1. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray
Key Features
Non greasy and non-oily
Skin conditioning
Provides up to the equivalent of 40SPF
With an array of fantastic features, this dog sunscreen both protects from the sun and soothes dogs with sunburn, or any other skincare malady. It uses a non-greasy and non-oily formula that stops your dog from getting irritated during use, and is even super-quiet to apply – making it ideal for dogs who are a little nervous around aerosols.
2. Chris Christensen Ice on Ice
Key Features
Also acts as a leave-in conditioner
Protects the coat all-over
Easy to use
While this particular option isn’t marketed as a dog safe sunscreen, this detangler and conditioner also comes with a built-in sunscreen that is ready to use. It works to protect the coat all over and is ideal for quick and easy application, whether you’re reapplying during a hot day or looking to give your dog’s coat a fantastic finish.
3. My Dog Nose It!
Key Features
Water resistant
Highly rated by customers
Moneyback guarantee included
A fantastic sunscreen for dogs nose, this balm is an ideal sunscreen for pets that provides protection without harming the skin on the snout, ears and other delicate areas. All of the ingredients used in this sunblock for dogs are natural and organic, while being completely safe for use. Even better, this balm moisturizes these sensitive areas too, so this works to heal chapped noses while protecting them from future harm.
4. Natural Snout Soother
Key Features
Extremely highly rated
Fragrance-free
Organic and natural
Another fantastic pet friendly sunscreen, that is fragrance-free and ideal for use on noses and other delicate area. This natural dog sunscreen works both as a moisturizer, to heal up sore and chapped noses, and is made up of completely organic ingredients. It’s extremely highly rated and loved by customers, who noted how quickly damage to the snout was healed, to boot.
5. Petkin Doggy Sunmist
Key Features
Gentle, non-greasy formula
Offers SPF equivalent protection
Ideal for short haired breeds
Pump spray – easy to apply
In a convenient pump spray bottle and offering the doggo equivalent of SPF 15, this Sunmist from Petkin is a handy sunscreen to always have in your car or bag. The pet-safe, non-greasy formula is gentle on your dog’s skin but keeps them protected against the sun’s UVAs. Ideal for delicate noses, ears, muzzle or exposed pink skin, as well as all-over protection for short haired dogs, it gently soothes as it protects, leaving your dog sun-misted and happy.
6. Handy Hound SnoutScreen
Key Features
Organic and natural
Also heals chapped skin
Bug repellant
Easily hitting our list as the Premium Pick, this sunblock for dogs has many incredible features all wrapped up in one, easy to carry, stick. Every ingredient used hails from natural sources, making this possibly the best natural dog sunscreen on the market, today. It also works for chapped skin and even works as a natural bug-repellent, making it the ideal choice for those who love travelling with their pups in warm weather.
7. Gerrard Larriett Sunscreen & Skin Conditioner
Key Features
Recommended by vets
Non-sticky and moisturizing
Also works for sunburn recovery
Marketed as a fantastic post-bath skin conditioner for dogs, this sunscreen works to provide protection from harmful sun rays, as well as help damaged skin to heal after sunburn. No heavy creams or oily ingredients are used, so as to lessen any irritation caused to your dog with the feeling of grease, and this remains lick-safe if your dog does decide to have a taste.
8. Petkin Doggy Sunstick Sunscreen for Dogs
Key Features
Provides SPF 15 protection
Small size is ideal for small bags
Provides instant protection
One of the best-loved options on the market, this sunblock for dogs has been created so that dog owners can easily wipe across the inner ear, nose and pink areas for a good quality protection. It comes in a small size, which makes it ideal for bringing with you on long walks and easy re-application throughout the day, too.
9. Emmy’s Best Dog Sun Skin Protector
Key Features
No zinc oxide
Non-greasy formula
Satisfaction guarantee included
With an emphasis on non-toxic ingredients, this dog sunscreen spray works without the use of zinc oxide or other, similarly harmful materials. Again, this option is non-greasy and comes in a handy spray bottle, so you can quickly reapply throughout the day. Emmy’s Best have even been kind enough to offer a satisfaction guarantee, for added peace of mind.
10. Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen
Key Features
Toxin-free
Waterproof
Organic
Made with ingredients that are known to be naturally resistant to UVA and UVB rays, this is an excellent choice in waterproof sunscreen for dogs. The all-natural ingredients are organic and completely toxin-free, while also working to moisturize and restore your pets skin. There’s also a satisfaction guarantee in place with this product, so you can get your money back if you’re not completely satisfied.
Best Sunscreen for Dog Buying Guide & FAQ
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Sunscreen
- SPF Protection Rating
Arguably the most important factor when looking for sun protection for dogs – especially if you’re seeking out puppy sunscreen, due to their more delicate skin. Standing for Sun Protection Factor, there is no minimum requirement for SPF rating in suncream for dogs, despite the fact that it is generally agreed SPF15 and lower has proven ineffective as protection.
For this reason, it’s important to look at the levels of SPF in each purchase. Ideally, your new pet sunscreen should be 30 or higher, although 15 does provide adequate protection in cooler weather. For dogs without fur, a higher SPF is suggested as they are more prone to the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays.
- Ingredients
The ingredients you use on your dogs are one of the most important factors to consider when buying any product that will be used directly on the skin. In particular, the nose and inner ears are extremely sensitive areas, and it’s no secret that prolonged contact with some ingredients can cause harm to your dog.
For example, zinc oxide – while it is safe to use on humans – can be extremely harmful to dogs, causing irreparable damage to the red blood cells. Instead, you should use pet sunscreen that uses natural ingredients which have no adverse effects on dogs.
- Ease of Use
As much as we love to protect our dogs, there’s no shame in admitting that it can be tough to get your dog to stand still for long enough to allow you to use dog safe sunscreen on them! Whether it’s because they’re full of energy, don’t like the smell or are scared of aerosols, getting the pet sunscreen onto your dogs nose and ears – two of the most sensitive areas for pups – can be quite the task.
For this reason, we suggest using a type of pet sunscreen that works best for your dog and their preferences. We list the pros and cons of each type, below.
Take a look at our reviews of Dog Sunglasses and Dog Hats for more info.
Different Types of Pet Sunscreens
- Spray
Sprays are probably the easiest type of pet sunscreen to apply. You don’t need to keep your dog in one area for too long, and you can apply the product fairly liberally. There are two forms of spray sunscreens – squirty sprays and aerosol sprays – and both are fantastic choices if you need to apply the dog suncream over a larger area.
The former use less pressure when leaving the container, and may require more liberal application to adequately cover the area. However, aerosols are a lot noisier, and the noise made when the liquid leaves the pressurized can, can be highly stressful for some dogs. That said, they do allow for a quicker application, due to the pressure applied when leaving the container.
- Roll-on
Roll-ons are superb if you’re looking for a dog safe sunscreen that is geared toward noses and specific areas – instead of larger areas, where sprays work better. They are usually a little smaller and therefore easier to bring along with you on a trek with your canine companion.
However, they do require that your dog be completely comfortable with you using products on their nose and ears, for example. If your dog gets easily agitated, or isn’t great at staying still for long enough to apply, then you won’t get the coverage you need for complete protection.
- Creams and Balms
Creams are generally no longer used on dogs, because they can easily be licked off. They are also awkward to apply and don’t usually last long enough to be considered good value for money.
Balms, on the other hand, are – more often than not – better at providing waterproof protection, because of their thicker consistency. While you may still struggle to apply this on jittery dogs, balms can be a great choice if your pup enjoys a regular dip at the local pond or pool. Find out more about dog pools here.
How to Apply Sunscreen to Dogs
The most important thing when applying sunscreen to dogs is to avoid the lower ear, eyes and mouth. While many of the options given in our Top Picks are completely safe and non-toxic, it can still sting when pet sunscreen gets into the wrong places! It’s also worth testing the pet friendly sunscreen out on a small area first, to check there are no allergies.
You should also be aware of the areas that are most susceptible to damage caused by sun rays. For example, the nose and ears, along with the snout, have less fur covering their skin which leaves these areas open to UVA and UVB rays. Thus, when applying your canine sunscreen, look to cover these areas with your dog sunscreen spray, balm or roll-on.
Once you’ve applied the sunscreen, you should watch your dog for around 15 minutes and discourage them from licking the dog sunscreen spray off. After this time, it should have soaked into the skin and you’ll be ready to take your dog out for a walk! Do remember, during long days outside, that you should reapply the sunscreen 4 to 6 hours, to maintain protection.
Finally, remember that using sunscreen will not protect your dog from heatstroke or exhaustion and you should not use this in place of finding shelter and providing ample water for your dog. For more options, check out our detailed review of dog water bottles.
Our Top Pick
A fantastic choice for any pet owner is the Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray, which comes up as our Top Pick and the best sunscreen for dogs. Quiet and easy to use, this pet sunscreen doesn’t cause any unnecessary stress to your pup when it comes to applying protection, and even has the added benefit of providing moisture to the skin.
It’s suitable for use all over your pet, and even comes with a little added fragrance, while also being waterproof – perfect for when your dog decides it’s time to jump in the local pond to cool off!
