While applying sunscreen to yourself before a walk or hike with your dog, you might wonder: Does your dog need sunscreen too? Veterinarians say the answer is a resounding yes. “Just like for humans, sunscreen shields your pup’s delicate skin from sunburn and potential long-term damage, such as skin cancer,” explains Dr. Lisa Lippman, a board-certified veterinarian and the Director of Virtual Medicine at Bond Vet.
Using sunscreen is particularly important if your pet has a white or thin coat, or light-pigmented nose, eyelids, or ears, as these features increase the risk of sunburns, Lippman noted.
However, it’s crucial not to use your own sunscreen on your dog. You must use a product formulated specifically for dogs, Lippman emphasized. Ingredients found in human sunscreens, such as zinc, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Dog sunscreens are designed to be safe for dogs to lick and account for their unique skin composition and fur coverage.
Based on Lippman’s advice and thorough research, Epi-Pet’s SPF 30 dog sunscreen is highly recommended. It’s the only FDA-approved sunscreen for dogs. Unlike most pet sunscreens on the market, which haven’t been FDA-tested or verified, Epi-Pet’s sunscreen is FDA-compliant.
Epi-Pet’s sunscreen meets all of Lippman’s criteria except for its vanilla-scented fragrance. Developed by a veterinarian, it provides protection from UVA and UVB rays, is free from zinc and propylene glycol, and is safe for dogs to lick. Additionally, it helps condition the skin and coat with vitamin E and is sweat- and water-resistant. This sunscreen can also be used on horses but is not safe for cats.
As a spray sunscreen, it can be applied directly to your dog’s body, including the belly and legs. For the face, spray the product onto your hands and gently rub it around the muzzle, ears, nose, and eye area. Avoid spraying directly into your dog’s face. Lippman recommended focusing on areas with less hair coverage, such as the nose, ears, and belly.
Customer reviews praise the effectiveness of Epi-Pet’s sunscreen:
“This is the only FDA-approved pet sunscreen on the market. My white dogs used to get red from the sun, but this sunscreen is a miracle. I always use it during the summer.” — Alyssa A
“My rescue pup is hairless on her back, ears, neck, and thighs. She has dark grey skin but still burns. I was worried about using an alcohol-based sunscreen, but it didn’t dry her skin or cause acne. Her skin remains soft with no burns, even after long hikes in the sun.” — AE Close
“This stuff really works. My dog has a scar on his snout, which easily turns pink and blisters in the sun. This sunscreen prevents burns and potential skin cancer. It’s the only effective and safe pet sunscreen I’ve found.” — sknappy1
“We have a Dudley Labrador with a pink nose and paws that are sensitive to the sun. This sunscreen protected him during his first beach day! He didn’t mind the sunscreen or try to lick it off. A great buy!” — Shane