Do Dogs Need Sunscreen? What Every Pet Parent Should Know
- jillkudera
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Based on expert advice from The American Kennel Club (AKC)
When packing your beach bag or heading out for a long summer hike, you probably remember your own SPF—but what about your dog's? According to The American Kennel Club, dogs are absolutely prone to sunburn, which can lead to serious complications like skin cancer (including squamous cell carcinoma and melanomas), worsen certain skin disorders, and cause severe discomfort.
Dogs Most at Risk
While any dog can get sunburned, some are highly predisposed to sun damage:
Hairless breeds (like the Xoloitzcuintli or American Hairless Terrier).
Dogs with white or thin coats, or light-pigmented skin, noses, and eyelids (such as Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Whippets, and Collies).
Dogs experiencing hair loss due to health conditions or seasonal shedding.
Sunbathers: Dogs that love to lay on their backs outdoors, or rest on highly reflective, hot surfaces like concrete patios.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen
You cannot just grab your personal bottle of sunscreen for your pup. The AKC emphasizes that you must use formulas specifically manufactured for dogs.
What to avoid: Human sunscreens often contain zinc oxide or PABA, both of which are highly toxic to dogs if licked and swallowed.
What to look for: Seek out an unscented, water-resistant dog sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
Application Tips
Before heading out, test a tiny amount on your dog's skin to check for allergic reactions. When applying, focus on the areas with the least fur and lightest pigment:
The bridge of the nose and the muzzle.
The tips of the ears and around the lips.
The groin and inner thighs.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers
Tip: Keep an eye on your dog for about 20 minutes after application so they don't instantly lick it off before it absorbs. Reapply every 4 to 6 hours or immediately after they go swimming.
Safe Alternatives and Prevention
If your dog hates lotions or tends to lick everything off, the AKC recommends sun shirts, cooling vests, beach rash guards, or even dog sun hats and goggles.
Ultimately, sunscreen shouldn't be your only line of defense. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, the single best way to protect your dog is simply keeping them out of direct sunlight—indoors or in deep shade—during peak ultraviolet hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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