The 9 Best Dog Sunscreens of 2023 (Because Pups Need SPF Too)

Dogs need sunscreen just like humans do. Even though canine skin may be covered in fluffy fur, the sun’s sneaky UV rays can still cause damage—the sun doesn’t care what species you are! Dogs can develop harmful (and painful) conditions like skin cancer and reddened, peeling skin. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says one type of cancer found in dogs, squamous cell carcinoma, is associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (aka, sunshine). Dr. Wendy Hauser and Dr. Preston Turano say the key to doggy sunscreen lies in the ingredients. Here are the 9 best dog sunscreens of 2023.

• Dr. Wendy Hauser, DVM, of Peak Veterinary Consulting and Special Advisor for ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
• Dr. Preston Turano, DVM, spokesperson at AKC Pet Insurance

Dr. Hauser told us that yes, in general, dog sunscreen is safe. As long as you choose formulas with dog-friendly ingredients and follow the instructions, you and your pup will be happy campers. According to Dr. Hauser, ingredients you should avoid include:

• Zinc oxide
• Salicylates
• Homomenthyl salicylate (homosalate)
• Ethylhexyl salicylate (octyl salicylate)
• Trolamine salicylate

Zinc oxide, a common ingredient in human sunscreen, can cause zinc toxicity and red blood cell damage in dogs if absorbed through their skin.

“When ingested, [zinc oxide] can cause an allergic reaction with facial swelling and hives,” Dr. Hauser added. “Salicylates are in the same class of drugs as aspirin; they can cause redness and irritation of the skin. If ingested by self-grooming, large amounts can cause stomach ulcers [and] liver damage.”

Titanium dioxide is also potentially toxic to canines; if your dog is a big licker or doesn’t handle topical creams well, avoid anything with titanium dioxide.

Always use products formulated specifically for dogs. If it doesn’t say it was made for canines, don’t use it. Choose from sprays, salves or sticks you can rub directly onto your pup. Sprays can be tricky because they get into your dog’s eyes more easily but can still be effective. Salves and sticks are easy to transport, though your dog may try to lick off anything that doesn’t dry quickly.

First and foremost, check the ingredient list! Next, consider application. Will your dog let you rub a stick on his belly or is a spray easier? Finally, allow yourself (and your dog) some trial and error. It may take a while to find the best sunscreen for your dog. 

Dr. Hauser noted sometimes, certain breeds may need their humans to go the extra mile. “A viable alternative to sunscreen, especially for white, lightly color coated or hairless breeds, is dog-specific protective clothing like dog sun shirts,” she said.

As with any new topical product, there’s a chance your dog will have an allergic reaction. “Signs of this would be redness, itching and/or bumps in the area,” said Dr. Hauser. “Pet owners should test a small area first.”

Don’t assume dog sunscreen labels will look familiar. The ASPCA says pet sunscreens are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, like people sunscreens are. There won’t be an SPF rating (if there is, it’s an approximation).

Another risk is simply being out in the sun too long. Beyond getting burned, dogs can suffer from heat-related illnesses. If you can, limit outdoor exposure during peak sun hours (10:00 am to 4:00 pm). On very hot days, this helps prevent heatstroke and dehydration.

Any human sunscreen—even gentle versions made for babies—is likely toxic to dogs. However, Dr. Preston Turano, DVM, a spokesperson for AKC Pet Insurance, says if you have baby sunscreen free of harmful ingredients (like zinc oxide) and no fragrance, it may be safe for your pup. Again, we advise sticking to dog-specific brands.

“Before using any over-the-counter sunscreen product, it is best to inquire with your local veterinarian, as ingestion is highly likely and you want to avoid any toxin exposure,” Dr. Turano said.   

Similar to bath time, applying sunscreen to your dog takes patience and practice. Similar to humans, sunscreen should be applied at least 15 to 20 minutes before heading outside.

Dr. Hauser advised focusing on the nose, ears, belly and groin area (and anywhere else your pet’s skin is particularly exposed—which will vary based on breed). Steer clear of the eyes!

Apply sunscreen every two to four hours or so when outdoors for longer periods of time. If your dog is a swimmer (or likes to roll around in puddles), dry them off and reapply afterwards. Spray sunscreens can be applied directly to your dog’s body, but spray onto your hand first to apply manually to the ears and nose, so your dog doesn’t inhale any of the product. Simply brush through after spraying on the coat for fuller coverage.

It’s always a good idea to do a patch test on your dog’s skin before applying fully. The ASPCA warns that even if a product is made for dogs, they can still have an allergic or negative reaction to a new substance. If possible, test a small spot at least 24 hours before you plan on applying more. Anything resembling a rash or causes your dog to itch should be rinsed off and exchanged for a different product.

There are some breeds that are super susceptible to UV damage. Hairless, short-coated, thin-haired and unpigmented dogs, regardless of breed, are most at risk. Think: hairless Xoloitzcuintlis, short-coated Whippets and white-hued French bulldogs. The American Kennel Club says any dogs with light-colored noses, ears or eyelids are at greater risk for sun damage. Plus, if your dog likes to lay in the sun belly up, this exposes a lot of vulnerable skin, even in the furriest breed. Other breeds to watch closely and slather with sunscreen include Dalmatians, collies, Australian sheepdogs, bulldogs, boxers, German shorthaired pointers and pit bulls.

Beyond hair length and pigmentation, there are some conditions that can make your dog’s skin more delicate. If your dog recently had surgery that required your vet to shave a small area of your dog’s body, direct sunlight can be particularly damaging. Owners with canines who have been diagnosed with certain health or skin issues (like dermatitis) should take extra care when outdoors for extended periods of time.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

Sarah Ashley is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She has covered pets for PureWow for six years and tackles everything from dog training tips to the best litter boxes. Her cats, Foxy and Jacques, make appearances in her work, as do her own struggles with mental health and infertility. Sarah has a Certificate in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Chicago and is working towards her Masters in Journalism at NYU.

PureWow is the best friend you never had when it comes to finding the best, most useful lifestyle products online. Founded in 2010, our company’s editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series, which sees each and every item we test being ranked on a 100-point scale of awesomeness, to the painstakingly curated lists our fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family editors create as vertical experts, you can trust that our recommendations include some of the greatest items you’ll find on the internet. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.