Best dog sunscreen

Using sunblock on a sunny day may be second nature to you, but your dog may benefit from protection, too. Veterinary dermatologists say the best dog sunscreens can help prevent sunburns and cancers caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. While most dogs can tolerate brief periods in the sun, veterinarians say broad-spectrum protection should be considered for dogs who spend significant time outdoors during peak UV hours, especially for hairless dogs and those with fair skin, thin coats, or areas with sparse fur, like the belly, nose, and ears.

During the summer, my miniature pinscher mix, Olive, loves to lounge by the lake. She always has access to shade and fresh drinking water, but her hairless belly and partially pink nose could use extra sun protection. To find the best sunscreen for my dog's skin, I asked several veterinary dermatologists what I should look for in a formula. Based on their guidance, I evaluated five products containing dog-safe ingredients, or in the case of Epi-Pet, with FDA-compliance. Every sunscreen I tested offered broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

When choosing a sunscreen for dogs, the most important rule is to use a product specifically formulated for pets. The veterinarians I consulted recommend looking for formulas with titanium dioxide, which is safe for topical use in pets and provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Dog guardians should also prioritize sunscreens that are water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 15.

There are a few ingredients to avoid, too. My experts recommend steering clear of sunscreens with salicylates, zinc oxide, and octinoxate, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, hematologic issues, and endocrine disruption, respectively.

Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog sunscreen

Best overall: Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 - $11 at Chewy

Best stick balm: Petkin Doggy Sunstick SPF 15 - $12 at Chewy

Best spray: Divine Canine Supreme Sunscreen SPF 30 - $14 at Chewy

Best overall

Best for: Full coverage over large areas of the body, such as the belly or inner thighs

Skip this if: You only need targeted protection for small areas like the nose or ears

For dogs who like to sunbathe stretched out on their back, a lotion sunscreen is often the best choice. "Lotions and creams tend to work well on larger, exposed areas like the belly and inner thighs," says Dr. Anthea Schick, a veterinary dermatologist and senior national specialty director of dermatology at Thrive Pet Healthcare. Unlike a spray, lotions allow for more deliberate and controlled application. Dr. Elizabeth Falk, a veterinary dermatologist and owner of Unleashed Veterinary Dermatology, says that lotions are also a little safer than sprays, which can be inhaled or accidentally sprayed in the eyes.

Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream meets most of the criteria my experts recommend for the best dog sunscreen. Of the formulas I recommend, it contains the highest level of titanium dioxide, a mineral that sits on the skin's surface and physically blocks UV rays. When formulated for pets, Schick says titanium dioxide is generally considered safe. As a bonus, Lucky Pup contains several moisturizing ingredients that Falk says help restore the skin barrier, including coconut oil, aloe oil, and shea butter.

Just as important are the ingredients it leaves out. You won't find zinc oxide or salicylates, two ingredients Schick says can cause toxicity if ingested. There's also no octinoxate, a chemical compound that's been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor in animal studies. Lucky Pup is also fragrance-free with no discernible scent, which is ideal for dogs, since they have a strong sense of smell and can find fragrances irritating.

Because of its lotion formulation, this sunscreen takes a bit longer to rub into the skin, and I found it to be the least water-resistant of the bunch. I was also disappointed that Lucky Pup was not developed under veterinary oversight. Still, it met most of the criteria established by my veterinary experts for a good sunscreen, which is why it's my top recommendation for protecting larger areas of exposed skin.

Best stick balm

Best for: Protecting small, targeted areas like the nose and ear tips

Skip this if: Your dog is sensitive to fragrances or needs broader coverage over large areas of their body

Sunscreen sticks or balms are ideal for smaller, targeted areas like the nose and ear tips, Schick says. Compared to lotions and sprays, she says balms are more precise, less messy, and won't be inhaled. "They also have a bit more sticking power for places where the dog may lick," she adds.

Petkin Doggy Sunstick resembles a deodorant stick. The compact design makes it easy to toss in a beach tote for touch-ups throughout the day. It contains 6% titanium dioxide (twice the amount in the other stick balm I tested), and it provides broad-spectrum UV protection. This sunscreen also includes beeswax, which is both moisturizing and lends the formula its impressive water resistance. In testing, I applied this sunscreen to my palm and ran water over it for several minutes — it didn't budge. Even vigorous washing with hand soap was no match for the Petkin Doggy Sunstick.

On the downside, this sunscreen includes a mild vanilla-coconut fragrance, which I found pleasant enough, though some dogs may find it off-putting because of their strong sense of smell. Application also requires some finesse: My dog dodged my attempts to apply the balm directly to her muzzle (she's a bit jumpy as a rule). In the end, I found it easier to apply by rubbing the balm onto my palm first, then transferring it to Olive's skin.

Best spray

Best for: Quick application over larger areas, like the belly

Skip this if: You need to apply it to the face

If your dog is fidgety, a spray sunscreen may be a good option. Schick says sprays are convenient for a quick application, especially on larger dogs. Compared with creams and balms, they can also penetrate a dog's fur more effectively, Falk says. That said, care must be taken to avoid inhalation, and Schick says coverage can be inconsistent.

Divine Canine's Supreme Sunscreen features a user-friendly pump spray. I like that it's not an aerosol spray, which frightened my dog when testing a competitor's formula. Once I had sprayed Olive's belly, this formula was relatively easy to work into the skin.

This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with titanium dioxide, but the label doesn't specify the amount included. I inquired with the brand about this, but unfortunately, I did not hear back. On the plus side, it has an SPF of 30 and features several moisturizing ingredients, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, and aloe extract.

This formula is moderately water-resistant. It should hold up to a dip in the lake, but you'll need to reapply after longer swims. While there are no added fragrances, it contains lavender oil, which lends it a faint herbal scent.

Our top picks compared

What to look for in a dog sunscreen

Above all, the veterinarians I spoke with emphasize the importance of using a sunscreen made specifically for pets. Dog-specific formulas are designed with ingredients that are safer if your dog licks the product off during grooming, reducing the risk of toxicity. Here's what my experts recommend prioritizing in your search.

Format: Consider the application format that makes the most sense for your dog. Lotions are best for broad coverage and large areas such as the belly. For targeted application on noses, paws, and ears, a stick works well. Sprays are ideal for fast, fuss-free coverage, but they shouldn't be used on the face because they can be inhaled or accidentally sprayed into the eyes.

Safe and effective ingredients: "Since dogs are likely to lick sunscreen, we want a formula that's safe if ingested," Schick says. She recommends looking for titanium dioxide and avoiding zinc oxide, salicylates, and octinoxates. If ingested, Schick says salicylates can cause gastrointestinal upset, and octinoxate may interfere with a dog's hormones. If zinc oxide is ingested, Dr. Heather Edginton, a veterinary dermatologist and assistant professor of clinical sciences (dermatology) at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In very high amounts, it can also reduce red blood cell counts and affect other internal organs.

Broad-spectrum UV protection: Schick says the best dog sunscreen will protect against UVA and UVB rays to prevent both sunburn and cancer. Titanium dioxide provides UVB and short-wave UVA protection. It is less effective at protecting against long-wave UVA rays.

Easy to apply: Since you may need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, and some dogs may be uncooperative during the process, sunscreens should be easy to dispense and work into the skin. "If it's hard to use, it's less likely to be used," Schick says.

Water-resistant: This ensures the sunscreen continues to work for active dogs or those who like to swim. Look for labels that designate the sunscreen as water-resistant, or look for water-resistant ingredients, like beeswax.

Free of fragrances and unnecessary additives: Schick says added fragrances and unnecessary additives, like dyes, can irritate the skin. Remember, dogs have a strong sense of smell, so even mild scents can be bothersome.

Veterinary backing or regulatory status: Currently, Epi-Pet is the only FDA-compliant dog sunscreen. This approval signifies that Epi-Pet has passed extensive testing for safety, efficacy, and consistency in clinical trials. This is meaningful, but I chose not to feature this product due to several ingredients my sources advise against, including salicylates, octinoxate, alcohol, and added fragrance. Hopefully, more products will seek FDA compliance in the future. For peace of mind, try seeking brands that work with veterinarians or professionals with scientific training, like pharmacists or formulation chemists, to develop their products.

SPF: Falk recommends looking for sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15, with the ideal range between 15 and 30. This range blocks 93% to 97% of UVB rays.

Soothing and moisturizing ingredients: Falk also recommends looking for formulas with moisturizers that help restore the skin barrier, such as jojoba oil, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin.

Skin tolerance: Schick says this is especially important for allergic dogs or those with sensitive skin. Before applying a new formula all over your dog's body, she recommends applying a small amount to the groin or inner thigh to make sure it doesn't cause irritation.

How we chose the best dog sunscreens

While I am unable to test these formulas in a laboratory to assess their effectiveness, I landed on my picks for the best dog sunscreen through exhaustive research and interviews with several board-certified veterinary dermatologists. Based on their input, I selected five sunscreens for hands-on testing. While there are plenty more dog sunscreens available, I limited my selection to products free of octinoxate and zinc oxide, focusing instead on those containing titanium dioxide. The only exception was Epi-Pet, which I chose to test based on its FDA-compliant status.

I evaluated each product on several fronts, including ease of application, smell, and water resistance. Here's a breakdown of my process:

Ingredient check: I analyzed labels closely and inquired directly with brands when the amounts of active ingredients were unclear. I skipped products with zinc oxide and octinoxate. Products with titanium dioxide were awarded higher scores; products with salicylates were penalized.

Ease of application: I applied each sunscreen to my dog Olive's skin — balms and sticks to her nose, and lotions and sprays to her belly. I observed how easy each product was to dispense and how easy or difficult it was to work the sunscreen into the skin. I also checked my own experience against other consumer reviews.

Water resistance test: For this purely observational (not scientific) assessment, I rubbed the sunscreen onto my palm. Then, I ran water over the area. I wanted to see the water droplets form small, clear beads and slide off my hand, indicating that the formula was water-resistant. I also looked for water-resistant ingredients, like beeswax.

Smell test: First, I checked labels for any added fragrances. Then I gave each formula a whiff. The highest scores went to products with no added fragrances and no detectable smell. Products with subtle smells received midlevel scores. The lowest scores went to products with added fragrances or strong smells.

Veterinary oversight: I checked each company's website for information about its product development process. Of the three products featured in this guide, Petkin is the only one that explicitly states it works with veterinarians and scientists. I reached out to Lucky Pup, which informed me its products are not developed with veterinary input. I did not receive a response from Divine Canine about this.

SPF: I checked that SPF levels were at least 15. If the SPF level was not listed on the label, I emailed brands to ask.

Soothing ingredients: Finally, I checked labels for moisturizing ingredients, prioritizing sunscreens that included them.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Liz Coleman, pets reporter: My pet coverage is informed by extensive research, hands-on testing, and a force-free approach to pet care that fosters trust and confidence. As a pet guardian myself, the stakes here are deeply personal: I pride myself on discovering the safest, most effective products that elevate the pet parent experience.

For this guide, I consulted three board-certified veterinary dermatologists and reached out to brands directly to learn about their development process and ingredients. Based on my experts' feedback, I created a systematic grading system and selected five products to test at home with my miniature pinscher mix, Olive. While your mileage may vary, you can trust that the sunscreens featured here have been thoroughly vetted according to the criteria I've described and are products I would feel good about using with my own dog.

Dog sunscreen FAQs

Should a dog wear sunscreen?

Yes, certain dogs should wear sunscreen. "Dogs can develop sunburn and even skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma from ultraviolet exposure," Schick says. Sunscreen is especially important for hairless dogs, dogs with thin coats or light skin, dogs who live in sunny climates, and dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors during times of high UV exposure. Dogs with dense fur generally don't need sunscreen because their coats provide good protection against UV radiation. However, Schick says dark-coated dogs can absorb significant heat from the sun, which can lead to a rare but serious condition called dorsal thermal necrosis, a deep thermal burn caused by radiant heat rather than UV light. For these dogs, Schick recommends using an evaporative cooling vest or reflective cooling garment for protection.

What sunscreen should I put on my dog?

First, Schick says to make sure you're using a sunscreen that's specifically labeled for dogs. From there, the best dog sunscreen for your pup will depend on how you intend to use it. Balms and sticks are ideal for targeted spots like the nose and ear tips. For broader yet controlled coverage, consider a lotion or cream. Spray sunscreens can cover a larger surface more quickly, but Schick warns that they must be used carefully to avoid inhalation, and coverage can be inconsistent.

How do I apply sunscreen to my dog?

For dogs with sparse hair or light skin, Schick recommends applying sunscreen directly to exposed areas, just as you'd apply it to your own skin. "The most vulnerable areas include the bridge of the nose, ear tips and inner ears, temples, belly, groin, inner thighs, inner legs, and any shaved areas or scars exposed to the sun," she says. Schick says to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply every two hours, especially with active dogs or dogs who swim.

What are other effective ways to protect dogs from the sun?

Schick recommends a combination of sun avoidance, protective clothing like SPF sun suits, and pet-safe sunscreen. "Regardless of coat type, limiting outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., is one of the best ways to reduce heat-related skin injuries," she says.

How can I treat my sunburned dog?

Treatment depends on the severity of the sunburn, Schick says. Mild sunburn can be managed by keeping the dog out of the sun, providing plenty of water, and letting the skin heal naturally. Schick generally advises against home remedies like aloe vera gels because many human products contain alcohol or other irritating ingredients. If the sunburn is more severe or you notice blistering, peeling, or pain, the dog should be seen by your veterinarian. "More severe burns may require pain medication, anti-inflammatory treatment, wound care, or treatment for secondary infection," Schick says.

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