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The importance of sunscreen to humans is covered a lot every summer — but did you know that dogs need sun protection, too? All dogs can get sunburnt; Their skin is just as sensitive to UV rays as ours. That’s why dog sunscreen can be a good addition to your puppy’s summer outfit.
However, it can be difficult to know which sunscreen will work best for your child specifically — or when it’s necessary. Some Dogs need more sunscreen than other things. Dogs with thick coats and dark skin have a natural level of protection from sun damage, but dogs with thin coats, short hair, or shedding need more precautions. Generally, you should also use dog sunscreen on the ears, nose, and belly.
A good dog sunscreen will provide a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. If you’re enjoying water activities with your dog, be sure to choose a waterproof or non-absorbent dog sunscreen. country.
What about human sunscreen? Don’t use it. Dogs lick themselves, and there are some ingredients commonly found in sunscreens, such as zinc oxide, that are toxic.
We’ve rounded up some of the most effective dog sunscreens to help you protect your dog this summer.
Packaged in a 3.5-ounce spray bottle, this dog sunscreen is quick and easy to apply. It spews out at every angle, making it perfect for a squirming pup. It is water resistant and resists both UVA and UVB rays. Plus, this sunscreen is vet-formulated and enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants to support skin health.
Highlights:
- SPF 30+ protects from UVA and UVB rays
- Spray bottle can spray at any angle
- Some find the vanilla scent a bit strong
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If you and your dog spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, you probably don’t want to buy a new bottle of sunscreen every two weeks. This sunscreen spray comes in a large 8-ounce bottle and costs less than $20. Made with all-natural ingredients, the formula contains octinoxate as the active ingredient. It is also enriched with moisturizing ingredients, so it also works well for after-sun care.
Highlights:
- Contains octinoxate as the active ingredient
- Moisturizing ingredients support skin health
- There may be a noticeable chemical odor
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Dogs with dark skin and thick coats may not require the same level of sun protection as dogs with light skin and thin coats. This dog sunscreen spray provides a sun protection factor of 15 to give your puppy an extra boost of protection on their sensitive areas. Sold as a 4-ounce bottle, its spray is non-greasy and easy to apply. It is white so you can see the areas you missed before massaging into the dog’s skin.
Highlights:
- Spray on white so you don’t miss a spot
- Easy to apply in spray form
- Waterproof or not waterproof
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Most people’s noses are used to the characteristic smell of sunscreen, but many dogs, with their extremely sensitive noses, hate the smell of chemicals. If you’re looking for a dog sunscreen spray that can provide protection with a less offensive odor, this formula could be a good choice. It is made with the active ingredient benzophenone and has a fresh citrus scent. It also contains aloe to soothe your dog’s skin and moisturize it after a day in the sun. We tried Warren London’s dog spa products and very impressive.
Highlights:
- Has a refreshing citrus scent
- Contains aloe to moisturize skin
- Water resistant formula
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Perfect for dogs with lightly pigmented noses and ears, this sunscreen is easy to apply. It’s a non-greasy and quick-drying formula, so your dog is ready to use in just a few minutes. It contains natural moisturizing ingredients, such as carnauba wax and ethylhexyl stearate from coconut oil; It is also water resistant. Remember to reapply this dog sunscreen every two hours when playing outdoors or in the water.
Highlights:
- Dries quickly with no greasy feeling
- Free of parabens, zinc oxide and titanium oxide
- Quite expensive for a small 0.5-ounce jar
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Your puppy needs protection, and not just from the sun. They put things in their mouths easily and have delicate skin, so it’s especially important to choose a dog sunscreen that’s free of harsh chemicals. This spray is formulated with a blend of organic vet-approved essential oils that inhibit UVA and UVB absorption. It’s deeply moisturizing, easy to spray, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
Highlights:
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Safe for puppies and sensitive skin
- Not a waterproof formula
How do we choose?
The products featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across multiple retail platforms and interviews with veterinary experts. We looked at UVA and UVB protection, water resistance, moisturizing ability, scent, and ease of use. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
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