Yes, Your Dog Needs Sunscreen (And Most Human Sunscreens Are Toxic to Them)
If you have a light-skinned, short-haired, or white dog, they can get sunburned just like you can. And if you’re putting your own sunscreen on them, you might be making things worse — zinc oxide and PABA, common ingredients in human sunscreens, are toxic to dogs when they lick them off (and they will lick them off).
Dog-safe sunscreens are formulated without zinc oxide and PABA, use ingredients that are safe if ingested in small amounts, and are designed to stick to fur and skin despite your dog’s best efforts to rub them off. We’ve tested and researched the best dog sunscreens of 2026 for every situation — from beach days to nose balm for daily use.
Quick Comparison: Best Dog Sunscreen 2026
| Product | Best For | SPF | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen | Best overall spray | SPF 30+ | $12–$15 |
| Gentle Creatures Dog Sunscreen | Best for sensitive skin | SPF 30+ | $10–$13 |
| Noseprint SPF 50 Pet Sunscreen | Best for nose and ears | SPF 50 | $12–$16 |
| Dog Nose Sunscreen Balm SPF 25 | Best nose balm | SPF 25 | $8–$12 |
| EBPP Dog Sunscreen Spray | Best value spray | SPF 15 | $8–$10 |
The Best Dog Sunscreens, Reviewed
1. Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen — Best Overall
Epi-Pet K-9 Care is the only FDA-compliant pet sunscreen on the market, which means it’s actually been tested and proven to work — not just marketed with an SPF number. The spray formula is non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and covers large areas fast. If you only buy one dog sunscreen, this is it.
What we like:
- FDA-compliant — actually tested for SPF 30+ protection
- Non-greasy spray formula — easy to apply, absorbs fast
- No zinc oxide or PABA (safe if licked)
- Water-resistant formula
- Works on dogs and horses (tested for both)
The catch: The spray can be loud — some dogs are scared by the sound. Spray onto your hand first, then rub onto the dog for noise-sensitive pups. And at 3.5 oz, it’s a small bottle — you’ll go through it quickly on a long-haired dog.
Best for: Beach days, hiking, any extended outdoor activity, dogs who need full-body protection.
Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen Spray on Amazon | Search Epi-Pet Dog Sunscreen
2. Gentle Creatures Dog Sunscreen — Best for Sensitive Skin
If your dog has allergies, sensitive skin, or reacts to everything, Gentle Creatures is the gentlest option available. The formula uses vitamin E and olive oil as moisturizers instead of chemical UV absorbers, and it contains no zinc oxide, no PABA, and no artificial fragrances. It’s the “hypoallergenic” option in the dog sunscreen world.
What we like:
- SPF 30+ protection with vitamin E and olive oil
- No zinc oxide or PABA — safe if licked
- Moisturizing formula — doubles as a skin conditioner
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for dogs and cats
The catch: Slightly thicker than Epi-Pet — takes a bit more rubbing to apply evenly. And the moisturizing formula means it can feel slightly oily on short-haired dogs.
Best for: Dogs with sensitive skin, white dogs, dogs prone to hot spots, daily use on exposed areas.
Gentle Creatures Dog Sunscreen SPF 30+ on Amazon | Search Gentle Creatures Sunscreen
3. Noseprint SPF 50 Pet Sunscreen — Best for Nose and Ears
The nose and ear tips are the most sunburn-prone areas on a dog — thin skin, minimal fur, maximum sun exposure. Noseprint SPF 50 gives these vulnerable spots maximum protection in a small, targeted formula. The 60ml tube is designed for precise application on noses, ear tips, and other small areas.
What we like:
- SPF 50 — the highest available for pets
- Targeted formula for nose and ear application
- Non-toxic, lick-safe formula
- Moisturizing — won’t dry out your dog’s nose
- Small, portable tube for walks and outings
The catch: At $12–16 for 60ml, it’s expensive per ounce. Best used as a targeted nose/ear treatment, not for full-body application. Pair it with a spray for body coverage.
Best for: Dogs with pink or light noses, white ear tips, daily sun protection for sensitive areas.
Noseprint SPF 50 Pet Sunscreen on Amazon | Search Noseprint Pet Sunscreen
Noseprint SPF 30 Pet Sunscreen on Amazon | Search Noseprint SPF 30
4. Dog Nose Sunscreen Balm SPF 25 — Best Nose Balm
If your dog needs daily nose protection (white dogs, dogs with pink noses, or dogs with a history of nasal sunburn), a balm is more practical than a spray. This SPF 25 balm goes on like lip balm, stays put, and provides long-lasting protection with shea butter and sea buckthorn for moisturizing.
What we like:
- SPF 25 balm formula — stays on better than spray
- Shea butter and sea buckthorn moisturize while protecting
- Lick-safe, natural ingredients
- Easy to apply directly to the nose
- Fragrance-free
The catch: SPF 25 is lower than Noseprint’s SPF 50. And balm needs to be reapplied every 2–3 hours during extended sun exposure. Best for daily walks, not full beach days.
Best for: Daily nose protection, dogs prone to dry or sunburned noses, quick application before walks.
Dog Nose Sunscreen Balm SPF 25 on Amazon | Search Dog Nose Balm
5. EBPP Dog Sunscreen Spray — Best Value
For the price of two coffees, you get an 8 oz bottle of dog-safe sunscreen spray. It’s SPF 15, which is lower than Epi-Pet’s SPF 30+, but it’s enough for short walks and everyday use. The larger bottle size means you can spray liberally without worrying about running out.
What we like:
- 8 oz bottle — best value per ounce
- No zinc oxide — safe if licked
- Spray application — easy to cover large areas
- No added fragrance
- Works on skin, coat, nose, and ears
The catch: SPF 15 is low for extended sun exposure. The formula is oilier than Epi-Pet. And it’s not FDA-compliant, so the SPF rating is manufacturer-claimed, not independently tested.
Best for: Short walks, budget buyers, dogs who need occasional but not daily protection.
EBPP Dog Sunscreen Spray on Amazon | Search EBPP Dog Sunscreen
Which Dogs Need Sunscreen?
Not every dog needs sunscreen. But these dogs definitely do:
- White or light-colored dogs: White fur provides almost no UV protection. If your dog has white fur, pink skin, or a light-colored nose, they need sunscreen on exposed areas.
- Short-haired breeds: Bulldogs, Boxers, Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, and other short-haired breeds have minimal fur protection.
- Dogs with thinning hair: Senior dogs, dogs with alopecia, or dogs recovering from surgery with shaved areas.
- Dogs with pink or light noses: The nose is the most sunburn-prone area. Pink noses burn fast.
- Outdoor dogs: If your dog spends more than 30 minutes in direct sun, they need protection.
Dogs that probably don’t need sunscreen: Thick-coated, dark-colored breeds with black noses (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers with full coats) have natural sun protection from their fur and pigmented skin.
Where to Apply Sunscreen on Your Dog
Focus on the areas with thin or no fur:
- Nose: The #1 spot for sunburn. Apply balm or spray every 2–3 hours.
- Ear tips: Thin skin, minimal fur, maximum exposure. Spray and rub in.
- Belly and groin: Especially for dogs who sunbathe on their backs.
- Shaved or thin areas: Any spot where fur is thin, shaved, or missing.
- Around scars: Scar tissue is more sensitive to UV damage.
Don’t apply to: Eyes, inside ears, or any area your dog can lick off immediately. For those areas, use a protective balm instead.
Never Use Human Sunscreen on Dogs
This is important: most human sunscreens are toxic to dogs. The two most common active ingredients in human sunscreen — zinc oxide and PABA — cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage when ingested. And dogs will lick sunscreen off their fur and skin.
Ingredients to avoid in human sunscreens:
- Zinc oxide: Causes GI upset, lethargy, and in large amounts, hemolytic anemia
- PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): Causes liver damage and red blood cell damage
- Oxybenzone: Endocrine disruptor, potentially harmful if ingested
- Fragrances and essential oils: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions
Always check the ingredient list before applying anything to your dog. If you’re unsure, stick with products specifically labeled for pet use.
Shop This Post
- Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen Spray | Search Epi-Pet Dog Sunscreen
- Gentle Creatures Dog Sunscreen SPF 30+ | Search Gentle Creatures Sunscreen
- Noseprint SPF 50 Pet Sunscreen | Search Noseprint Pet Sunscreen
- Noseprint SPF 30 Pet Sunscreen | Search Noseprint SPF 30
- Dog Nose Sunscreen Balm SPF 25 | Search Dog Nose Balm
- EBPP Dog Sunscreen Spray | Search EBPP Dog Sunscreen