Sunscreen for dogs is as essential as it is for humans. Lurking around in the sun for a long time without sunscreen can cause adverse skin conditions in small dogs. Small dogs are susceptible to sun rays. In most cases, staying for a long time in the sun can have them prone to chronic sunburns or even solar dermatitis.
To never have your furry friend suffer, all you have to do is get him a dermatologist-recommended sunblock for dogs in your pet’s beach accessories bag. Even if you live in an apartment, a casual dog run outside is essential on a weekend.
According to Jeanne Budgin, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Hudson Valley Veterinary Dermatology in New York’s Westchester County, “Small dogs must always have a dog sun screen that contains high SPF count.” She also explained that the SPF must be at least 30 or more than that and should come with UVB and UVA protection.
So, after you have installed a fence for small dogs for your little friend to have some fun time outdoors, next you need to invest in an effective doggie sunscreen. Need to know how to choose one? No worries, our experts will help you decide on the best sunscreen for dogs.
Our experts have evaluated several sunscreens for dogs and have compiled a list of those that worked the best. So, let’s look at 5 of the best dog sunscreens.
Our Favorite Sunscreen for Dogs
- Overall Best Sunscreen for Dogs: Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
- Best Spray Sunscreen for Dogs: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Dog Sun Protector Spray
- Best Budget Sunscreen for Dogs: Petkin Dog Sunscreen Sunstick
- Best Dog Sun Protector Shirt for Small Dogs: Playapup Dog Sun Shirt
- Best Organic Sunscreen for Dogs: Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen
In This Article, We Will Share
- Our Favorite Sunscreen for Dogs
- Final Verdict
- Things to Look For in a Dog Sun Screen
- FAQS
Overall Best Sunscreen for Dogs: Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
What We Like
- Dries instantly
- Smells wonderful
- FDA-approved doggie sunscreen
What We Don’t Like
- Spray nozzle might get clumsy
This is the king of every kind of dog sun screen available. The Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen is the only FDA-approved sunscreen for dogs. Because it boasts a number of excellent active ingredients, it is the best dog sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 and above.
Puppy owners, as well as professional veterinarians, claim that this is the best sunscreen for dogs that must be purchased besides a cooling bed while going to a beach party. Additionally, this sunblock for dogs can be applied without any effort. It can be used on even the most clumsy puppy in your household.
Fortunately, this dog sun screen also comes in a bottle with a spray nozzle. You can easily spray it over your dog without worrying about the angle. The thing that we loved the most about this dog sun protector is its formula that doesn’t leave sticky residue behind.
With this sunscreen for dogs, you have a micro-emulsified content formula that penetrates the fur without any hassle. The inclusion of Vitamin E in the formula additionally makes this one the overall best dog sunscreen, which aids in a healthy and shiny coat.
Size: 3.5 ounces | SPF Count: 30+ | Active Ingredients: Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Benzophenone-3, Alcohol Denatured, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C-12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate.
Best Spray Sunscreen for Dogs: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Dog Sun Protector Spray
What We Like
- Smells good
- Soothing ingredients
- Non-greasy formula
What We Don’t Like
- Sprinkler gets defective frequently
Gone are the days when you had to play tug of war with your puppy while applying dog sun screen to him. With Emmy’s Dog Sun Protector Spray, you and your dog both will be all happy while going outdoors. This best spray sunscreen for dogs can be easily sprayed without making a mess.
Even though this sunblock might not be the best sunscreen for dogs that are approved by FDA, it still has an SPF rating to be at least 30. It provides top-notch protection from UV rays when your small dog is having a run outdoors on a sunny day.
What made us crazy about this sunblock for dogs is its ingredient list. It is infused with coconut oil and shea butter that helps to moisturize your small dog’s cracked and chapped skin. Because of its gentle formula, this is a fantastic sunscreen for dogs nose, ears, and coat.
In short, this dog sun screen is a complete moisturization and protection package for your puppy’s hot day ventures. However, being able to provide top-notch moisturization doesn’t mean the formula is greasy. The formula for this sun protection for dogs is light and prevents the buildup of residue on your dog’s fur.
Size: 8 ounces | SPF Count: 30 | Active Ingredients: Octinoxate.
Best Budget Sunscreen for Dogs: Petkin Dog Sunscreen Sunstick
What We Like
- Dog-friendly formula
- Portable sunblock for dogs
- Easy application
What We Don’t Like
- Requires frequent application due to low SPF count
If you have been searching for a portable dog sun screen that can be stuffed into your pocket and used on the go, this is the product you need to invest in. This Petkin Dog Sunscreen Sunstick is the best budget sunscreen for dogs that is easy to use and has a gentle dog-friendly formula.
So, what makes this one so favorite among many small dogs? First, it contains all mineral ingredients that are gentle on small puppies, making it the best dog sunscreen ever. Next, the formula with this sun protection for dogs is not sticky. Henceforth it doesn’t leave any unwanted casting or residue on your dog’s fur.
Additionally, as this dog sun screen is a stick, you can readily apply it whenever you want. You can reapply this sunscreen for dogs several times, and still, the fur will come out as fresh as ever.
Now comes the loophole! This dog sun protector has a low SPF rating of 15. Now if the weather isn’t too sunny, you can have this sunscreen for dogs nose otherwise, you will have to go for other picks with high SPF counts mentioned here.
Size: 5 ounces | SPF Count: 15 | Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide
Best Dog Sun Protector Shirt for Small Dogs: Playapup Dog Sun Shirt
What We Like
- Built using quality material
- Comfortable fit for all small dogs
- Blocks harmful UV rays
What We Don’t Like
- Might not protect all parts
A dog sun screen and cool treats for small dogs might not be enough to protect your puppy from the heatwave. If you want your doggie to have the ultimate protection from harmful UV rays, don’t forget to get him this Playapup Dog Sun Shirt. This is the best dog sun protector shirt that not only blocks harmful rays but also provides this cool feeling to your dog.
This shirt provides excellent sun protection for dogs even if they don’t apply their SPF. Additionally, what made us fall in love with this one was its effectiveness at a budget-friendly price. Moreover, this doggie sunscreen protector is available in lovely patterns and colors, making them a favorite among many pets.
The best part here is that this shirt sunscreen for dogs blocks 98% percent of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. With this dog sun screen shirt, your puppy will get UPF 50 due to its durable and sturdy fabric.
However, don’t worry about the material of this dog sun protector being heavy and bulky. The fabric is lightweight and provides a snuggly fit for your puppy. No matter how effective this sun-protecting shirt might be, veterinarians always advise using it with a high SPF dog sun screen.
Size: XXS-4XL | SPF Count: 50+ fabric | Material: 80% Nylon/20% Spandex
Best Organic Sunscreen for Dogs: Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen
What We Like
- Waterproof formula
- No odor
- Twistable lid keeps it secure
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
Another amazing dog sun screen that provides protection as well as nourishment to your doggo’s fur is the Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen. This is the best organic sunscreen for dogs if you want a waterproof and odorless formula.
This twist and open dog sun screen have a combination of great natural oils along with effective antioxidants. You can use this sunscreen for dogs nose by applying it right from the container. And the remarkable thing is that it contains omega-3 fatty acids, ensuring your dog never has dry coat days.
The ingredients with this sunscreen for dogs come with a high SPF range, with the strongest being the carrot seed oil having an SPF of about 35-40. Unlike others, this dog sun screen doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, including zinc oxides, oxybenzone, benzophenone, and titanium, making it a safe choice for small dogs.
Size: 2 ounces | SPF Count: N/A | Active Ingredients: Red raspberry seed oil, hemp seed oil, carrot seed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter.
Final Verdict
We found the Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen as the overall best sunscreen for dogs. It is FDA-approved and provides the strongest sun protection to small dogs. However, Emmy’s Best Pet Products Dog Sun Protector Spray is also the best spray sunscreen for dogs if you want moisturization and protection in one bottle.
Things to Look For in a Dog Sun Screen
Here are some important things to look for in a dog sun screen.
SPF
The first and foremost thing you need to consider while investing in sunscreen for dogs is the level of SPF it offers. According to the American Kennel Club, a sunblock for dogs should have an SPF of 30. Anything less than this would be ineffective in protecting your small dog from UVA and UVB rays. However, anything more than this would be a cherry on top.
Ingredients
The next thing you need to be considerate about is the ingredient level on a dog sun screen. Look for all-natural and organic ingredients that are safe for your small dog. Some of the hazardous ingredients in sunscreen for dogs might range from zinc oxides, oxybenzone, benzophenone, and titanium.
FAQS
Can I Use Human Sunscreen on My Small Dog?
No, you must not use human sunscreen on your small dog. The ingredients in human sunscreen are highly toxic for pets, including small dogs. Often these sunscreens contain zinc oxide, which can make your dog prone to many skin conditions.
Is Sunscreen Ok for Small Dogs?
Yes, sunscreen is okay for small dogs. Like humans, small dogs are also sensitive to sun rays, making them prone to sunburns. Using sunscreen will protect your small dog from harmful rays and reduce the occurrence of skin-related conditions.
Can I Use Baby Sunscreen on My Small Dog?
Yes, you can use baby sunscreen on your small dog. Most human sunscreens have harmful ingredients that they can lick and develop toxicity. On the other hand, sunscreens formulated for babies do not contain any harmful components.
Where Should I Put Sunscreen on My Small Dog?
You can put sunscreen on your dog’s ear, nose, groin, and belly. Hot weather makes these areas most prone to sunburns and allergic reactions. Ensure to start slowly to know whether the sunscreen is well suited for your small dog.