Best Dog Sunscreen

Dog sunscreen has shot up in popularity as dog owners learn more about protecting their dogs’ skin. As dog sunscreen becomes more accessible, you’re probably wondering whether your dog actually needs sunscreen and if so, which dog sunscreens are the best for your dog. Read on to learn more about dog sunscreen and what you can do to help protect your doggo’s skin.

Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?

While you may think your dog’s fur protects their skin from the harsh rays of the sun, dogs can be very susceptible to becoming sunburnt. Similar to especially fair-skinned people, dogs with white fur often burn more quickly than dogs with darker furs. If your dog has pink skin on their nose and eyelids, little fur, or no fur, they’re much more likely to become sunburnt. But even dogs with full bodies of fur and darker skin can get burnt, so sunscreen is always a good idea to be safe.

Purpose of Sunscreen

Similar to humans, dogs’ skin can become severely damaged from the sun’s rays. The sun’s ultraviolet B spectrum of rays causes sunburn, while its ultraviolet A spectrum of rays can cause skin cancer. Therefore, you’ll need a dog sunscreen that blocks both UV-A and UV-B spectrum light. Luckily, most dog sunscreens do protect against both of these spectrums. However, it’s always better to check before purchasing.

Is Human Sunscreen Safe for Dogs?

There are two ingredients that are sometimes in human sunscreen that are toxic to dogs, the first being zinc oxide and the second being salicylates. Zinc oxide can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if your dog ingests it, and salicylates can cause poisoning if enough is ingested. Therefore, you should avoid using human sunscreen and stick to something that’s designed for dogs.

Which Sunscreen is the Best for My Dog?

Choosing the right sunscreen for your furry friend can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of options that will do the trick:

• Petkin Doggy Sunstick – This sunstick is similar to a deodorant stick – just roll it up and wipe it over the areas of your dog’s skin that you want to protect. It’s the equivalent of SPF 15 and doesn’t have the harmful ingredients that are in human sunscreens.
• Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray – This FDA compliant sunscreen is veterinarian-recommended and easily sprays onto your dog. The mist dries in seconds and is never oily or greasy!
• Beach & Dog Co. All Natural and Organic Formula Canine Sunscreen – Natural and organic, you can feel good about putting this sunscreen on your furry friend. It comes in a convenient tin for you to scoop out the amount that you need and rub it over your dog’s skin.

Dog sunscreen is an easy way to protect your dog’s skin from harmful UV rays. Add some to your pet supplies to enjoy the summer sun without worry this summer!