Sunscreen for Dogs: Protect Man's Best Friend

If your dog has pinkish skin or a pink nose, as many white dogs and certain breeds do, he probably needs "sunscreen for dogs" when he goes outside. Dogs are just as susceptible to sun damage as humans are, and their skin needs protection too. Fur just doesn't provide enough protection. In fact, in shorthaired breeds, the sun doesn't cover nearly enough skin to protect your pet.

Canine sunscreens are a relatively recent development. They're usually formulated as sprays and are milder than sunscreens worn by humans because dogs have more sensitive skin. Sunscreen for dogs is nontoxic and safe to use on pets every day. It usually comes unscented because spraying a scent on a dog is like shining a strobe light into our own eyes. And with the better brands, it protects your dog's fur from bleaching and gives it a good conditioning at the same time. And, like people, if doggy goes for a swim, you will need to reapply the sunscreen.

Cats have similar problems, even the ones who spend their days lazing in the sunlight. White cats, which tend to have pink noses and pinkish ears, are most at risk for sun damage.

If you want to provide sun protection for your pet, make sure you apply sunscreen for pets on unprotected places like the tips of the ears, skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose. The sun block should be waterproof. If your pet has just been groomed and the fur is short enough for the skin to show, spray sun block there as well.