Your pooch needs protection, too! Check out this list of sun protectants for dogs, recommended by the vets themselves:
The dangers of prolonged sun exposure without skin protection are much the same for dogs as they are for people. Canine solar dermatitis, or chronic sunburn, is common in dogs and can cause the development of several types of skin cancer. When you take your furry friend outside, it’s crucial to have various dermatologist-recommended sun protectants for dogs in your bag.
Because humans and dogs have different fragrance sensitivities, most veterinarians, including my own, advise using a product without fragrance and with an SPF of 30 or higher.
In addition to providing UVA and UVB protection, the product should also be waterproof if you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as visiting the seaside or taking a dynamic walk in the park. Below is a list of some of the best sun protectants for dogs, presented in no particular order.
Emmy’s Best Pet Products Dog Sun Skin Protector Spray
I will start the list with a spray that’s super friendly with your dog’s skin. Bonus points, my dogs love it! But enough with sugarcoating the product; I will leave it to you to determine if it’s good or not based on the following words.
Based on my vet’s recommendation, the spray from Emmy’s is one of the sun protectants for dogs that’s easy to apply, even on the most restless dogs!
Dogs with dry, cracked skin benefit greatly from its moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter and coconut oil, but these should not be used in place of other potent sunblocks.
Despite using oil, Emmy’s formula is non-greasy, preventing mess and the accumulation of dirt and other impurities on your dog’s coat.
Petkin Doggy Sun Stick
Did you just pay an arm and a leg for SPF lotions for the entire family, and your budget is pretty tight, but you’re also looking to protect your dog from the sun, too? I got you! One of the best low-cost sun protectants for dogs is the one from Petkin.
With mineral ingredients that shield their skin from the sun without any possible toxicity or negative effects, it has also been shown to be safe for all dogs.
Additionally, the sunscreen is non-greasy, non-sticky, and gentle, which makes it simple to apply and reapply without leaving leftovers on the coat or making your good boy or girl uncomfortable.
The main disadvantage of the Petkin Doggy Sun Stick is its low SPF rating. Even though this is a fantastic portable accessory for quick outdoor activities, its SPF of only 15 might not be enough for extended outdoor exposure, certainly not for vulnerable dogs who are sunbathing vigorously.
If you click on the link, you can shop the Petkin doggy sun stick directly from Amazon at the price of $16.99 for a pack of two products.
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen
I may sound a bit over the top, but after I used a lot of sun protectants for dogs, I came to the conclusion that no other product on the market can claim to have all of these attributes, or at least demonstrate that it does, like Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen.
A best-selling dog sunscreen with a fortifying SPF rating of 30–40 and the unique distinction of being the only FDA-approved sunscreen available makes it difficult to argue. Thanks to a bottle that is cleverly made to spray at any angle, K-9 Care is a favorite among both professionals and consumers.
Sit. Stay. Forever. Sunscreen
Sit. Stay. Forever is an aid for dog owners who are enthusiastic about finding an organic sunscreen option for their pet. Its natural oils, which are primarily fruit-based, offer vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural antioxidants that help heal damaged skin. The strongest ingredient, carrot seed oil, has an estimated SPF of 35 to 40, according to the company.
While it’s recommended by most vets, however, some of them are reticent since most organic products that contain flaxseed are usually not that good compared to regular sun protectants for dogs, and they must be reapplied every two hours at least for maximum protection.
If your pooch’s fur is white or a bright hue, I’d say to look for a more potent sun lotion.
PlayaPup Dog Sun Shirt
Your dog doesn’t seem to like all these sun protectants for dogs, and you kind of gave up using them? Please don’t! As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, dogs need sun protection as much as humans. So, in case your dog is too stubborn, try buying it a sun shirt.
The PlayaPup Sun Shirt is my favorite affordable option available on the market; it comes in a range of colors and styles with playful patterns. PlayaPup’s sun shirt is made to block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays because of its UPF 50+ fabric, even though it may seem like a less effective option than carefully crafted skin care products.
The good news is that the flatlock stitching design ensures a comfortable fit that keeps your dog from chafing and itching.
Banana Boat After Sun Aloe Spray
You came back from the beach or from the park, where you had a great time with your dog. That’s awesome! Now, even if you applied sunscreen, it’s also important to take care of the after-sun exposure. And my go-to recommendation for you is the spray from Banana Boat.
This calming spray nourishes and repairs a dog’s skin and coat after sun exposure. Banana Boat’s Hydrating Spray is an effective first-aid remedy if you neglected to apply one of the pet sunscreens on our list. This formula’s primary ingredient, aloe, has cooling qualities that soothe skin that has been overexposed or injured. You can use the spray to moisturize your dog’s paws, face, and belly.
This spray can also be applied to a dog’s nose to create a protective moisture barrier for dogs who have dry noses. After you use it on your dog, please wash your hands carefully. This spray isn’t destined for human use.
Takeaways and extra vet recommendations:
I know it can be tempting to skip buying sun protectants for dogs and use your own SPF lotion, but please don’t do that! Why? Vets say that zinc oxide and PABA are common ingredients in human sunscreen that can directly harm your dog’s health if they are consumed.
Because dogs frequently try to lick off sunscreen when it is applied to them, it is important to make sure that no product you put on their skin contains any ingredients that could be harmful if consumed directly. Try to be as natural and nontoxic as you can.
Apply sunscreen to your dog in the same manner that you would to a human or other animal, paying particular attention to the undercarriage, thighs, belly, armpits, nose, and muzzle.
Based on my personal experience, I suggest that you watch your dog after applying the cream to its fur to prevent it from licking it off. Pet owners frequently choose sprays because they are difficult for dogs to lick off and less likely to cause agitation.
Are you using sun protection for your pooch? If so, please let me know in the comments below what product is your favorite and why. Happy summer, and see you next time!
…you may also be interested in: Mastering Pet Nutrition: Your Guide to Safe Eating and Hydration.
