Should I give my dog sunscreen?

Learn when to use dog sunscreen, which dogs are most at risk of sunburn, which products are dog-safe, and how to put it on your dog correctly.

Photo of two dogs enjoying a spot of sun during a warm, bright day. The dog with the lighter fur might benefit from dog sunscreen, especially if they are spending lots of time outdoors.

Overview

Dog sunscreen isn’t a must for every dog, but for some it can play an important role in protecting their skin. Dogs with white or light-coloured coats, pink or lightly pigmented skin, thin coats, hair loss, hairless breeds, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors or have been recently shaved are particularly susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) damage.

For these dogs, a pet-safe dog sunscreen can help protect vulnerable areas such as their ears, nose, belly, and patches with little fur, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. However, sunscreen is only one part of keeping your dog safe in sunny weather. Providing shade, avoiding the strongest midday sunshine, and choosing cooler times of day for walks can all help limit harmful UV exposure.

Should I give my dog sunscreen?

Which dogs benefit the most from dog sunscreen?

Where do I apply dog sunscreen?

What can dog sunscreen prevent?

How do you choose a safe dog sunscreen?

How do you apply dog sunscreen safely?

FAQs about dog sunscreen

What do studies say about dog sunscreen and UV exposure?

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Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 03/08/2026 • Reviewed on 03/08/2026