protection! Pet owners need to take note of any little white fur spots, light-pigmented noses, or eye-lids at high risk for sunburn.
Sunscreen for Dogs
Pet owners should apply sunscreen on dogs to the ears, nose, belly, tail, paws, and back. UV protection should be reapplied every two hours or after getting in the water. Here are the top picks from Amazon for doggie sunscreen:
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
Amazon’s #1 choice for pet sunscreen, the Epi-Pet K-9 Sunscreen, has over 2,700 positive reviews for paws-to-tail protection! Epi-Pet is SPF 30, non-greasy, and veterinarian-developed. This brand is a small business retailer on Amazon, safe and ideal for all breeds of dogs and horses too! This 3.5 oz spray retails for $17.76.
Warren London Dog Aloe Sunscreen
Warren London Dog has a sunscreen formula made of all-natural ingredients for a more natural and cost-friendly option for $13.99 for 4.0 oz. This spray mainly contains aloe vera gel, orange oil, grapefruit peel oil, and water! Owners can spray directly on their coat or the exposed areas like the nose, snout, or ears. The natural aloe vera will avoid redness and itchiness while moisturizing Fido’s skin to keep them cool.
My Dog Nose It Moisturizing Sun Protection Balm
If your concern is primarily your pet’s nose, My Dog Nose It Sun Protection Balm protects dogs’ noses and ears from harmful UV rays! This waxy coconut salve is excellent for dry, cracked noses or paws that need some extra TLC. The water-resistant formula makes this perfect for beaches, lakes, or just the backyard! This retails for $34.95 for a jar of 2.75 oz.
Sunscreen Alternatives
If your pup is allergic to sunscreen or doesn’t like it, there are other options for sun protection!
WEONE Breathable Dog Shirts
These light-weight cotton shirts are quick-drying, protective, and cooling for your pet! Sized from XX-Small to XXX-Large and available in multiple colors and patterns, the WEONE shirts will both protect Fido and keep them chill during a hot summer.
Pawaboo Dog Baseball Cap
For our more patient pups, these adorable little adjustable dog caps are fun but functional accessories for Fido! The Pawaboo hats are available in eight colors and four sizes, composed primarily of oxford and canvas fabric to wick moisture and block UV rays.
MyDeal Pop Up Shade Dog Shelter
An option to protect your pet from all elements, the Pop Up Shade Shelter is perfect for little dogs who want to sit outside with you! This self-assembling miniature tent is Fido’s summer oasis to steer clear of the heat.
Check out these articles for more tips on keeping your pup chill in the summer sun!
How to Know When the Pavement is Too Hot for Fido