The Best Dog Sunscreen
QUINN HERTEL September 13, 2018If your dog loves spending time outside in the sun, then finding the right sunscreen for him is a must. Dogs can get burned after spending too much time outside without sun protection, and a sunburn carries the same health risks for your pooch as it does for you. Dogs with light-colored or thin coats are at particularly high risk. With a good dog sunscreen on hand, you’ll be able to bring your pup on all your outdoor excursions without worrying that he’ll end up with a painful sunburn afterwards.
We reviewed dozens of dog sunscreens to identify the best of the best. Dogs can be sensitive to certain chemicals and scents, so during our search, we carefully considered the ingredients of each sunscreen. We also considered whether each product is conditioning for your dog’s coat. Since some dogs have trouble sitting still while receiving a layer of sunscreen, we looked at numerous types of products – including sprays, balms, and wipes – so you can find one that suits your dog. If you’re headed out for an outdoor adventure, check out our list of the BEST DOG TRAVEL WATER BOTTLES. Hydration is just as important as sun protection for your pup.
Top pick
The Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen provides great sun protection while conditioning your dog’s coat.
$10.00 USD
There are lots of good dog sunscreens to choose from on Amazon, but one seemed like the clear standout to us. The CHRIS CHRISTENSEN ICE ON ICE CONDITIONER WITH SUNSCREEN does double duty – it conditions and detangles your dog’s coat while protecting him from the sun’s harmful rays. Just mist it on with the spray bottle and give your pup’s coat a quick brush before heading out for a day in the sun.
In This Article
- THE 5 TOP-RATED DOG SUNSCREENS FOR 2018
- WHO SHOULD BUY DOG SUNSCREEN
- IMPORTANT FEATURES TO CONSIDER
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- OTHER DOG SUNSCREENS WE REVIEWED
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Sunscreens For 2018
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | CHRIS CHRISTENSEN ICE ON ICE CONDITIONER WITH SUNSCREEN | |
| Runner Up | NATURALDOG SNOUT SOOTHER | |
| Best Budget Buy | PETKIN DOGGY SUNSTICK | |
| Best Dog Snout Sunscreen | HANDY HOUND SNOUTSCREEN | |
| Best Natural Dog Sunscreen | WOLFE & SPARKY ORGANIC DOG SUNSCREEN |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Chris Christensen Ice On Ice Conditioner With Sunscreen
The CHRIS CHRISTENSEN ICE ON ICE CONDITIONER WITH SUNSCREEN is our favorite dog sunscreen that we found on Amazon. It protects your pooch’s sensitive skin from the sun, but that’s not all. This product is also a leave-in finishing spray that acts as a conditioner and detangler for your dog’s coat. If you have a long-haired dog, this might become your new favorite multi-purpose pet product. Of course, this conditioner is great for maintaining short-haired dogs’ coats, too!
This product comes in a spray bottle, which makes it quick and easy to apply evenly all over your dog’s coat. Just spritz it on and brush or comb it through your dog’s hair. That’s it – no need to rinse! The product creates a protective barrier between your dog’s coat and the environment, keeping your pup looking sleek and healthy even in dry or dusty weather. It’s a great sunscreen option if your dog has a light-colored or sparse coat and you want to be sure he has head-to-toe protection from the sun.
Amazon reviewers love this finishing spray, noting that it has a mild scent, isn’t greasy, and doesn’t leave any residue behind. A few reviewers did say that spraying the product inside the house made their floors slippery, so be sure to take your dog outside to put this sunscreen on him.
Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen Key Features:
- Conditions and detangles
- Leave in your dog’s coat
- Spray bottle for easy application
- Light scent
- Repels dust and dirt
- Non-greasy
- Won’t leave buildup or residue in your dog’s coat
Our Runner Up Pick: NaturalDog Snout Soother
Runner up
The NaturalDog Snout Soother doubles as a natural sunscreen and a nose moisturizer.
$4.95 USD
Your dog’s nose is one of the most sensitive spots on his body. It’s at especially high risk for getting sunburned, dried-out, or chapped. If you want to prevent all of these issues at once, look no further than the NATURALDOG SNOUT SOOTHER. Like our top pick above, this is a multi-purpose product that keeps your dog looking and feeling great in addition to protecting him from the sun.
This product comes in a convenient twist-up stick, so you can carry it with you and put it on your dog while you’re out and about. It’s made of all-natural, vegan ingredients, and it’s fragrance-free – a big plus for dogs that don’t like scented products. This balm contains healing vitamin E and chamomile extract, as well as half a dozen types of rich plant-based oils and butters selected to restore moisture to your dog’s dry facial skin. Two of these oils – kukui nut oil and shea nut butter – offer natural sun protection as well.
This balm is designed for use on your dog’s face only. If you want to make sure your pup has full-body protection from the sun, you may want to use this product in conjunction with another type of dog sunscreen, such as our top pick above.
NaturalDog Snout Soother Key Features:
- Made with natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Fragrance-free
- Twist-up tube
- Kukui nut oil and shea nut butter offer natural sun protection
- Heals dry or crusty noses
- Can be used around your dog’s lips and ears as well
Best Budget Pick: Petkin Doggy Sunstick
Budget pick
Protect your best friend from getting burned with this budget-friendly sunscreen stick.
$5.99 USD
Another great dog sunscreen that comes in stick form is the PETKIN DOGGY SUNSTICK. If you’re looking for a simple sunscreen without a lot of extra bells and whistles, this one will do the job! Unlike most dog sunscreens, this one comes with a SPF rating – it’s approximately the equivalent of a SPF 15 product for people. Just rub some on your dog’s nose, ears, and other burn-prone areas before heading outside.
This product isn’t oily, so you can reapply it as often as necessary without worrying that your dog’s face or coat will get greasy. Amazon reviewers say that it has a pleasant smell and works well to prevent sunburns. Note that if your dog is averse to scented grooming products, you may want to look for a fragrance-free alternative. Also, this sunscreen can leave a white cast on your dog’s nose and anywhere else you apply it, but that’s a small price to pay for sun safety.
Petkin Doggy Sunstick Key Features:
- Equivalent of SPF 15
- Twist-up stick
- Gentle ingredients
- Non-greasy
- Contains fragrance
Best Dog Snout Sunscreen: Handy Hound SnoutScreen
Best snout sunscreen
The Handy Hound SnoutScreen is formulated to protect and soothe your dog’s sensitive snout.
$19.97 USD
Even if your dog has a dark, thick coat that protects most of his body from sunburn, his snout still needs a little extra TLC during long days out in the sun. Protect the sensitive pink areas on his face with the HANDY HOUND SNOUTSCREEN. This multi-purpose balm moisturizes your dog’s face, prevents sunburns thanks to a combination of potent natural ingredients, and even helps to repel insects!
The magic of this dog sunscreen is all in its ingredients. It contains raspberry seed and carrot seed essential oils, both of which are excellent natural sun blockers. While this sunscreen doesn’t have an official SPF rating, raspberry seed and carrot seed are both estimated to provide sun protection equivalent to at least 30 SPF. The balm also contains cupuacu butter and coconut oil, two heavy-duty moisturizers, as well as cedarwood and lavender extracts, which repel fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. And if your dog happens to get a sunburn while not wearing any sun protection, this balm can help with that, too – it contains rose geranium extract, which helps to soothe inflammation and heal burns faster.
Handy Hound SnoutScreen Key Features:
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- Vegan
- Twist-up tube
- Moisturizing
- Contains ingredients with natural SPF of 30+
- Repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
- Helps to heal sunburns as well as prevent them
Best Natural Dog Sunscreen: Wolfe & Sparky Organic Dog Sunscreen
Best natural dog sunscreen
Gentle and natural, the Wolfe & Sparky Organic Dog Sunscreen safely protects your dog from sunburns.
$13.99 USD
When it comes to sunscreen for your dog, you can’t be too careful about checking ingredient lists. Most sunscreens are formulated to be perfectly safe, but certain common sun-blocking ingredients, such as zinc oxide, are actually toxic for dogs. This is why dogs can’t wear sunscreen made for humans. If you want to be absolutely sure that the sunscreen you’re putting on your pup is safe for him, the WOLFE & SPARKY ORGANIC DOG SUNSCREEN is a great pick.
This sunscreen gets its sun-blocking power from essential oils of carrot seed and raspberry seed, as well as a generous dose of coconut oil. It also contains shea butter and beeswax, which thicken the sunscreen so that it’s easier to put on your dog. This product contains no zinc or titanium dioxide. It’s also free of drying ingredients like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol.
The Wolfe & Sparky Organic Dog Sunscreen is an oil in a squeeze bottle, which makes it best for use on your dog’s face, ears, and paws. Use it in combination with a spray sunscreen if your dog needs more coverage over his entire coat.
Wolfe & Sparky Organic Dog Sunscreen Key Features:
- Made with natural and organic ingredients
- Moisturizing and soothing
- Safe for your dog to lick
- Contains essential oils that are natural sun-blockers
- Free of zinc, titanium dioxide, alcohol, sulfates, and parabens
- Best for use on face, ears, and paws
Who Should Buy Dog Sunscreen
Are you a dog owner? Does your dog frequently spend time out in the sunshine? If you answered yes to both those questions, you should put dog sunscreen on your to-buy list.
Sunburns aren’t just a painful health risk for people. Your dog can get burned if he spends too much time outside without sunscreen, too – and, just like in humans, sunburns can cause skin cancer in dogs. Fortunately, buying and using a dog sunscreen will go a long way towards reducing your pup’s risk of developing sunburn-related health problems.
Almost all dogs have at least some exposed patches of skin on their face and ears, so it’s important for every dog parent to have a good sunscreen on hand. Some dogs are at higher risk for burning than others. If your dog has a thin or patchy coat, or if his coat is light in color, be particularly vigilant about applying sunscreen all over him whenever he goes outside for more than a short time. Dogs with dark, thick coats may be able to get away with less sunscreen on a regular basis, but they still need sun protection on their noses, lips, and other sensitive areas.
Top pick
The Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen provides great sun protection while conditioning your dog’s coat.
$10.00 USD
Important Features To Consider
In order for a dog sunscreen to protect your pooch adequately, it should have a few key features. Here’s what to look for as you select the sunscreen that’s right for your dog.
- Natural, non-toxic ingredients. Your dog might try to lick his sunscreen off, especially the first few times you put it on him. Look for a brand that’s made with ingredients that are safe for ingestion. Most of the dog sunscreens on the market are made without harmful ingredients, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Natural sun-blocking ingredients. Raspberry seed essential oil and carrot seed essential oil are two of nature’s most effective sunscreens, and you’ll see these ingredients in many sun-blocking products made for dogs. Some oils and butters, such as coconut oil and shea nut butter, also help to prevent sunburns naturally.
- No zinc oxide. No matter what ingredients your dog’s sunscreen contains, one thing it shouldn’tcontain is zinc oxide. This chemical is commonly found in sunscreens for people, and it’s harmless for human use. However, it’s highly toxic for dogs. If ingested, zinc oxide can give dogs hemolytic anemia, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Coverage. How much coverage does your fur baby need from the sun? If you want to protect your dog from head to toe, a spray sunscreen may be the easiest way to achieve that. If your dog just needs some protection on his face, on the other hand, a cream or stick formula will probably be easiest to apply.
- Moisturizing or conditioning properties. Many of the dog sunscreens on the market double as coat conditioners or nose balm. If your dog has dry skin or you want to keep his coat in top condition, look for one of these two-in-one sunscreens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dog sunscreen and how does it work?
Dog sunscreen is sunscreen that’s been specially formulated to be safe and effective on dogs. It’s often made with ingredients that provide natural protection from the sun, such as carrot seed essential oil and raspberry seed essential oil.
To put dog sunscreen on your pup, simply apply it to the areas where your dog needs protection. This might mean spritzing sunscreen all over your dog’s coat, or it might just mean dabbing a sunscreen balm on your dog’s nose and ears. If your dog doesn’t want to sit still, this can be a little difficult, so be patient and reward your dog for good behavior. It might help to distract your pup with a toy or a treat while you apply the sunscreen.
Do dogs need sunscreen?
Yes. Dogs can get painfully sunburned, just like people. It’s true that a dog’s coat often provides some protection from the sun, but most dogs still have areas of exposed skin that are vulnerable to burning. You can KEEP YOUR PUP’S SKIN HEALTHY by putting sunscreen on him whenever he’ll be spending more than half an hour or so in the sun.
What kind of sunscreen can I use on my dog?
It’s important to look for a sunscreen that’s been specially made for use on dogs. There are many different formulations available, including wipes, creams, and sprays. Never put your own sunscreen on your dog — it may contain chemicals that can hurt him.
Can a dog get skin cancer?
Yes, dogs can get skin cancer, and every sunburn they get increases their risk. A few types of skin cancer that dogs are most likely to get from sun exposure include malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and hemangioma. Putting sunscreen on your pooch is the best way to protect him from preventable skin cancers.
Other Dog Sunscreens We Reviewed
Top pick
The Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Conditioner with Sunscreen provides great sun protection while conditioning your dog’s coat.
$10.00 USD
We looked at 20 other dog sunscreens. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best dog sunscreens list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Dog hair, like human hair, tends to get lighter in color the more it’s exposed to the sun. If you want to keep your dog’s coat looking dark year-round, reach for this sunscreen – it prevents sun bleaching in addition to protecting your four-legged friend from sunburns.
Key Features:
- 2 oz. spray bottle
- Equivalent of SPF 15
- Non-greasy
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Silicone-free
- Prevents coat bleaching
Cost: $19
DOGGLES TROPICAL SCENT SUNSCREEN
This sunscreen spray is similar to the product above, but comes in a fun tropical scent. What could be more appropriate for the beach? If your dog isn’t sensitive to fragrances, this sunscreen is a good warm-weather pick.
Key Features:
- 2 oz. spray bottle
- Equivalent of SPF 15
- Non-greasy
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Silicone-free
- Tropical scent
Cost: $19
EPI-PET SUN PROTECTOR SPRAY FOR PETS
If you’re looking for a dog sunscreen that will last through a swim, this one from Epi-Pet just might fit the bill. This sunscreen is waterproof, sweat-proof, and provides long-lasting protection equivalent to 30 SPF. It’s also the only FDA-compliant pet sunscreen currently on the market.
Key Features:
- 4 oz. spray can
- Equivalent to 30 SPF
- Waterproof and sweat-proof
- Conditions skin and coat
- Non-greasy
- Vanilla scent
- FDA compliant
- Can be used on dogs and horses
Cost: $16
GERRARD LARRIETT AROMATHERAPY SUNSCREEN FOR DOGS
This spray-on, UV-blocking sunscreen is oil-based, making it a great conditioner for your dog’s coat. Neem oil, lanolin, jojoba oil, and coconut oil are a few of the key moisturizing ingredients in this product. It also contains anti-inflammatory lavender oil.
Key Features:
- 8 oz. spray bottle
- Oil-based
- Contains UVA and UVB inhibitors
- All natural ingredients
- Biodegradable and cruelty-free
- Mild scent
Cost: $12
MY DOG NOSE IT! COAT AND BODY SPRAY
This sunscreen is formulated to protect dogs with sparse or patchy coats who need extra protection from the sun. The aerosol spray can makes it a snap to apply all over your dog quickly. This product protects your pooch from both UVA and UVB rays.
Key Features:
- 4 oz. spray can
- UVA and UVB protection
- Free of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Contains no parabens or alcohol
- Non-greasy
- pH-balanced
- Goes on clear
Cost: $20
Sun protection doesn’t get much simpler than this spray-on sunscreen. Just mist it all over your dog’s coat — it’s equivalent to SPF 15 sunscreens for people.
Key Features:
- 4 oz. spray bottle
- Equivalent of SPF 15
- Gentle formula
- Non-greasy
- Pleasant smell
- Not waterproof
Cost: $12
WARREN LONDON PREMIUM DOG SUNSCREEN
If your pup has sensitive skin, this sunscreen might be the perfect pick for him. It’s made with aloe vera gel for extra moisturizing power. This product won’t cause buildup, so you can use it on your dog regularly without worrying about giving him a bath every day.
Key Features:
- 4 oz. spray bottle
- Equivalent to approximately 15-30 SPF
- Gentle formula
- Moisturizes skin
- Non-greasy
- Waterproof and lick-proof when dry
- Pleasant scent
Cost: $11
CHERRYBROOK ALL NATURAL GROOMING SPRAY WITH SUNSCREEN
This grooming spray protects your dog’s skin from the sun while leaving his coat soft, shiny, and easy to detangle. It’s ideal for both long-haired and short-haired dogs.
Key Features:
- 16 oz. spray bottle
- Coat conditioner and detangler with added sunscreen
- Unscented
- Alcohol-free
- All natural ingredients
- Safe for use on both dogs and cats
Cost: $9 plus $5 shipping
HOWND SKIN, NOSE, AND PAW BALM WITH SUN PROTECTION
Heal your dog’s dry skin while protecting him from the sun with this versatile balm. Made with natural, vegan ingredients, it’s perfect for year-round use.
Key Features:
- 1.75 oz. container
- Natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Absorbs quickly
- Unscented
- Moisturizing and soothing
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $17
PETFECTION NATURAL & ORGANIC DOG SUNSCREEN SPRAY
If your dog seems determined to lick off any sunscreen you put on him, this product is a safe choice. It’s made with 100% natural ingredients that are harmless if ingested. Carrot seed essential oil gives this product its sun-blocking power, while sesame and aloe vera moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.
Key Features:
- Natural, organic ingredients
- Safe to ingest
- Soothing and moisturizing
- No artificial fragrances
- Reapply every 2-3 hours
Cost: $11 plus $4 shipping
SIT. STAY. FOREVER. ORGANIC PET SUNSCREEN
This moisturizing balm makes a great sunscreen for short-haired to medium-haired dogs. The beeswax base locks moisture into your pup’s skin, while the organic oils add hydration and sun protection. Just be careful not to leave this product in the sun, or it will melt.
Key Features:
- 2 oz. container
- All natural, organic ingredients
- Contains no zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Moisturizing
- Waterproof
- Gentle on skin
Cost: $15
SUN WORSHIPER ZINC FREE SUNSCREEN FOR DOGS
Dab this all-natural sunscreen cream on your dog’s nose, ears, and paws when it’s time to head outside for the day. It contains no irritating or toxic ingredients, and it’s moisturizing to boot.
Key Features:
- 2 oz. container
- Equivalent of SPF 30
- Contains no zinc oxide or parabens
- Non-irritating
- Moisturizing
- No added fragrance
- Doubles as a paw protector
Cost: $25 plus $4 shipping
AROMA PAWS FUR CONDITIONING TREATMENT
This rich conditioner – meant to be used on dry hair – protects your dog’s skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays while making his coat softer and shinier. Even though it contains ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil, this conditioner is non-greasy and can be used every day.
Key Features:
- 6.5 oz. bottle
- For use on a dry coat
- Vegan
- Moisturizes skin
- Adds shine to coat
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Contains no parabens or alcohol
- Suitable for daily use
Cost: $12
BEACH & DOG CO. CANINE SUNSCREEN
This balm is perfect for protecting your dog’s skin from the elements all year. Its blend of organic oils and bentonite clay blocks harmful UV rays. In the winter, you can use this product to protect your dog’s paw pads from salt, too.
Key Features:
- 4 oz. container
- Organic
- Contains no zinc, titanium dioxide, benzophenone, or oxybenzone
- Moisturizing
- Safe if ingested
- Not waterproof
- No added fragrance
- Not for use on cats
Cost: $18
ESPANA SILK PROTECTANT SPRAY WITH SUNSCREEN
Spritz this conditioner all over your dog’s coat to keep him soft, shiny, and protected from UV rays. This product isn’t just for dogs, either – you can also use it on cats, horses, and even your own hair!
Key Features:
- 4.23 oz. container
- Smoothes, conditions, and detangles hair
- Alcohol-free
- Non-greasy
- Reduces static
- Can be used on other pets and even people
Cost: $19
If your dog has hot spots or dry, scaly skin, reach for this hydrating balm. It provides natural UV protection and helps to heal skin damage fast.
Key Features:
- 0.5 oz. container
- Contains no toxic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Natural UV protection
- Heals dry, chapped skin
- Non-greasy
Cost: $13
If it’s time to repurchase shampoo for your dog, why not choose one with sun protection built in? This shampoo is made with cupuacu, a natural sunscreen. It’s also conditioning and comes in a number of scent options.
Key Features:
- 16.9 oz. bottle
- Plant-based and sustainably sourced
- Free from parabens and dyes
- Natural UV protection
- Conditioning
- Cruelty-free
- Numerous scents to choose from
Cost: $12
ESPREE WIPES FOR PETS
These swipe-and-go sunscreen wipes make it especially easy to protect your dog from sunburns while you’re out and about. Use them anywhere on your dog’s body for protection equivalent to SPF 15.
Key Features:
- 50 wipes
- Equivalent to SPF 15
- Made with aloe vera
- Gentle, non-irritating formula
- Safe to use with flea treatments
- Non-greasy
- Tropical floral scent
Cost: $15
If you’re outdoorsy and like taking your dog on excursions with you, you won’t regret keeping a pack of these sunscreen wipes in your glove compartment or backpack. Small and convenient, these wipes are perfect for refreshing your pup’s sun protection while you’re on the go.
Key Features:
- 20 wipes
- Equivalent to SPF 15
- Non-greasy
- Not sticky
- Gentle formula
Cost: $6
WELL & GOOD SUN PROTECTION DOG WIPES
These sunscreen wipes come in a convenient reclosable container to keep them from drying out. They’re ideal for reapplying sunscreen to your dog’s muzzle, ears, and other sensitive areas quickly and easily.
Key Features:
- 24 wipes
- Equivalent to SPF 15
- Resealable container
- Best for use on nose, ears, and areas with sparse hair
Cost: $6 plus $7 shipping