Do dogs need sunscreen

Do Dogs Need to Wear Sunscreen?

We know how important sunscreen is for humans, but what about our dogs? If you're planning a sunny day at the park, beach, or on a long hike, you might be wondering: do dogs need sunscreen too? The answer is yes—especially if your dog has light-coloured fur, thin coats, or exposed skin. Sun protection is just as important for pups as it is for people.

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Why Dogs Need Sunscreen

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn—especially on areas with little fur coverage. Prolonged sun exposure without protection can lead to:

  • Red, irritated skin
  • Peeling or flaking
  • Pain or sensitivity
  • Increased risk of skin cancer over time

Sunscreen helps form a barrier against harmful UVA and UVB rays, protecting sensitive skin from burns and long-term damage.

staffordshire bull terrier

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

While all dogs can benefit from sunscreen, some are more vulnerable than others. These include:

  • Short-haired or hairless breeds (like Greyhounds, Boxers, or Chinese Cresteds)
  • Dogs with light-coloured or white fur
  • Dogs with pink skin or exposed areas
  • Puppies and senior dogs with more delicate skin

Even dogs with longer coats have vulnerable spots like their nose, ears, lips, belly, and groin—all areas where sunscreen is especially important.

white boxer dog

How to Apply Dog Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen to your dog is simple and quick! Focus on exposed areas:

  • Nose and muzzle
  • Tips of the ears
  • Underbelly and inner thighs
  • Groin area and lips

Use your fingers to gently rub the sunscreen into your dog’s skin and reapply every few hours, especially after swimming or outdoor play.

Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)

Dogs lick their skin and fur—so any sunscreen you apply must be 100% lick-safe. Avoid products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested.

Instead, choose a product with natural, skin-soothing ingredients like:

  • Shea butter
  • Raspberry seed oil (a natural UVA/UVB blocker)
  • Carrot seed oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Essential oils that double as insect repellents

Hotdog Sunscreen for dogs

Try Our Natural, Lick-Safe Sunscreen

We’ve crafted a dog-safe sunscreen that ticks all the boxes: 100% natural, water-resistant, insect-repellent, and lick-safe.

Key features of our dog sunscreen:

  • Raspberry Virgin Oil & Carrot Seed Oil for UVA & UVB protection
  • Soothing Shea Butter for sensitive skin
  • Free from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
  • Insect-repelling properties
  • Safe for dogs of all ages
  • Hand-packaged in a convenient 50g tin—perfect for holidays and hikes

Directions: Apply to exposed areas before sun exposure, including snout, face, ears, lips, belly, and groin. Reapply as needed.

Final Thoughts

So, do dogs need to wear sunscreen? Absolutely—especially during warm, sunny months or outdoor adventures. A natural, safe, and effective sunscreen can help protect your pup from burns, irritation, and long-term skin damage.

Give your dog the sun protection they deserve with our specially formulated Hot Dog natural dog sunscreen. It’s safe, effective, and designed for wagging tails in the sunshine!

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie

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