7 Best Natural Dog Sunscreen Perfect

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Dogs can get sunburned, just like people. The American Kennel Club says hairless breeds, dogs with white or thin coats and dogs with light-pigmented noses or eyelids are more prone to it, and it names Collies, Dalmatians, Bulldogs and Whippets. Thick-coated dogs can become vulnerable when seasonal shedding or a health condition thins the coat, and dogs lying on concrete or other light surfaces can burn too. This page covers what to avoid in a dog sunscreen, how to apply one, and some dog sunscreens described from their listings. It is general information, not veterinary advice; ask your vet whether your dog needs sunscreen.

Is Natural Dog Sunscreen Safe?

Human sunscreen is not made for dogs, and dogs lick their skin. The AKC says to avoid zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) in a dog sunscreen, because they are toxic if ingested, and the ASPCA says repeated exposure to zinc oxide can lead to zinc toxicity that damages red blood cells. The ASPCA also says to choose a product with a low concentration of salicylates, which are in the same category as aspirin. It adds that pet sunscreens are usually not tested by the FDA, so whatever a label says, nobody has verified how well it works.

If your dog swallows sunscreen, expect stomach upset and probably vomiting, perhaps diarrhoea; a swallowed tube can cause a blockage. Call an emergency vet or a pet poison service straight away (in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is 888-426-4435).

Where And How To Apply It

The AKC says to apply sunscreen to the most exposed spots: the bridge of the nose, ear tips, lips, groin and inner thighs, and any lightly pigmented skin. Keep it out of the eyes, test a small patch for a reaction first, apply about 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply after swimming. The AKC suggests a water-resistant, unscented dog sunscreen with SPF 30, and says to watch your dog until it has absorbed so it does not lick it off. Always follow the reapplication time on the product label; the AKC gives every 4 to 6 hours, and some makers say more often.

Sun Safety Beyond Sunscreen

The AKC says sunscreen cannot be counted on to be fully effective, so shade and less time in the strongest sun matter more. Sun shirts, cooling vests and shade cloths help, and so does fresh, cool water, because every dog is at risk of heatstroke in hot weather. Signs of sunburn are reddened, warm or flaking skin. Move your dog into shade, use cool compresses, and call your vet for a severe burn.

Dog Sunscreens To Compare

Emmy’s Best Dog Sunscreen Spray

The listing describes an 8 oz (about 237 mL) spray with no zinc oxide, shea butter and coconut oil, for paws, legs, nose, ear flaps and belly, for short, thin, white or pink-skinned dogs.

Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray with Aloe Vera

The listing describes a 4 oz (about 118 mL) mist with aloe vera for nose, ears, belly and shaved spots, which the seller says is lick-safe once dry and suits white, dark and hairless dogs.

Gentle Creatures Dog Sunscreen SPF 30

The listing describes a non-aerosol spray with no zinc oxide, containing octinoxate, olive oil, vitamin E and lecithin, to be massaged onto sensitive areas 20 minutes before sun.

Bodhi Dog Sunscreen SPF 30+

The listing describes an 8 fl oz (about 237 mL) alcohol-free, non-aerosol spray with no zinc oxide, with jojoba and shea butter, applied 15 minutes before sun and reapplied every 2 hours.

Check the ingredients yourself, since a listing is not a vet’s endorsement.

Conclusion

Choose a sunscreen made for dogs, without zinc oxide or PABA, apply it where your dog burns first, and use shade and shorter time in the sun as well. If your dog’s skin looks red, flaky or changes, or you notice a lump, talk to your vet.