Dogs get sunburned too — especially on the nose, ears, belly, and any spot with thin or light-colored fur. But most human sunscreens are actually dangerous for dogs: common sun-blocking ingredients like zinc oxide are toxic if licked off, which makes finding a genuinely dog-safe sunscreen harder than it should be.
That's exactly the gap Forbes recognized when they named our sunscreen one of their Top 10 Dog Sunscreens of 2025.
Our Top Pick: Sit Stay Forever Organic Sunscreen for Dogs
Sit Stay Forever's Organic Zinc-Free Sunscreen was named one of Forbes' Top 10 Dog Sunscreens of 2025 (see Forbes feature) with Forbes Vetted specifically calling out its nose-safe formula for one of the most commonly overlooked (and most sunburn-prone) areas on a dog.
Why it's our top pick:
Zero zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - the two ingredients most human and even some pet sunscreens rely on, and both are unsafe if a dog licks them off
Made from natural SPF sources -including red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and shea butter
Semi-solid balm format -softens with warmth from your fingers, so you control exactly how much you apply, with no overspray near your dog's eyes, nose, or mouth
Lick-safe and fragrance-free - so it won't irritate sensitive skin or upset a dog who grooms themselves after application
Handcrafted in Portland, Maine - in small batches, using organic and sustainably sourced ingredients
Packaged in a reusable, biodegradable tin - instead of plastic
It's especially well-suited for dogs with short or thin coats, light-colored fur, pink skin, or any dog prone to seasonal hair loss that leaves skin exposed.
This formula is also cat-safe — see our full sunscreen page for details if you're shopping for a cat.
Why the Ingredients Actually Matter
Not all "natural" sunscreens work the same way, so here's what's actually doing the work in this formula:
- Red raspberry seed oil — one of the higher-estimated natural SPF sources used in organic skincare, along with a strong antioxidant profile that supports skin repair after sun exposure
- Carrot seed oil — another naturally high-SPF-estimated oil, commonly used in organic sun-care formulations for its UV-absorbing properties
- Shea butter — doesn't block UV on its own, but deeply moisturizes, helping prevent the dry, cracked skin that makes sunburned areas worse
- Coconut oil — adds mild natural SPF along with additional moisturizing benefit, and helps give the balm its smooth, spreadable texture
Because these are natural oils rather than synthetic UV filters, the trade-off is reapplication: this formula works best with more frequent touch-ups than a chemical sunscreen, especially during extended outdoor time.
How to Apply It
- Warm a small amount of the balm between your fingers until it softens
- Rub it gently into exposed areas — nose, ear tips, belly, or anywhere with thin or light-colored fur
- Reapply every 2–3 hours during extended outdoor time, and immediately after swimming
What to Look for in a Dog Sunscreen
Not all "pet-safe" sunscreens are created equal. Before buying any dog sunscreen, check for:
1. No zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - these are the most common ingredients that make human sunscreen toxic to dogs if ingested
2. No parabens, sulfates, or drying alcohols - these can dry out or irritate a dog's skin with repeated use
3. A texture you can actually control - sprays are convenient but harder to apply precisely around sensitive areas like the nose and eyes; balms and creams give you more control
4. Reapplication guidance - natural SPF sources typically need more frequent reapplication than synthetic sunscreen, especially during full days outdoors
Where Dogs Are Most Prone to Sunburn
Nose
Ears
Belly
Any area with thin, light-colored, or no fur
Long-haired breeds aren't exempt wither - light-colored noses, eyelids and ear tips are still vulnerable even dogs with a full coat
Final Take
If you want a dog sunscreen that's genuinely non-toxic, backed by real recognition (not just marketing claims), and made with ingredients you can actually pronounce, **[Sit Stay Forever's Organic Sunscreen for Dogs](/products/sun-screen-for-dogs-and-cats)** is the one we recommend first.
