Here's What You Need to Know About Dog Sunscreen, According to an Expert
Now that the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer, people are itching to spend as much time as possible outdoors. For those of us with dogs, it’s only natural that we’ll want to bring them along for the adventure. Of course, doing so will require prep so that they're safe for whatever excursion you're about to take—and, believe it or not, it goes beyond bringing along a travel water bowl and a bag full of treats.
That’s because, like humans, dogs can get sunburned. No really, we’re not joking! We chatted with veterinarian Dr. Derek M. Paul, the regional medical director at Valley Veterinary Care in Texas, about the ins and outs of doggie sun care. Not all pet parents realize that long walks, hikes, hours picnicking at the winery, and days at the beach call for more than just added hydration. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with everything there is to know about how to protect your dog from sunburn, what types of dog sunscreen are out there, and what products to avoid. You and your best friend will be able to enjoy a fun, safe summer thanks to these dog sunscreen tips!
Can dogs get sunburned?
Unfortunately, yes they can! If you’re wondering how furry dogs are capable of getting sunburn, the first thing to know is that it most often occurs on their most exposed skin. Think the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and skin around the lips. Paul, who is also Rocco & Roxie's Vet Advisor, explains that the burning can even occur on the abdomen, groin, and inside of the legs if your pup likes to sprawl out in the sun. They can also burn this way by going on long walks where reflection from the pavement can cause secondary sunburn.
But how do you know that your dog has sunburn? While people typically turn bright red, dogs may turn pinkish-red. Paul says that they may also experience noticeable pain and potentially suffer from hair loss as a result. And, like humans, dogs can develop skin cancer from sun exposure. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to monitor your pup’s time in the sun and ensure that they’re protected during the day’s brightest hours.
Do dogs need sunscreen?
Short answer: Yes! Dogs need sunscreen. There are a few circumstances and types of dogs who especially need to be protected from the sun. According to Paul, the dogs that need to wear sunscreen the most are those:
With short hair
With lighter skin
Who are shaved for the season
Who like to sunbathe
Who perpetually roll over asking for belly rubs
Who go on long walks in paved areas
Who live at a high altitude (If you are planning to travel to the mountains this summer, don't forget that the air is thinner and the sun much more intense up there, Paul warns, noting that plenty of water, frequent breaks, and lots of sunscreen is a must.)
Who experience hair loss, which can expose more bare skin to the sun
What kind of sunscreen is safe for dogs?
First things first: Do not apply human sunscreen to your dog.
“Dog sunscreens are made with the knowledge that dogs are naturally going to want to lick the areas where the sunscreen is applied,” Paul explains. “ While this should generally be discouraged, dog sunscreens are made to be safer for potential ingestion than human sunscreens.”
With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind when you're shopping for dog sunscreen:
Only use pet-approved sunscreens. Again, DO NOT use human sunscreens on your pet.
Look for non-staining formulas. Otherwise, their fur (and your furniture) could get stained.
Opt for fragrance-free options if at all possible. Dogs have a much more sensitive nose than humans! Products with very mild scents are fine, Paul notes.
Select a product with UVA and UVB coverage of at least 15 to 30 SPF. You can find the SPF rating for many of these sunscreens available on the product website.
Now that you know what to look for, here's what you should avoid in dog sunscreens:
Any product that contains Zinc. Zinc is toxic to dogs so steer clear of it!
Any product that contains cocoa butter. Cocoa butter has a high-fat content that can cause gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis.
Any product with an ingestion warning. Your dog will likely try to lick the sunscreen off so avoid any products with this disclaimer.
What are the best dog sunscreens?
There are tons of products to choose from, including dog sun sprays and balm made specifically for their noses. “Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray is the only FDA-approved pet sunscreen and has also been approved by the American Pet Alliance with a 5-star rating,” Paul says, noting that it’s his top pick for doggie sunscreen. Below you'll find that and his other favorite items to protect your dog from the sun.
If you have any concerns about your pet's exposure to UV radiation or about specific products mentioned here, please contact your primary care veterinarian first.
