The Best Dog Sunscreen: Reviewed

Written by Austin S.
Updated: December 23, 2022
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A sunny day in the park or a day at the beach sounds great, especially when you’re with your best friend. The first thing you probably do before you go out is apply sun protection on yourself. It might not be obvious to you, but your dog may also benefit from sun protection as well. Sunburn can occur in dogs, so using a safe dog sunscreen is the best way to prevent it. 

The skin of hairless dogs and those with light pigmentation is particularly vulnerable to sun damage. Furthermore, some dogs with seasonal shedding or surgically shaved areas may be particularly sensitive to the sun. Does your dog love to soak up the sun lying on her back? It’s also important that she protects her stomach and inner thighs. Listed below are the best products for sun protection for dogs, ranging from best overall to best value.

You should choose a dog sunscreen that will travel well with you, whether you are taking your dog on a walk, a hike, or a vacation. Moreover, the FDA does not rate dog sunscreens the same way as human products, so check the ingredients carefully and make sure your pet is using non-toxic sunscreen.

  1. Emmy's Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray
    • Non-toxic, naturally-derived ingredients are used in this sunscreen for dogs.
    • Contains no harmful chemicals, such as zinc oxide.
    • Made with a non-greasy formula.
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Handy Hound SnoutScreen
    • Easy application - no messy handss
    • Natural ingredients - raspberry, carrot, cedarwood, and lavendar
    • Ideal for hikes and walks - no mess design makes it easy to store in a bag
    Check Amazon
  3. Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray
    • No mess spray application
    • Excellent choice for dry climates and dogs with dry skin
    • Spray format makes dog coverage easier than lotion
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. SIT. STAY. FOREVER - Organic Dog Sunscreen
    • Tin format is ideal for purses and mess free travel
    • No titanium dioxies, benzones, zinc, or other harmful chemicals
    • All natural, made domestically in the U.S.
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Dog Sunscreens Today

#1. Best Overall: Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray

Our overall pick for the best dog sunscreen on the market is Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray. Although Emmy’s is not FDA-approved, its manufacturer estimates that it has an SPF rating of at least 30. Emmy’s sunscreen is formulated with natural, non-toxic ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. In spite of the fact that this isn’t an aerosol spray, its spray bottle makes application convenient. The sunscreen provides full-body coverage, although we recommend you apply the sunscreen carefully around your pup’s face. 


Moreover, coconut oil and shea butter provide a remarkable amount of hydration to the skin of your dog. Therefore, if your pooch has been suffering from dry skin, this sunscreen will be able to help add some moisture back into your pooch’s skin. The sunscreen is easy to apply and the formula is non-greasy. As a result, you won’t need to worry about dirt and other contaminants building up on your dog’s coat.

Pros and Cons of Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray

ProsCons
No greasy residue is left behind by this sunscreen.It is not possible to determine the SPF accurately.
Shea butter and coconut oil are used in the formula to soothe the skin.
The sunscreen is very easy to apply thanks to the spray bottle.
Full coverage is provided by the sunscreen.
Best Dog Sunscreen
Emmy's Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray
  • Non-toxic, naturally-derived ingredients are used in this sunscreen for dogs.
  • Contains no harmful chemicals, such as zinc oxide.
  • Made with a non-greasy formula.
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Dog Sunscreen in Stick Form: Handy Hound Snout Screen

Applying a protective layer of the Handy Hound Snout Screen is easy with the plastic tube stick applicator. Natural sun protection and easy-to-use ingredients make this stick an excellent choice. Moreover, it provides a moisturizing effect on your dog’s nose and paws thanks to the all-natural vegan ingredients. All sensitive areas, such as your pup’s ears and nose, can be treated with this product.

The sun stick is generously sized and has a pleasant, natural fragrance. Rose geranium oil, coconut oil, and carrot seed oil are all contained in the sunscreen to make it smell wonderful. Many customers noted that they liked it because of its size and smell. An online reviewer said that warming up a small amount first made it easier to use.

Dogs get long-lasting UV protection thanks to this sunscreen. The sunscreen is not only effective at repelling annoying bugs, but it is also effective at soothing cracked skin. Additionally, dogs with skin conditions can use this product without any problems. However, some customers have found that the sunscreen is not waterproof, which was a major disappointment for them.

Pros and Cons of the Handy Hound Snout Sunscreen

ProsCons
Dogs with dry skin will benefit from this sunscreen balm that doubles as a moisturizer.The sunscreen is not waterproof.
There is a lot of product for the price.
Contains all-natural vegan ingredients.
Best Stick Sunscreen
Handy Hound SnoutScreen
  • Easy application - no messy handss
  • Natural ingredients - raspberry, carrot, cedarwood, and lavendar
  • Ideal for hikes and walks - no mess design makes it easy to store in a bag
Check Amazon

3. Best Spray Sunscreen for Dogs: Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray

The Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray provides a convenient spray application of sunscreen to your pup. 

Dogs are protected from the sun with this sunscreen spray that contains benzophenone. However, this ingredient is rated as safe and effective as a UV ray blocker for dogs. As a spray, Warren London goes on light and is easy to apply. Many online reviews of this product have commented that it was easy to apply and did a great job as sunscreen, but a few reviewers felt that their dog’s fur was left a little sticky after using this product. In order to apply it effectively, it is recommended to use a light spray of the product.

The spray mist goes on easily and the product is made in the U.S. The sunscreen spray contains also contains natural moisturizer along with a refreshing natural citrus scent.

Pros and Cons of the Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray

ProsCons
A spray-on sunscreen that is convenient to use.A few reviewers reported that the sunscreen left their dogs’ fur a little sticky.
Protects against the sun with dog-safe benzophenone.
The scent is refreshing and citrusy.
Best Spray Sunscreen
Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray
  • No mess spray application
  • Excellent choice for dry climates and dogs with dry skin
  • Spray format makes dog coverage easier than lotion
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Value in Dog Sunscreen: Sit Stay Forever Organic Sunscreen and Moisturizer

The Sit Stay Forever Organic Sunscreen and Moisturizer is a great option if you’re looking for a great value.

With its natural, non-toxic ingredients, including shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil, this moisturizing balm soothes and heals the skin. A hefty price tag often accompanies organic dog products, but this product is an affordable, high-quality alternative. In addition to being easy to apply, it is also safe for cats. There were high ratings all around for this product from many online reviewers. They liked how it soothed their pets’ dry, cracked skin thanks to its gentle formula. Vegan and cruelty-free manufacturing is used in the manufacture of the sunscreen, which has a waterproof formula.

Additionally, the company notes the estimated SPF power of its ingredients, with carrot seed oil being the strongest at 35-40. The use of natural oil sunscreens, however, hasn’t been shown to provide adequate sun protection.

Pros and Cons of the Sit Stay Forever Organic Sunscreen and Moisturizer

ProsCons
The sunscreen is made with shea butter, hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and other natural ingredients.Natural oil sunscreens have not been proven to provide adequate protection from the sun.
The waterproof formula makes this sunscreen ideal for outdoor use.
The sunscreen contains a moisturizer component as well.
The manufacturing is cruelty-free and the formula is vegan.
Best Value
SIT. STAY. FOREVER - Organic Dog Sunscreen
  • Tin format is ideal for purses and mess free travel
  • No titanium dioxies, benzones, zinc, or other harmful chemicals
  • All natural, made domestically in the U.S.
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Dog Sunscreen

In the same way humans can get sunburned and even develop skin cancer, dogs can suffer from sunburn as well. Among dogs, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Squamous cell carcinomas, malignant melanomas, and mast cell tumors are the most common types of cancer in dogs. Although sun exposure is not the only cause of skin cancer in dogs, it can play a significant role. It is important to protect your precious dog from the sun by choosing the right sun protection. Choosing the best sunscreen for your pup requires consideration of a few main factors. 

Make sure your dog is protected from harmful ingredients by using a sunscreen suitable for dogs. Make sure you don’t use products that contain zinc oxide, which can cause your dog to become anemic. Do not give your dog essential oils, which sound natural but are highly toxic. You can use sunscreen with moisturizer to soothe your dog’s skin or coat if it gets dry or rough. Your dog’s paws, nose, and fur can be soothed with a soothing balm that contains moisturizer. The majority of dog sunscreens don’t include an SPF number, which is associated with human sunscreens. SPF-rated ingredients usually pose a risk to dogs. 

In addition, it is important to consider the way you plan to apply the sunscreen. Some owners find that sprays are easy to work on while other prefer sun sticks. If you prefer to use a spray, however, be careful to avoid spraying it in your dog’s mouth or eyes.

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Dog Sunscreen: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why does a dog need sunscreen?

As with humans, dogs can be burned and blistered when exposed to UV rays for a prolonged period of time. It is also possible for them to develop skin cancer. There are several parts of dogs’ bodies that have very sensitive skin, including their bellies, faces, and ears. Having fun in the sun can easily burn this skin.

Can I use human sunscreen on my dog?

No, you can’t use human sunscreen on a dog. Sunscreens made for humans have ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Dogs are likely to lick their fur, so anything you put on it must be safe for dogs to eat. Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be toxic for dogs, but they are common in human sunscreens.

What type of sunscreen is safe for dogs?

The best dog sunscreen uses natural ingredients that are nontoxic to a dog’s sensitive skin. Ingredients you should avoid include the following:

Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide can be highly irritating to a dog’s digestive system. While a small amount may not hurt your dog, regular exposure and licking of zinc oxide products can lead to systemic zinc toxicosis. This is a serious illness that causes stomach ulcers and other dangerous conditions. To be safe, avoid all products with zinc or zinc oxide in them.

Octinoxate: Sunscreen that has this ingredient has been banned in many countries because the substance is considered dangerous to animals and aquatic life. Octinoxate can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.

Can dogs get a sunburn?

Yes, dogs can get sunburned. Some breeds are more susceptible because they have short, pale fur. These include bulldogs, Dalmatians, greyhounds, and French bulldogs. Even a dog with thick, dark fur, however, can develop sunburn.

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