Do dogs need to use sunscreen?

Have you ever wondered if your dog needs to wear sunscreen during the summer (or really all year long)? Well we have the answer!

When it comes to the health and safety of our dogs, we take things seriously. And we often think that if it is something that can be harmful to us, then it might also be harmful to our furry friends. This is where the idea of sunscreen for dogs came to our minds.

Luckily for us, we were able to get some answers courtesy of the animal health and behavior expert for Camp Bow Wow, Erin Askeland. Not only did we get the answer to whether or not dogs need sunscreen too, but we also learned what to use to protect our pups against the sun (if they need it).

Should dogs be using sunscreen like their humans do?

According to Askeland, the answer is not quite as simple as yes or no. Instead, the Camp Bow Wow expert explained that,

"Most pets’ coats do a good job protecting them from the sun, but dogs with shorter, lighter coats or thinning coats are at risk of sunburn and dog noses are also prone to sunburn. For bodies, the best option isn’t sunscreen but a sun shirt that provides UPF protection and is still lightweight and breathable."

However, while sunscreen might not be the best option, Askeland did have a suggestion for what to use if you did want to opt for a pet-friendly sun protection.

"For sunscreen options, you can get a spray like Epi-Pet Sun Protector, which is best for bellies or areas with thin hair, or try a thicker balm like Snout Screen for the nose.Be sure you don’t use human sunscreen (even brands made for kids) on dogs."

Basically, while we should definitely be protecting our dogs from the sun, it’s not as simple as just slathering on the sunscreen like we would do for ourselves. Instead, we need to find a suitable sun shirt for those pups whose coats aren’t protective enough. And of course, getting our hands on a pet-friendly protector or a balm is a great option to keep on hand too.

As we head into the summer months, we will definitely be doing more to keep our dogs safe and cool. And if that means being careful with the sun, that is exactly what we plan to do.