Best dog sunscreen

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreThe best dog sunscreens we tested include sprays, lotions, and balms.Liz Coleman/Business InsiderUsing sunblock on a sunny day may be second nature to you, but your dog may benefit from protection, too. Veterinary dermatologists say the best dog sunscreens can help prevent sunburns and cancers caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. While most dogs can tolerate brief periods in the sun, veterinarians say broad-spectrum protection should be considered for dogs who spend significant time outdoors during peak UV hours, especially for hairless dogs and those with fair skin, thin coats, or areas with sparse fur, like the belly, nose, and ears.During the summer, my miniature pinscher mix, Olive, loves to lounge by the lake. She always has access to shade and fresh drinking water, but her hairless belly and partially pink nose could use extra sun protection. To find the best sunscreen for my dog's skin, I asked several veterinary dermatologists what I should look for in a formula. Based on their guidance, I evaluated five products containing dog-safe ingredients, or in the case of Epi-Pet, with FDA-compliance. Every sunscreen I tested offered broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Our top pick at a glance: Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 is a mineral-based lotion that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The lotion spreads easily, allowing for wide yet controlled application over larger areas, such as the belly. It is also fragrance-free and contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe oil and shea butter. When choosing a sunscreen for dogs, the most important rule is to use a product specifically formulated for pets. The veterinarians I consulted recommend looking for formulas with titanium dioxide, which is safe for topical use in pets and provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Dog guardians should also prioritize sunscreens that are water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 15.There are a few ingredients to avoid, too. My experts recommend steering clear of sunscreens with salicylates, zinc oxide, and octinoxate, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, hematologic issues, and endocrine disruption, respectively.Read more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.Our top picks for the best dog sunscreenBest overall: Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 - $11 at ChewyBest stick balm: Petkin Doggy Sunstick SPF 15 - $12 at ChewyBest spray: Divine Canine Supreme Sunscreen SPF 30 - $14 at ChewyBest overallBest for: Full coverage over large areas of the body, such as the belly or inner thighsSkip this if: You only need targeted protection for small areas like the nose or earsFor dogs who like to sunbathe stretched out on their back, a lotion sunscreen is often the best choice. "Lotions and creams tend to work well on larger, exposed areas like the belly and inner thighs," says Dr. Anthea Schick, a veterinary dermatologist and senior national specialty director of dermatology at Thrive Pet Healthcare. Unlike a spray, lotions allow for more deliberate and controlled application. Dr. Elizabeth Falk, a veterinary dermatologist and owner of Unleashed Veterinary Dermatology, says that lotions are also a little safer than sprays, which can be inhaled or accidentally sprayed in the eyes.Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream meets most of the criteria my experts recommend for the best dog sunscreen. Of the formulas I recommend, it contains the highest level of titanium dioxide, a mineral that sits on the skin's surface and physically blocks UV rays. When formulated for pets, Schick says titanium dioxide is generally considered safe. As a bonus, Lucky Pup contains several moisturizing ingredients that Falk says help restore the skin barrier, including coconut oil, aloe oil, and shea butter.Lucky Pup Sunscreen Cream is ideal for applying sun protection to large area's of your dog's bosy.Liz Coleman/Business InsiderJust as important are the ingredients it leaves out. You won't find zinc oxide or salicylates, two ingredients Schick says can cause toxicity if ingested. There's also no octinoxate, a chemical compound that's been shown to act as an endocrine disruptor in animal studies. Lucky Pup is also fragrance-free with no discernible scent, which is ideal for dogs, since they have a strong sense of smell and can find fragrances irritating.Because of its lotion formulation, this sunscreen takes a bit longer to rub into the skin, and I found it to be the least water-resistant of the bunch. I was also disappointed that Lucky Pup was not developed under veterinary oversight. Still, it met most of the criteria established by my veterinary experts for a good sunscreen, which is why it's my top recommendation for protecting larger areas of exposed skin.Best stick balmBest for: Protecting small, targeted areas like the nose and ear tipsSkip this if: Your dog is sensitive to fragrance

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