Protect Your Pup In The Sun With The 5 Best Sunscreens For Dogs
We’re all aware of how dangerous the sun can be, especially in summers. Unfortunately, though, your furry buddies aren’t safe from it either. Therefore, what you need is sunscreen. Not just any though, but one that is specifically tailored for dogs. Most pet owners, especially new ones, aren't aware of the fact that sun blockers for dogs are supposed to be special. If you use normal suntan oil on your pet, it might trigger a reaction because of the ingredients in it. And this might harm your loved one’s life. Your first step should be to find the right sun protector for your dog. Don’t worry, we’ll lead you right to them. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the finest sunscreen for dogs in 2024.
So the next time you take your dog outside in the sun, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Sun protectors are easy to apply, they don’t ask for a lot of effort and they pack a handful of benefits. Let’s head over to our top picks.
Sunscreen For Dogs: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
Do dogs even need sunscreen? Don’t they already have a thick coat of fur that prevents the sun’s rays from going through? And even if they need it, why should we buy a sunblock that is specially made for them? What’s wrong with normal ones?
By now, you must have thought about at least one, if not all of these things. Don’t stop reading now, because we’ll tackle all of these questions and more in our buying guide. Let’s start by helping you get your hands on the things that you should look out for when buying a sun protector for your furry friend.
What to Check When Buying Dog Sunscreens
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; you shouldn’t use normal sunblock spray on your dogs, ever. You may feel like there won’t be a difference but the reality is far from what you believe. Believe it or not, pet owners have made this mistake in the past and they paid for it dearly. We don’t want you to make the same mistake. That’s why we urge you to go through this guide.
Ingredients
Right off the bat, make sure that you check out the ingredients in the cream or spray. If you happen to spot a chemical, put the suntan oil back. In all circumstances, you should keep your pet away from chemicals and additives. The side effects of these harsh chemicals can make your pooch ill. In certain cases, pets develop fatal allergic reactions as well.
By all means, we’re not looking to scare you. But this point should not be underestimated. Check out the product from top to bottom, and after ensuring that it only contains natural and safe ingredients, add it to your shopping cart. One primary reason why sunblock oil for dogs is specially made is that they contain zero ingredients that may be toxic for your furry friend. Instead, they contain natural plant-based ingredients. On the bright side, they will help your pet by making his/her skin more radiant, while reducing itchiness and dry skin.
Lick-proof
As a pet owner, you know your pooch is sir-licks-a-lot. And we don’t think there’s any other way to go around it but to look for creams or sprays that dry up quickly. After applying, your pet will naturally begin licking its skin and if the sunblock has dried up then there’s nothing to worry about.
On another note, you can also look for light creams/sprays. These sun protectors feature a light formula that won’t make your pet feel any discomfort. There’s a slim chance that your pet might lick even after applying this type of cream as well, but that’s something you cannot avoid. Your best bet, therefore, is to opt for a product that is lick-safe. Yes, you can find suntan sprays that are safe for your pet to lick in the market.
Waterproof
One of the things you have to enjoy as a pet owner; enjoy a walk on the beach with your pooch. On a day where the sun’s scorching heat is relentlessly burning everything in its path, your pup might look for a swim or two. And if you’ve put on a suntan cream that does not hold itself against water, you’ve made a terrible mistake.
That’s why we’re telling you beforehand. Always go for waterproof sunblocks. These creams provide extra protection, and if you spray/apply them on your dog’s skin then they will dry up quickly. So even if your pet swims in a pool or on the beach, you can lay on the sand without an ounce of worry.
SPF
Another important factor is the sun-blocking capacity of the product. We’d like to add here that the sun-protecting capacity will greatly increase if certain natural ingredients are added to the sun protector’s formula such as carrot seed and raspberry seed essential oils. These ingredients are safe, and they are excellent for absorbing UV light before it makes its way to your dog’s skin. In case you don’t find a cream with these ingredients, look out for products with coconut oil or shea nut butter. They provide safety against the sun as well. In any case, make sure you check out the SPF on the product’s backside and front side.
How Do I Apply It
The million-dollar question, how does one apply sunblock on pets anyway? First, make sure that you’re in no hurry. You need to cover vulnerable areas with care and attention. Otherwise, there’s no point in going for sunscreen.
Before going on a walk or to the beach, take some cream/spray and apply it to your pooch’s skin. This is just to test whether it induces any allergic reactions or not. The next step is to apply the cream or spray to all the exposed areas. This includes the thighs, ears (especially the tips), snoot, groin, and other vulnerable areas. Look out for areas with light pigmentation and cover them with the sun blocker. But make sure that none of it goes into your dog’s eyes. Another tip is to involve your pet in some activity so that he/she doesn’t lick off the suntan cream/spray. As soon as you’re done, go out and enjoy the day with your adorable pet!
Here Are the Top Sunscreens for Dogs for 2024
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray
– Best OverallOur first pick is loaded with vitamin E and several other ingredients that will act as antioxidants for your pet’s skin. On top of that, they will enrich your pet’s skin by ten folds. This sun protector will effectively block harmful UVA and UVB sun rays, which increase the risk of skin cancer. Epi-Pet’s ingredients rate at 30-40 SPF compared to human sunblocks. On top of that, this product will decrease the likelihood of other health issues such as renal disease and heart disease. Along with mammary gland tumors and cognitive function-senility. The bottle features a bag-on-valve which means you can spray it to cover your pet completely. The solution can be used not only for dogs but for other white and light-haired animals with pink & white skin as well!
What makes Epi-Pet stand out from its competitors is that its formula is non-greasy and non-oily. Additionally, it will completely coat your dog’s skin and create a wall that will take care of multiple health concerns. The solution will act as aromatherapy for your pet, and since Epi-Pet is FDA compliant, you don’t need to bother worrying about its potential side effects.
- Convenient spraying application
- It smells very nice
- Might not suit all dogs
Emmy’s Best Pet Products
– Best Full Body CoverageNext up, we have a sun protector featuring a proprietary formula that is specifically tailored to nourish and moisturize dog skin. Ideal for thin, short, pink-skin, or white-skin mutts, this product might just click with your canine’s skin for good! The solution includes coconut oil and shea butter which will reduce dryness by moisturizing your four-legged friend’s skin. Moving ahead, this suntan spray is built to provide full-body coverage. This includes legs, noses, bellies, paws, and ear flaps which need to be covered by a skin protector at all costs. Talking about the mixture of the product, it is non-greasy, it won’t burn your canine’s eyes and it is convenient to apply.
Unlike others in the market, Emmy’s products and their sun skin protector spray in specific is the best shield against the violet rays of the sun. All of their products are sourced from the USA, and they are backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
- Easy to apply and non-oily
- Moisturizes dog skin and backed by a lifetime guarantee
- The solution does not smell great
Warren London Dog Sunscreen
– Best For Sensitive SkinAre you looking for a sun protector that can work throughout the year? Then get ready to add our next pick to your shopping cart! This spray is very easy to work with. Just spray it directly on your pup’s coat and rub it generously onto exposed areas such as the dog’s nose, ear, and snout. Pets generally struggle with dry skin, for which this spray is an ideal solution. The natural Aloe Vera in the spray will significantly reduce dryness and prevent itchy skin from making your pet uneasy. You can also use this spray as a sun lotion to protect your pet in case they have had too much sun exposure.
Moving on, the most desirable feature of this spray is that it can be used for all breeds and color coats. Whether your dog has long or short hair, the sunscreen will grant protection against the sun day in and day out. Pair it up with dog accessories and we’re sure that your pooch will look the most adorable among all the pets in your neighborhood. The spray will hydrate your pup’s skin, and it dries in a few seconds. Once the solution has dried, it becomes non-oily and lick-safe. So if you happen to have a dog who is an aggressive licker, this spray will save the day for you!
- Dries up quickly
- It’s non-oily and lick-safe
- The scent might be too pungent for some dogs
Bodhi Dog Sun Protector
– Most Eco-friendly OptionFeaturing a non-greasy formula, this sun protector is made from pet-friendly ingredients. It mimics human sunscreens and reduces the chances of your pet getting sunburns or skin irritation, even after extended exposure to the sun. On top of that, Bodhi will moisturize and safeguard your pet’s skin from harmful UV rays.
The formula of the sunblock is free from chemicals and alcoholand especially created for dogs. Just use the spray 15 minutes before heading out in the sun on your pet and you’re good! The product is made in the USA, with naturally sourced ingredients and it comes with eco-friendly packaging.
- Made with natural ingredients – has a non-greasy formula
- Designed for all breeds
- Comes in an eco-friendly packaging
- It takes a while to dry up
Vitamin & Essential Oil Sunscreen
– Recommended By Vets
Are you skeptical of most creams and sun sprays out there? Recommended by vets for dogs and cats, our last pick is for conscious pet owners. Featuring a heavy-duty blend of essential oils and vitamins, the sunblock will prevent sun damage and heal your pup’s skin at the same time. The reason why you should go for Gerrard Larriet is that it is chemical-free and after using it on your dog, you won’t see any allergic reactions or similar issues.
The sunscreen itself is non-sticky. It includes lanolin, jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil. All of these ingredients will deeply moisturize your pet’s skin and improve the quality of your dog’s coat. Plus, the oils won’t clog your canine’s skin and they will lightly coat to provide safety against the sun’s rays. The product also includes neem and lavender that are helpful in healing burns and are known to soothe redness on coats. This sunblock is made for people who live in sunny climates where the sun doesn’t stop shining throughout the day. The sunblock has a special formula that provides SPF30 UV blockage, which will greatly reduce the chances of skin cancer and other diseases.
- Recommended by vets
- Made with enriching nutrients and oils
- Promotes new fur growth
- The spray is a bit difficult to apply
People Also Asked
A: The ones that are made from natural ingredients. If they are approved by vets, and if they are backed by certifications then that’s a bonus.
A: This depends on the product you’re using. Some sunblocks are perfectly safe to apply on noses. Others? Not so much. Just remember to look for the safety instructions that come with your sunscreen.
A:
Yes, it will prevent dry skin, thereby reducing the chances of itchy skin.