Whether you're heading to the beach or relaxing in the garden with your pooch, it's vital that you have the best dog SPF on hand to protect them from the sun. Just like us humans, dogs can also suffer with sunburn. It can make their skin sore and blistered, not to mention cause redness and crusting on their nose and ears. An SPF for dogs, along with a dog cooling product or two, will make sure your pup can enjoy the sunshine safely.
All dogs can experience problems when they've had too much sun exposure, whether that's being unable to cool down and they start overheating, or they've caught the sun on their nose, face and ears, and ended up being sunburnt. It's important to keep your hound's core temperature down, while also protecting them from the sun. That's why it's a good idea to have a dog cooling mat for them to lay on and cooling toys to play with to keep them chilled, as well as a SPF ready to protect their sensitive areas.
Best dog SPF at a glance:
• Best overall: Emmy's Best Dog Sun Skin Cream Protector Spray – view on Amazon
• Best dog SPF stick: Petkin Sunscreen Stick – view on Amazon
• Best dog SPF spray: Petkin Doggy Sunmist Spray – view on Pets Villa
• Best natural SPF for dogs: Be
When it comes to doggy sunburn, there are some dogs that are more prone to feeling the effects of too much time in the sun. Those pooches who are light-coloured or have thin fur/bald patches are more susceptible to sunburn. You can pop a doggy sun hat on their head to shield their face, eyes and nose from direct sunlight but to really block those dangerous UV rays, SPF will help. You'll want to apply two layers at least 15 minutes before your pooch goes outside, focusing particularly on those more delicate features, like their tummy, nose and ear tips. Just make sure you have a toy to hand to distract them so they don't lick it off before it's completely dried.
Whether you're enjoying the sunshine at home or heading off on an outdoor adventure with your pooch, SPF will make sure they're covered wherever they are. We've searched the web for all the best dog SPFs so you can be ready to protect your pup whenever the sun comes out to play in the UK.
Best dog SPF
Best overall
AmazonEnsure your dog's coat is nourished while protecting their skin from harmful rays using the Emmy's Best Dog Sun Skin Cream Protector Spray. The formula contains shea butter and coconut oil to keep their fluff in great condition, but it doesn't have a greasy feel to it. No wonder it's highly rated on Amazon with over 1,000 reviews.
Customer review: "This is the 2nd type of dog sunscreen I've bought. The first product was in an airasole spray container and my dog kept sneezing while she had on the sunscreen, it also left her coat greasy feeling. I was so excited to find this product, natural ingredients and in a pump bottle. She isn't scared of my spraying it on her, let's me put it on her head and nose. It doesn't make her sneeze like the other stuff and most importantly doesn't make her (or me) greasy! Definitely will be buying this again!"
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Nourishing and protecting
Cons
- Some reviewers mention it has a strong smell
Best dog SPF stick
AmazonA little goes a long way with the Petkin Sunscreen Stick as it has a thick formulation. Its consistency makes this SPF ideal for providing extra protection on their most delicate areas, such as their nose and ears. The vanilla and coconut scent is reminiscent of human sunscreens and reviewers have commented it leaves their fur babies smelling delicious, too.
Customer review: "Would highly recommend this for Ur fur babies if they have any pink patches where they can get burnt. The smell is amazing my dog sat there and just allowed me to put this on (which is not normally an easy thing) so easy to carry at all time a great product and works really well."
Pros
- Smells great
- Thick formula is ideal for extra coverage on sensitive areas
Cons
- Because it smells so nice, your dog may want to try and eat it so you'll want to distract them while applying and drying
Best dog SPF spray
Pets At Homepetsvilla.co.uk
We all know that trying to get our dogs to stay still enough to have SPF applied when they're raring to get outside can be a challenge, that's why opting for a spray may be an easier option for those with energetic pooches. You simply spray the Petkin Doggy Sunmist Spray on at any time for instant sun protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.
Customer review: "This sun spray smells absolutely divine, and so is my dog after the use. It effectively prevents sunburn. My dog loves to sunbathe for hours and did not get any sunburn. He is light-coloured and nearly bold at his tummy and legs and this product is a must for him."
Pros
- Lovely smell
- Easy to apply
Cons
- You may have trouble getting every last drop out of the bottle with a spray
Best natural SPF for dogs
AmazonIf you're someone that tries to use more natural, handmade products on their animals, give the Be
Customer review: "My little white fur baby loves the sun, naturally. But her ears were scabbing, Vet recommend sun screen. I wasn’t going to put products with zinc oxide on her as it’s toxic, so it was tough but I found a safe option for her! This product! Within weeks her ears stopped scabbing and she could enjoy the sun!"
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- Protects from the sun and bugs
Cons
- Pets may not be keen on the citrus scent
Best dog SPF that can also be used on cats
AmazonIf you've also got a kitty at home that could do with a little extra sun protection, this Dermoscent SunFREE SPF30+ Cat & Dog Sunscreen is designed for use on both hounds and moggies. It'll protect their snout and other sensitive areas against UVA and UVB while hydrating it to keep their skin soft and smooth.
Customer review: "Excellent product. Thick consistency that stays put for ages. A little goes a long way. Will be reordering."
Pros
- Offers a high level of protection
- Hydrating
Cons
- Needs to be reapplied every two hours and after swimming to ensure optimal protection
Best dog SPF sunblock
VioVetwww.viovet.co.uk
The Aniwell FiltaClear Sunblock is a completely clear, protective antibacterial sunblock cream that is mainly designed for horses to use in equestrian events but is totally suitable for dogs to use, too. It acts as a second skin, providing a protective layer between your pooch and the sun to block out those harmful rays.
Customer review: "Purchase this item for my Whippet who is recovering from a skin cancer op on this nose, my vet recommend a sun block to protect him. This seems to be the best on the market, have used it and we haven't had any problems, would recommend it."
Pros
- Provides up to eight hours of sun blocking
- Contains Bitrex, which is a bittering agent to stop your pooch from trying to lick it
Cons
- Some reviews found it to be a little too thick
Best dog SPF for top-up protection
VioVetwww.viovet.co.uk
These Petkin Doggy Sunwipes are ideal if you want to protect your dog from the sun while out and about. They're also good for any SPF top-ups you'll want to do throughout the day if you've already used a cream or balm first thing. They have the coconut and vanilla scent, just like other Petkin sun products.
Customer review: "So much easier to use than a messy cream"
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- There are 20 wipes included, but they could have more in a pack
Best dog SPF with the highest UV protection
AmazonLast up is the C&G Pets First Aid Antibacterial Itchy Skin Cream With SPF 50. It's targeted more at repairing skin so if your pooch already has a little bit of sunburn, this will help to cool and soothe the affected areas. That being said, it still offers SPF 50 sun protection, the highest of any SPFs on our list, so it's ideal for those pups who are particularly sun sensitive.
Customer review: "I bought this for my mum's two elderly terriers . They both suffered from hair loss so she wanted some "doggy suncream" so I found this . We were shocked to find that their hair started growing back too ! It works a treat and easy to apply"
Pros
- High SPF protection
- Antibacterial and designed to combat itchy and damaged skin
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the tub could be bigger
Best dog SPF FAQs
Can you use human SPF on dogs?
You may think that you can simply use your own SPF on your dog to protect them from the sun, but you definitely shouldn't. Most human SPF and sunscreens often contain chemicals that are toxic to dogs. The best dog SPFs have been formulated with ingredients that are kind to your hound's skin and won't cause them any harm.
You may find some dog SPFs have zinc oxide listed as one of the ingredients. This can be harmful to your pooch, but only if digested in large quantities. If you're worried, make sure you take a look at the ingredients before applying or contact your vet for further advice.
What are the signs of sunburn in dogs?
The most common places for pets to get sunburnt are their paws, ears, nose, eyelids and tummy, so it's important to not only protect your pet from sunburn but also know the symptoms
The PDSA lists the signs of sunburn in pets as the following:
• Redness
• Crusting
• Flaking
• Itching
• Blisters
• General pain
Mild sunburn often heals within a few days and can be managed by you at home, but more severe sunburn cases should be checked by your vet straightaway so they can start treatment as soon as possible.
How do I know when it's too hot for my dog?
As much as dogs love relaxing in the sunshine and following us around outside, there are times when it's just simply way too hot for your pooch to be outside. The best way to tell if it's too hot is to do the pavement test. If holding the back of your hand against the pavement is too much for you to bear, then it's not safe for your dog to be outside.
This means you should try and keep your dog inside and under shade as much as possible (although we know that might be difficult 'when nature calls') You definitely shouldn't walk them until the temperature starts to drop., though. When it's warm, the best time of day to walk your dog is early in the morning or late at night when the temperatures aren't so extreme. Just be sure to do the pavement test first to double-check.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.