“For dogs, it’s important to choose a product with a fairly high SPF,” says Jeanne Budgin, DVM, DACVD, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with Hudson Valley Veterinary Dermatology. “Generally, we recommend an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as a fragrance-free product because dogs and humans have different sensitivities to fragrance. It should also be waterproof if they are doing any outdoor activity, and it should have UVA and UVB protection.”
Our favorite overall, as well as Dr. Budgin’s, is the Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen for its strong SPF, easy spray application, and rare FDA stamp of approval.
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Only FDA-approved dog sunscreen
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Strong SPF
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Easy to apply
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Conditions skin and coat
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Tends to leave slight film on fur
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen is perhaps the only product on the market that boasts all of these qualities—or at least can prove that it does. It’s hard to argue with a bestselling dog sunscreen that has the distinction of being the sole FDA-approved sunscreen on the market, with a fortifying SPF rating between 30-40. A favorite among consumers as well as professionals, K-9 Care is easy to apply to even the most skittish pup, thanks to a bottle that is ingeniously designed to spray at any angle.
K-9 Care also dries easily without oiliness or stickiness that can leave a residue on your dog’s fur. Dr. Budgin, who recommends Epi-Pet to patients, compliments the micro-emulsified quality of the spray, which “really helps penetrate the hair.”
Outside of the obvious positive effects on sunburn, Epi-Pet K-9 Care is proven to offer significant protection against both UVA and UVB rays, malignant skin tumors, and inflammation that can lead to dermatitis. It’s also infused with vitamin E, which helps nurture healthy fur.
Active Ingredients: Ethylhexl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, homosalate, benzophenone-3, alcohol denaturated, ethyllhexyl salicylate, C-12-15 alkyl benzoate, acrylates/octylacrylamide copolymer, tocopheryl acetate︱SPF: 30+︱Size: 3.5 ounces
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Full-body protection
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Easy to apply
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Non-greasy solution
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Soothing ingredients
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SPF is not definite
Though Epi-Pet is our number one choice for sunscreen, Emmy’s Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray is a close second and our pick for the best overall spray. Emmy’s offers powerful protection, and though not FDA-approved, the manufacturers estimate its SPF rating to be at least 30.
It includes moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil which are great for dogs with dry, cracked skin, but it doesn’t substitute these for other powerful sun-protecting agents. And despite the use of oil, Emmy’s uses a non-greasy formula that prevents mess and the buildup of dirt and other contaminants on your dog’s coat.
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate︱SPF: Approx. 30︱Size: 8 or 32 ounces
Best Budget
Petkin Doggy Sun Stick
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Transportable
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Affordable
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Safe but fortifying mineral ingredients
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Safe for dogs of all ages and sizes
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Low SPF
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Not appropriate for certain kinds of dogs and outdoor activities
This pet owner favorite slips in your pocket easily, making it a great staple for any trip out with your pup. It’s also proven safe for all dogs, featuring mineral ingredients that protect their skin from the sun without any potential toxicity or side effects. The sunscreen is also gentle, non-greasy, and non-sticky, making it easy to apply and reapply without building up residue on the coat or causing discomfort to your good boy or girl.
The main downside is the Petkin Doggy Sun Stick's low SPF rating. While this is a great on-the-go accessory for casual outdoor excursions, its SPF is around 15 and may not suffice for long stays outdoors—certainly not for at-risk dogs engaging in full-on sunbathing. If your dog has light-colored or sparse fur, then you may want to seek out a stronger lotion.
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide︱SPF: 15︱Size: 5 ounces
Best Sun-Block Clothing
PlayaPup Dog Sun Shirt
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Blocks 98 percent of harmful rays
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Comfortable fit
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Cost-effective
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High quality
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Doesn’t protect all areas of dog’s body
If your dog can’t handle a solution of any kind being applied to their skin or coat, you may want to look into options for the fabric equivalent of sunscreen: sun-block clothing. Perhaps our favorite cost-effective option on the market is PlayaPup Sun Shirt, which comes in a variety of playfully patterned styles and colors.
While a sun shirt might seem like a less effective option than carefully engineered skin care products, PlayaPup’s shirt has been designed to block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays thanks to its UPF 50+ fabric. If your pup’s comfort in a piece of heavy-duty clothing is a concern to you, don’t worry—the flatlock stitching design makes it a comfortable fit, preventing itching and chafing.
Side note: When it comes to sun-block clothing for dogs, Dr. Budgin encourages pairing a high-quality, high-coverage sunsuit with a shade or visor to help block out harmful rays on the face and neck. So consider adding a piece of canine headgear of your choice if you try out PlayaPup’s shirt.
Active Ingredients: Physical sun blocker | SPF: UPF 50+ fabric︱Size: XXS-4XL
Best Organic
Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen
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All-natural
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SPF-heavy ingredients
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Also works as a moisturizer
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Vegan and cruelty-free
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Price tag
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SPF is hard to quantify
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Nautral-oil-based products not proven to provide adequate sun protection
For dog owners passionate about finding an organic sunscreen option for their pup, Sit. Stay. Forever’s combination sunscreen and moisturizer is their best choice. The natural oils it contains are heavily fruit-based, providing natural antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids that repair damaged skin. The company also notes the estimated SPF power of its ingredients, with the strongest being carrot seed oil at 35 to 40.
The product is also vegan and cruelty-free, and therefore free of almost any potential harmful ingredient you might be at risk of finding in other sunscreens, including titanium and zinc oxides, benzophenone, and oxybenzone.
However, Dr. Budgin is reluctant to co-sign any of the major organic sunscreen products on the market.
“I would be very cautious about using a product that indicates that it has any kind of sun-protecting properties based on waxes or oils,” Dr. Budgin says. “[Oils] are not proven to help with sun protection and can be messy.”
Active Ingredients: Red raspberry seed oil, hemp seed oil, carrot seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter︱SPF: Unknown︱Size: 2 ounces
Best for Noses
Lucky Pup Sunscreen Balm
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Free of artificial flavor and fragrance
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Moisturizes skin and protects against sun damage
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Waterproof
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Hourly reapplication is needed with water activities
If your dog has a lighter-colored nose, they are likely more susceptible to sunburns. The Lucky Pup Sunscreen Dog Balm comes in a tube—just like lip balm for humans—so it's convenient to carry and easy to apply on a dog's nose while you enjoy the outdoors. Each tube is manufactured in Colorado and formulated with beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil so it's moisturizing. Plus, the addition of titanium dioxide gives this balm the ability to protect a dog's delicate snout against UVA and UVB rays.
The nose-protecting balm can also be applied to paws and elbows. It's waterproof and made without any artificial flavors or fragrances. The formula goes on clear and won't stain surfaces or clothing that come in contact with your dog's nose. With an SPF of 10, reapplication is recommended every two hours, and every hour if your dog is swimming or splashing on wet surfaces.
Active Ingredients: Beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, lanolin, aloe oil, titanium dioxide, vitamin E︱SPF: 10︱Size: 0.15 ounces
Best Aloe Spray
Banana Boat After Sun Aloe Spray
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Provides a treatment for dry skin
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Doubles as a nose spray
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Suitable for all ages and breeds
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Not for human use
Banana Boat, a well-established creator of skincare products for humans, has a "For Dogs" line which includes After Sun Hydrating Aloe Spray. This soothing spray is formulated to nourish and heal a dog's skin and coat after sun exposure.
If you forgot to use one of the pet sunscreens on our list, Banana Boat's Hydrating Spray comes to the rescue as a healing first-aid treatment. Aloe, the main ingredient in this formula, has cooling properties that comfort injured or overexposed skin. The spray can be used on your dog's belly, face, and paws to moisturize these areas. For dogs prone to dry noses, this spray can also be used on their snout to provide a protective moisture barrier.
Active Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice; tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate) | SPF: N/A | Size: 6.3 ounces
Best Sun-Blocking Tank Top
Gold Paw Sun Shield Dog Tee
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Has been proven to effectively block UV rays
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Eco-friendly materials
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Machine-washable
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Wide range of sizes
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Sizing can be tricky to figure out
For dogs with short arms or fluffy arms, this sleeveless tee is an ideal option. It's lightweight enough to wear even on the hottest days. The Sun Shield Dog Tee from Gold Paws is made from soft, recycled polyester and the fabric is designed with four-way stretch for a comfortable, relaxed fit. It's not chemically treated so the UV protection won't diminish through multiple washings.
The tank tops extend over the neck and are available in a wide range of sizes, though it does tend to run small. For example, on an eight pound Pomeranian we found a size 12 looked and fit best. You might still need to use additional sunblock to protect your dog's face and rear-end.
Active Ingredients: Physical blocker | SPF: N/A︱Sizes: 2-30
Final Verdict
The combination of its FDA rating, strength, and ease of application make the Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen a clear winner as the best all-around choice for a dog sunscreen. Certainly, it provides the strongest protection of any sunscreen product on the list. However, Emmy’s Sun Skin Protector Spray combines high estimated SPF with some natural moisturizing ingredients, and it may be the perfect fit for pet owners who want a product with all-natural ingredients in the mix but don’t want to rely on a non-veterinarian-approved, fully organic sunscreen.
What to Look for in a Dog Sunscreen
How to Apply
In general, you can apply sunscreen to your dog much in the same way you would to yourself or another human being. According to Jeanne Budgin, DVM, DACVD, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Hudson Valley Veterinary Dermatology, the most susceptible areas for many dogs are “the undercarriage, thighs, belly, armpits, nose, and muzzle,” so those are important target areas.
It is also crucial to keep control of your pup for a short period—10 minutes, according to Dr. Budgin—after applying the sunscreen so it sets in before they can lick it off. Sprays are often preferred by pet owners because they are hard to lick off and less likely to agitate your pup.
Uses
Like humans, dogs are at risk for damaging solar dermatitis and skin cancer. Outside of its utility in decreasing the risk of serious disease, sunscreen can also assist with overall skin and coat health. Most of the products on the list also actively work to repair damaged skin cells.
While a dog's fur offers some protection from the sun, dog breeds that are white, light-colored, or have thin fur (including hairless dogs), are possibly more susceptible to getting solar dermatitis.
Ingredients
There are several important differences between the ingredient list in human sunscreens versus products designed for dogs. For example, essential oils are often included in skin care products for people but can be highly toxic to dogs. Zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) are the most important ingredients to make absolutely sure are absent in any skin product you purchase for your pup.
According to Dr. Budgin, minor ingestion of zinc oxide may cause gastrointestinal issues to varying degrees of seriousness; other doctors report that high amounts of zinc oxide can potentially lead to anemia in dogs.1 In other words, remember to store your human sunscreen somewhere away from your pup if you’re at the beach together.
Strength
It is essential to find a dog sunscreen that can offer a high degree of SPF and UVA/UVB protection. The only issue with this is that nearly every dog skin product is not FDA-approved, meaning that companies cannot assign their products a hard-and-fast SPF rating, only an estimated one. Because it is FDA-approved, Epi-Pet K-9 Care is the only product on this list with an official SPF rating (30).
Also, some highly SPF-rated ingredients can often be bad for dogs, so it’s important to note that, while dogs require strong sun protection, they also need it to come from the right combination of sources. So before you invest in any non-FDA-sanctioned dog sunscreen with SPF listed on the packaging, make sure you know how that number is calculated.
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Do I need to put sunscreen on my dog?
Definitely. If you want to protect your pup against health hazards that can cause cancer or other potentially life-threatening skin diseases, it’s important to do your research and invest in a well-tested product that offers a reasonable amount of protection outdoors. If you are planning a long day in the sun, such as a beach trip, sunscreen is one of the most important items to keep in your bag of dog supplies.
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Can I put regular sunscreen on my dog?
No, you should never use human sunscreen on your dog. Regular sunscreen for humans often includes ingredients that can cause immediate health problems if your pup consumes them: zinc oxide and PABA. Since dogs are often prone to attempt to lick off sunscreens when applied to them, it’s crucial that no product you put on their skin includes any ingredients that are potentially hazardous when ingested directly. Go as natural as possible and nontoxic all the way.
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What to do if my dog eats sunscreen?
Since dog sunscreen is designed with the assumption that pups will attempt to lick it off, it is nontoxic—at least everything we have included on this list is—so you shouldn’t have to do anything, even if they ingest a fair amount of it. If you make the mistake of applying human sunscreen to them—or they decide to taste some you have lying around—this may cause gastrointestinal upset, with the most severe side effects being diarrhea, vomiting, or severe dehydration. If these symptoms occur, contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control hotline.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This roundup was written by Winston Cook-Wilson, a writer for The Spruce Pets, whose work has also appeared in The Guardian, The Ringer, Vice, Pitchfork, and Spin.
For this roundup, we compared dozens of popular and readily available dog sunscreens. Our assessments were based on direct expert advice from veterinarians, including Jeanne Budgin, DVM, DACVD, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Hudson Valley Veterinary Dermatology in New York’s Westchester County. We also took into account consumer testimonials and considerations of affordability and accessibility. Since the majority of these products are not FDA-approved, we gathered the most in-depth information we could about the sun-protective quality of each product’s ingredients, as well as checking them for ingredients with potentially toxic side effects.