Protecting more than paws: A guide to choosing safe and effective dog sunscreen

According to the National Cancer Institute, roughly 6 million cancer diagnoses are made in dogs each year, with cancer being the leading cause of death in adult dogs.^{1, 2} Of these, 30% involve skin cancer, with 20% classified as mast cell tumors. Mast cells tumors are commonly located in the skin, with 50% are found on the body, 40% are found on the limbs (particularly the hind limbs) and the remaining 10% are found on the head and neck.³ The treatment of choice for mast cell tumors is surgical excision, with chemotherapy and radiation therapies considered for severe mast cell tumors. Given the invasive treatments involved regardless of severity, prevention of mast cell tumors and skin cancer in dogs is crucial.⁴

Smaller dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club, are defined as dogs that weigh less than 35 pounds, should spend a few hours outdoors in temperatures ranging from 60°F and 90°F. Whereas medium to larger dog breeds can stay longer under the same conditions.³ However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of 2 solar-induced skin cancers - hemangiosarcoma (HSA) and squamous cell carcinoma.⁵

HSA is a cancer of the blood vessels that commonly affects the spleen or heart of older, large breeds. Although its exact cause is unclear, UV radiation is believed to contribute to the development of the skin form of HSA.⁶ Whereas, squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer in dogs and there are 2 types - cutaneous and subungual.⁷ Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma affects older dogs and usually appear on the head, lower legs, abdomen, and rear. Subungual squamous cell carcinoma develops underneath the nail.⁶

Introduction

According to Credence Research, the veterinary dermatology market is projected to grow from $18,545,000 in 2024 to $35,091,000 by 2032.⁸ This significant growth demonstrates the rising demand and awareness for dermatological care for companion and livestock animals worldwide.⁹ Dermatological conditions like parasitic infestations, allergic dermatitis, autoimmune skin disorders, and skin cancers are becoming more prevalent.⁸

Despite the growing awareness, a common misconception continues that a dog’s fur provides protection against sun-related skin damage. However, certain breeds are particularly susceptible and associated with skin cancer. Breeds like bloodhounds, basset hounds, and standard poodles are at greatest risk of squamous cell carcinoma, which usually appears on the head, legs, abdomen, and rear. Cancers caused by prolonged sun exposure may develop on the lower abdomen or near the pubic area in white-skinned short-haired breeds like dalmatians, Pitbull terriers, bull terriers, and beagles. Lastly, skin cancer may develop on the underside of poorly haired dogs as they lack protection from UV radiation. This risk is further increased by the dog’s instinctual behavior, such as lying on their backs.⁶ Given the wide range of causes of skin cancers in dogs, pharmacists can play an important role in reducing UV-related risk and supporting overall canine skin health through counseling and recommending appropriate products.

Sunscreen

A 2022 survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed significant gaps in awareness regarding canine sun protection. Roughly 46% of owners were unaware that dogs require sun protection. While 55% did not realize that sunburn can be just as harmful to a dog's skin as it is to humans. Lastly, 7 in 10 owners were unaware of how much sunscreen should be applied. With very few owners knowing about a dog’s sunscreen needs, even fewer regularly use sunscreen. Approximately 57% of owners reported they never apply sunscreen to their dogs when they go for walks. Furthermore, 4 in 10 owners believe that human sunscreens are safe for dogs. Many human sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, especially if ingested during grooming.¹⁰

Such toxic ingredients include zinc oxide, salicylates, and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).¹¹ Zinc oxide, when ingested, can lead to vomiting. In rare scenarios, it can lead to facial swelling and pruritus.¹² Salicylates, which includes aspirin, may result in gastrointestinal (GI) upset, GI ulceration, hyperthermia, tachypnea, acidosis, and acute liver injury.^{12, 13} In fact, salicylates, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are considered the most frequently ingested poisonous medication class by the Pet Poison Helpline.¹⁴ Lastly, PABA, which is found in older sunscreen formulations, is also associated with adverse reactions in dogs.^{13, 15}

Although there are sunscreens marketed for dogs, they are usually not tested by the Center for Veterinary Medicine branch of the FDA. Thus, their effectiveness and sun protection factor (SPF) rating are unclear.¹⁶ Currently, only Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen (Manufacturer: Epi-Pet) is approved by the CVM for use in dogs and horses.¹⁷ It is the only FDA compliant pet sunscreen, meaning its material, packaging, or product meets all FDA regulations (passed inspections, have proper labels, or have had all proper forms submitted to the administration).¹⁸ Therefore, this product should be used whenever possible. If this product is unavailable, then dog-marketed sunscreens are preferred as alternate products over human sunscreens due to safety considerations, as mentioned earlier. Before purchasing these dog-marketed sunscreens, consider consulting with a veterinarian or pharmacist.

If a dog-marketed sunscreen is used, it is generally advisable to select one that is water-resistant, unscented, and with at least an SPF of 30 even if it is not officially standardized. Before a full application, a small patch test should be performed to check for any allergic reaction. Second, sunscreen should be applied to areas most vulnerable to UV radiation, including the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips, inner thigh, groin, and especially in dogs with fair or light complexion. Third, sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 4-6 hours, or more frequently after swimming.¹⁹

Sunscreen alternatives

If dog-marketed sunscreens are not readily available, alternative sun protection methods can be as effective. Protective clothes, like sun shirts or cooling vests, can cover large areas of skin, reducing direct exposure to UV radiation. Like humans, limiting sun exposure during peak hours is also essential. Avoiding outdoor activity between 10 am to 4 pm, when UV radiation is the strongest, can reduce the risk of skin damage.¹⁹

Although this article focuses on canine sun protection, pharmacists and pet owners should also be aware that prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of skin squamous cell carcinomas in cats. These tumors usually develop on sun exposed area, such as the ears, eye ridges, eyelids, nose, and lips. White or lightly colored cats have less protection against UV radiation and are therefore more commonly affected.

Thus, both dogs and cats can experience sun-related skin damage. And similar preventative measures are suggested for cats, including using UV-filtering window screens and keeping cats indoors during peak sunlight’s hours (between 10 am and 2 pm).²⁰ However sunscreen recommendations mentioned are not interchangeable between species. Products considered safe for dogs should not be used on cats, and vice versa.

Pharmacy perspective

From a pharmacist's perspective, education in animal health is important for improving patient outcomes. Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals and frequently provide counseling and over-the-counter recommendations to human patients. In many community settings, pharmacists also dispense medications prescribed for pets. Thus, this accessibility places pharmacists in a valuable position to guide pet owners in selecting safe and effective treatments tailored to a pet’s specific needs. Their expertise allows them to analyze ingredients, identify potential toxicities, and ensure an appropriate dose based on species, size, and health status. By strengthening collaboration with veterinarians, pharmacists can further enhance patient care while expanding their knowledge in animal health.

This interdisciplinary approach helps reduce the risk of acute issues, supports the overall health and well-being of pets, and provides pet owners with an additional resource when navigating animal health products.

References

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3. Quick pet cancer facts and questions. FETCH a Cure. Accessed April 9, 2026. https://fetchacure.org/resource-library/facts/
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10. Bisht S. Veterinary dermatology drugs market. Credence Research Inc. Published August 8, 2025. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/veterinary-dermatology-market
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16. Meyers H. Do dogs need sunscreen? What pet owners should know about UV exposure. American Kennel Club. Published May 25, 2021. Accessed April 9, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen/
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