6 Pooch-Approved Dog Sunscreens to Try This Summer

We all know the value of using SPF and other forms of sun protection for ourselves in the summer, but what about our dogs? If you're planning to spend a lot of time in the sunshine with your four-legged friend this summer, especially if your pooch has a short, light coat or spends a lot of time outdoors, dog sunscreen is a good idea.

If you've never used sunscreen for your dogs (or even if you have), it's helpful to brush up on some advice from the pros first. That includes choosing the best dog sunscreen, learning how to use it effectively, and researching which brands and products are worth investing in. Dr. Laura Pletz, DVM and scientific services manager for Royal Canin, shares her expert advice on how to find (and correctly use!) the right doggie sunblock for your pup.

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First things first—yes, your pooch can suffer sunburn. Just like ours, a dog's skin can burn with prolonged, unprotected sun exposure. And like humans, the consequences of sun exposure don't end just with a painful sunburn: Dogs are also susceptible to longterm health risks like certain types of skin cancer.

"Dogs can suffer sunburns just like us with prolonged sun exposure," Pletz says. "White dogs with short hair are at most risk, but all can be susceptible."

Other dogs at risk for sunburn include hairless breeds like the Chinese crested, xoloitzcuintli, and American hairless terrier. Canines who have short, light-colored coats and lightly pigmented eyelids and noses—like bulldogs, Australian shepherds, and whippets—can also be at higher risk than other hounds. 

Luckily, the brains behind dog sunscreen brands have put in most of the work here. It can seem complicated and messy to coat your canine in sunscreen, but spray-on formulas and pet-friendly balms make it easy to keep your pooch covered.

As you apply your dog's sunscreen, you'll want to pay special attention to their ears, nose, the area around the lips, groin, inner thighs, belly, and any other areas where pigmentation is light. If your dog is one of the aforementioned breeds with short, fine coats, it's best to take an all-over approach to sunscreen application.

"Use a sunscreen formulated for dogs and avoid sunscreens with zinc oxide," Pletz says. "It can be difficult to apply topicals to dogs due to their propensity to lick, so I always recommend that pet owners use the first 10—15 minutes after application to play with them to provide a distraction while the sunscreen is absorbed."

If you use a spray formula, be sure to cover your dog's eyes during application. Likewise, be careful when applying balms or cream formulas near your dog's eyes. Only use formulas designed specifically for dogs—never try to use human sunscreen on your pet.

Similar to your dermatologist's recommendation for protecting human skin, Pletz says the most effective way to avoid sun damage is to minimize the time your dog is exposed to the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Pletz, "Prolonged outdoor playtime is best when the sun isn't so intense for both you and your pet."

We researched several brands of pet-friendly sunscreen to help you narrow down your search. Here are our picks for sun protectants that'll help keep Fido safe from sunburn all summer long.

• Best Overall: Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Pets
• Best Stick: Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Stick
• Best Balm: My Dog Nose It! Sun Protection Balm
• Best Moisturizing: Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray
• Best Organic: SIT. STAY. FOREVER. Organic Sunscreen & Moisturizer for Dogs and Cats
• Best Clothing Protection: Shed Defender