Epi-Pet is the only FDA-compliant sunscreen, according to the brand. Its aerosol spray formula is water-resistant, has a non-greasy feel and dries quickly. In addition to protecting dogs’ skin, the sunscreen conditions their coat since it’s made with ingredients like vitamin E. Note that the spray has a vanilla fragrance, which may not be the best option for dogs with sensitive skin.
Protection level: SPF 30+ equivalent | Broad-spectrum protection: Yes | Formulation: Spray | Size: 3.5 oz.
Handy Hound’s sunscreen balm comes in a twist-up stick applicator, making it easy to put on smaller areas of dogs’ bodies like their noses and ears. It’s made from plant-based, vegan ingredients like coconut, raspberry, carrot, cedarwood and lavender. Plus, it doubles as a moisturizer.
Protection level: Between SPF 30 and SPF 50 equivalent | Broad-spectrum protection: No, UVB rays only | Formulation: Balm | Size: 2.2 oz.
This sunscreen is packaged in a non-aerosol bottle, which some people (and their pets) prefer to aerosol bottles. It’s made with shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate dogs’ skin and coat. The sunscreen is best for covering larger parts of dogs’ bodies, like their bellies. To avoid getting sunscreen in dogs’ eyes, avoid spraying it on or near their face.
Protection level: SPF 30 equivalent | Broad-spectrum protection: Not specified | Formulation: Spray | Size: 8 oz. and 32 oz.
These pre-moistened sunscreen wipes can help you quickly cover a large part of your dog’s body, as well as target smaller, more specific areas. They have a non-greasy, non-sticky feel and contain ingredients that soften skin like chamomile flower extract, lanolin and aloe. The wipes come in a resealable package that’s easy to travel with. They have a coconut vanilla fragrance, which may not be the best option for dogs with sensitive skin.
Protection level: SPF 15 equivalent | Broad-spectrum protection: Not specified | Formulation: Wipes | Size: 20 wipes per pack
If you plan on spending a long time outside with your dog, apply sunscreen before you leave home and then reapply it every four to six hours, says Krohn. You may have to reapply more if your dog swims or frequently grooms specific parts of their body, says Michael San Filippo, a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association. A dog sunscreen’s packaging should also have application instructions you can reference.
Regardless of what type of coat your dog has, it’s most important to target areas of their body that have little to no hair coverage, like their noses, ears, bellies and groins, says Lippman. If your dog has bald spots anywhere on their body (the elbows are common), make sure you apply sunscreen there, too. Generously and evenly apply sunscreen across your dog’s skin, and make sure you avoid contact with their eyes.
From there, sunscreen application differs based on your dog’s coat.
In addition to using sunscreen, offer your dog plenty of water and shade when they’re outdoors, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., says San Filippo. Brands also make lightweight UPF clothing for pets that he recommends considering, like shirts and hats. UPF apparel is especially useful for dogs with sensitive skin or who tend to lick sunscreen off their body after you apply it.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select who writes about pets, including articles on essential supplies for kittens, kitten food, cat carriers, cat toys, vacuums for pet hair and dog beds. For this article, she interviewed four experts about dog sunscreen and rounded up products that meet their guidance.
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