Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Tabitha Henson
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Tabitha Henson
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
When you think of dog care products, sunscreen may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, dogs can benefit greatly from sunscreen, especially if they have short coats or thin hair. Sunscreen is also a great way to protect their noses and paws.
We have all the information you need if you’re new to the world of dog sunscreen. Our reviews of some of the most popular options will provide more insight into the best sunscreen for your dog. We’ll also go over the benefits of sunscreen and what to look for when shopping for dog sunscreen.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray
Easy to apply
Non-oily formula
Contains aloe vera to condition skin
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Best Value
Petkin Doggy Sun Mist
Relatively affordable
Not greasy or sticky
Initially sprays white for easier application
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Premium Choice
Emmy’s Best Pet Products Dog Sun Skin Protector
Contains natural ingredients
Chemical-free
Nourishes skin and coat
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Best for Puppies
Lucky Pup Sunscreen Dog Balm
Natural ingredients are safe for puppies
Fragrance-free and tasteless
Waterproof
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My Dog Nose It! Sun Protection Balm
Uses natural ingredients
Paraben-free
Water-resistant
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The 10 Best Dog Sunscreens
Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray is the best overall dog sunscreen for several reasons. First, it’s easy to apply. All you have to do is spray it all over your dog, and you can massage your dog’s skin as an added safety measure.
Top Ingredients: Amodimethicone, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, benzophenone-4
Form: Spray
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It has a non-oily formula, so you won’t be left cleaning up any residue. The formula also contains aloe vera, which soothes and conditions the coat while the sunscreen works to protect your dog from the sun.
The spray also has a pleasant citrus scent, which is a great bonus for humans. However, dogs may not enjoy the smell of citrus, so some may prefer not to wear this sunscreen.
Pros
Easy to apply
Non-oily formula
Contains aloe vera to condition skin
Cons
Dogs may not like citrus scent
If you have a pretty active dog that enjoys playing in the water, Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist may be a good fit for you. This sunscreen is the best dog sunscreen for the money you pay, so you can stock up with enough that’ll last you for the whole summer.
Easy to apply
Non-oily formula
Contains aloe vera to condition skin
- Easy to apply
- Non-oily formula
- Contains aloe vera to condition skin
Dogs may not like citrus scent
- Dogs may not like citrus scent
Top Ingredients: Octinoxate, octisalate, oxybenzone
Form: Spray
The spray isn’t greasy or sticky, and it provides SPF 15 coverage for your dog’s skin and coat. We also like how the formula sprays on white so that you can easily spot where you’ve applied sunscreen. Once it settles in, the color will fade on its own.
This sunscreen can also last up to 2 hours before you have to reapply it to your dog. If you plan to use it on a puppy younger than 6 months old, make sure to consult with a veterinarian. While the formula isn’t toxic if ingested in small amounts, consistent licking in applied areas can lead to an upset stomach.
Pros
Relatively affordable
Not greasy or sticky
Initially sprays white for easier application
Lasts up to 2 hours
Cons
Not for puppies
Not safe to ingest large quantities
Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray uses high-quality natural ingredients in its formula to deliver a completely safe and chemical-free sunscreen for dogs. It contains powerful and nourishing ingredients, including MCT oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. So, not only does it effectively protect your dog’s skin from the sun, but it also moisturizes the coat and skin.
Relatively affordable
Not greasy or sticky
Initially sprays white for easier application
Lasts up to 2 hours
- Relatively affordable
- Not greasy or sticky
- Initially sprays white for easier application
- Lasts up to 2 hours
Not for puppies
Not safe to ingest large quantities
- Not for puppies
- Not safe to ingest large quantities
Since this sunscreen comes in the form of a spray, it’s relatively quick and easy to apply. Aside from being on the pricier side, this premium sunscreen is one of the safest options for dogs, and it’s also water-resistant and can last between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how intense the outdoor activity is.
Pros
Contains natural ingredients
Chemical-free
Nourishes skin and coat
Easy to apply
Cons
Relatively expensive
Lucky Pup Sunscreen Dog Balm is a safe option for young puppies because the formula consists of natural ingredients that are safe for your puppy if it decides to have a taste. The formula is also fragrance-free and tasteless to discourage dogs from trying to lick it off.
Contains natural ingredients
Chemical-free
Nourishes skin and coat
Easy to apply
- Contains natural ingredients
- Chemical-free
- Nourishes skin and coat
- Easy to apply
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
Top Ingredients: Beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, lanolin, aloe
Form: Balm
This sunscreen balm is great for applying on sensitive spots, such as noses, paw pads, and underbelly. It’s completely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing off quickly when your puppy plays in the water. However, it’s not the most efficient sunscreen and won’t be ideal for applying all over the coat.
Pros
Natural ingredients are safe for puppies
Fragrance-free and tasteless
Waterproof
Cons
Difficult to apply all over the coat
The My Dog Nose It! Sun Protection Balm uses natural ingredients to safely provide protection from harmful UV rays. It’s easy to apply and can be used on the nose, ears, and other unprotected areas of your dog. However, since it’s a balm that comes in a small container, it’s not the best sunscreen for full coverage.
Natural ingredients are safe for puppies
Fragrance-free and tasteless
Waterproof
- Natural ingredients are safe for puppies
- Fragrance-free and tasteless
- Waterproof
Difficult to apply all over the coat
- Difficult to apply all over the coat
Top Ingredients: Octinoxate USP, oxybenzone USP, carnauba wax, Ethylhexyl stearate
Form: Balm
This sunscreen is water-resistant and can last up to 2 hours before reapplication. It’s also free of parabens, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide, so it’s completely safe for your dog and minimizes the risk of skin irritation.
Pros
Uses natural ingredients
Paraben-free
Water-resistant
Lasts up to 2 hours
Cons
Not for full coverage
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Skin Treatment Spray provides full sun protection coverage for all dogs with its easy spray applicator. The spray bottle has one of the best designs. It has a bag-on-valve, so you can use the spray at all angles to get to hard-to-reach spots. However, if it’s your first time using this spray on your dog, be mindful of the spraying noise that it makes. The hiss can end up scaring some dogs.
Uses natural ingredients
Paraben-free
Water-resistant
Lasts up to 2 hours
- Uses natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Water-resistant
- Lasts up to 2 hours
Not for full coverage
- Not for full coverage
The formula is also non-greasy and non-oily. The lightweight formula doesn’t cause any discomfort for dogs, which reduces the likelihood of attempts to lick it off. However, it doesn’t contain many natural ingredients, so it may actually end up irritating dogs with sensitive skin.
Pros
Can spray at multiple angles
Non-greasy and non-oily
Lightweight and unnoticeable
Cons
Spraying noise may be unpleasant for dogs
Not for dogs with sensitive skin
The Pet MD Paw Balm 3-in-1 Nose/Snout & Elbow Moisturizer & Paw Protectors Paw Wax for Dogs is great for everyday use, especially if you have a dog with chronically dry skin that’s in need of rehydration and restoration. We also like how the formula uses natural ingredients, so it’s safer for dogs with sensitive skin.
Can spray at multiple angles
Non-greasy and non-oily
Lightweight and unnoticeable
- Can spray at multiple angles
- Non-greasy and non-oily
- Lightweight and unnoticeable
Spraying noise may be unpleasant for dogs
Not for dogs with sensitive skin
- Spraying noise may be unpleasant for dogs
- Not for dogs with sensitive skin
While it’s not specifically a type of sunscreen, this product does provide protection against hot pavements and sand while nourishing dry skin and paw pads. It’s also a great paw wax for winters. So, if your dog doesn’t get sunburn easily, this formula can be a great option for year-round use.
Pros
Rehydrates and nourishes skin
Uses natural ingredients
Great for year-round use
Cons
Doesn’t provide full coverage against sun
Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Stick is a convenient sunscreen that’s extremely portable and easy to use. It provides instant protection, so you can keep your dog safe at a moment’s notice.
Rehydrates and nourishes skin
Uses natural ingredients
Great for year-round use
- Rehydrates and nourishes skin
- Uses natural ingredients
- Great for year-round use
Doesn’t provide full coverage against sun
- Doesn’t provide full coverage against sun
This sunscreen works best on applying on sensitive areas, such as the nose, ears, and muzzle. It’s not as easy to apply on areas with a lot of hair because the wax will have a hard time getting to the skin.
It may not also be the best option for dogs with sensitive skin as titanium dioxide is one of the main active ingredients in this formula. While most dogs don’t experience any side effects, topical use of titanium dioxide may cause skin irritation in some dogs.
Pros
Portable
Easy to use
Provides instant protection
Cons
Difficult to apply all over body
Not for dogs with sensitive skin
Pawtitas Organic Nose Dog Balm Moisturizer is one of the safest options for your dog. It mainly consists of natural and certified organic ingredients. The formula contains natural SPF that provides protection against sunburn. It also has omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, which provide further nourishment to the skin.
Portable
Easy to use
Provides instant protection
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Provides instant protection
Difficult to apply all over body
Not for dogs with sensitive skin
- Difficult to apply all over body
- Not for dogs with sensitive skin
Top Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, natural candelilla wax
Form: Balm
This balm comes in a small and convenient applicator. However, it’s not meant for full-body coverage. While you can apply this balm on paw pads and some sensitive and exposed areas of skin, it’s mostly for dry and sensitive noses. It won’t last a full day outside and works best with dogs with full coats that already provide some form of protection from the sun.
Pros
Uses natural and certified organic ingredients
Contains natural SPF
Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
Convenient applicator
Cons
Can’t provide full-body coverage
- Frisco Paw Balm Stick for Dogs
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Top Ingredients: Coconut oil, beeswax, castor oil, babassu oil, soybean oil
Form: Balm
Frisco Dog Paw Balm Stick provides ample protection for dogs’ paw pads and noses. While it’s not meant to be used all over a dog’s body, it does a great job of moisturizing and preventing further damage from the elements, including hot pavements and sand.
Uses natural and certified organic ingredients
Contains natural SPF
Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
Convenient applicator
- Uses natural and certified organic ingredients
- Contains natural SPF
- Contains omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
- Convenient applicator
Can’t provide full-body coverage
- Can’t provide full-body coverage
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Top Ingredients: Coconut oil, beeswax, castor oil, babassu oil, soybean oil
Form: Balm
The formula uses all-natural ingredients, so it’s safe for puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. It does take some time to settle in, but it’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain any synthetic ingredients, so if your dog licks some of it off, it’s completely fine. This balm is best used after exercising when your dog’s still and resting.
Pros
Moisturizes and prevents damage from hot pavements and sand
Uses all-natural ingredients
Fragrance-free
Cons
Doesn’t provide full-body coverage
Moisturizes and prevents damage from hot pavements and sand
Uses all-natural ingredients
Fragrance-free
- Moisturizes and prevents damage from hot pavements and sand
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Doesn’t provide full-body coverage
- Doesn’t provide full-body coverage
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Sunscreen
The Benefits of Sunscreen
Sunscreen can be extremely beneficial for dogs, especially if they have sensitive skin or thin coats. Dogs with light skin and white fur are also more susceptible to sunburn. Dog breeds that are more prone to sunburn include the following:
Bull Terriers
Pit Bulls
Dalmatians
French Bulldogs
Greyhounds
Boxers
Dog sunscreen can also reduce the risk of skin cancer because it protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
Bull Terriers
Pit Bulls
Dalmatians
French Bulldogs
Greyhounds
Boxers
- Bull Terriers
- Pit Bulls
- Dalmatians
- French Bulldogs
- Greyhounds
- Boxers
What To Look For in Dog Sunscreen
It’s best to look for dog sunscreen that uses natural ingredients because your dog can try to lick off the formula. Titanium dioxide is regarded as a safe ingredient for dog sunscreen. However, avoid any products that contain zinc oxide because ingesting it can put your dog at risk of developing hemolytic anemia.
Some dogs will need full-body coverage sprays while others can lay in the sun with just a balm for their noses. If your dog has light skin or light fur, consider using a spray to protect their own body. If your dog has a pretty shaggy coat, just rubbing a sunscreen balm on their nose and paw pads can suffice.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t ever hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to find the best type of sunscreen for your dog.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, Warren London Dog Sunscreen Spray is the best sunscreen for dogs because its versatility enables it to work well with most dog breeds. For the best value, try Petkin SPF 15 Doggy Sun Mist. Another one of our favorites is Emmy’s Best Pet Products Sun Skin Protector Dog Spray because it uses high-quality natural ingredients that are safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
With the summer months just around the corner, make sure to stock up on the right gear so that you and your dog can safely enjoy a season of doggy days together.
Featured Image Credit: Meg Sanchez, Unsplash
