6 Ways to Protect Your Dog From the Sun (Because, Yes, They're Sensitive to Rays)

You wouldn't forget to slather yourself in sunscreen before heading outside for a day of fun in the sun — but are you remembering to pack sunscreen for Fido, too? That's right: Some dog breeds can be just as sensitive to UV rays as humans. That's why covering your pup in sunscreen specially formulated for dogs before your next outdoor adventure is paramount to avoiding future whimpering.

When shopping for the best dog sunscreen, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. The first is that not all dog breeds require sunscreen for a day in the sun. Dr. Meagan Painter, DVM, DACVD, a veterinary dermatologist currently practicing at Angell-West in Waltham, Massachusetts, explains that dogs with longer hair coats have natural protection from harmful UV light. However, dogs who are sensitive to UV impact should try to avoid direct sun exposure: "This would include dogs with light colored hair coats, sparse hair coats, or diseases which could predispose them to solar damage," says Dr. Painter. If your pup falls under one of these categories, it's a probably a good idea to purchase some dog sunscreen — but before purchasing, call your vet first to make sure it's recommended for your pup.

Dogs need specially formulated sunscreen because some of the ingredients in human sunscreen, including zinc oxide, are toxic to dogs, explains Colleen Demling, a certified dog trainer and owner of Pawtopia Dog Training in San Diego, California. In addition to dog-specific sunscreen, Dr. Katie Pagán, a veterinarian at Heart + Paw in Baltimore, Maryland, will often recommend using zinc-free sunscreen that is safe for babies. And just like with your kids, you want to make sure you're reapplying sunscreen to your dog throughout the day. "You also want to ensure your dog doesn't lick it off after application," notes Dr. Pagán.

In addition to using sunscreen, you can help your dog avoid sun damage by avoiding walks and outings during peak sun times. "Walking at dawn or dusk is the safest time to walk a dog who might be sensitive to the impact of UV rays," advises Dr. Painter. But if there's no way to avoid being outside on a sunny day, just make sure your dog has access to water and shade as "dogs are very susceptible to overheating and it is important to avoid direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time," says Dr. Pagán.

If your dog can benefit from extra sun protection, rest assured that there are plenty of top-rated sunscreens that you can buy, as well as protective pet accessories for your pup. Based on recommendations from veterinarians and rave reviews from online shoppers, these are the best sunscreens for dogs that are easy to apply and, most importantly, protect your pup from harmful rays.