🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Dog Sunscreen for Car Rides: What to Look For

UV rays can burn your dog's nose and ears through car windows. Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray is our top pick for safe car travel.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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★ Top Pick: Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Dogs

30+

Recommended SPF

40 min

Water resistance

2 oz

Typical bottle size

FDA-compliant brand

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Dogs. This spray is the only FDA-compliant dog sunscreen, offering broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protec.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Burt's Bees Sunscreen Spray for Dogs. Formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, this SPF 15 spray is g.
Best Wipes: Petkin Dog Sunscreen Wipes. These pre-moistened wipes are perfect for quick, mess-free application in the car.
Best for Nose and Ears: My Dog Nose It Sunscreen Balm. This balm is specifically designed for sensitive areas like the nose and ears, which are p.
Best Budget: Vet's Best Dog Sunscreen Spray. Offering SPF 15 protection at an affordable price, this spray contains aloe vera and neem.

Quick answer

Our top pick is the Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Dogs. It’s the only FDA-compliant dog sunscreen, providing broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection without zinc oxide or PABA. For dogs with sensitive skin, Burt’s Bees Sunscreen Spray for Dogs is a gentle alternative. Both are easy to apply during car rides and won’t stain upholstery.

What to consider for Dog Sunscreen For Car Rides

When choosing a sunscreen for car rides, consider the application method: sprays are convenient for quick reapplication, while wipes are less messy. Look for dog-safe ingredients like titanium dioxide instead of zinc oxide, which can be toxic if ingested. The sunscreen should be non-greasy to avoid staining car seats and should dry quickly to prevent your dog from licking it off. Also, consider SPF level: at least SPF 15 is recommended, but SPF 30 is ideal for extended exposure.

What to look for in a grooming product (shampoo, brush, clipper or wipe)

For dog sunscreen, the key is a product that is easy to apply and safe for dogs. Look for a spray or wipe that is alcohol-free and fragrance-free if your dog has sensitive skin. The sunscreen should be water-resistant for at least 40 minutes, especially if your dog sticks its head out the window. Check that it does not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate. For wipes, ensure they are thick enough to apply evenly without tearing.

How we chose these picks

Evaluated ingredient safety based on veterinary and dermatological guidelines.
Checked for SPF rating and broad-spectrum protection.
Considered ease of application for car rides (spray vs. wipe vs. lotion).
Reviewed customer feedback for effectiveness and skin reactions.
Ensured products are specifically formulated for dogs, not humans.
Prioritized non-greasy formulas to avoid mess in the car.
Selected products from reputable brands with transparent labeling.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Human sunscreen: often contains zinc oxide or other ingredients toxic to dogs.
Harsh fragrances: can irritate a dog’s sensitive skin, especially on the nose and ears.
Alcohol-based sprays: can dry out skin and cause stinging on sunburned areas.
Products with oxybenzone: a chemical linked to health issues in pets.

For more grooming tips, check out our dog guides, dog health, and dog care products.

Sources and further reading

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Epi-Pet Sun Protector Spray for Dogs	Best Overall	Check price →
Burt's Bees Sunscreen Spray for Dogs	Best for Sensitive Skin	Check price →
Petkin Dog Sunscreen Wipes	Best Wipes	Check price →
My Dog Nose It Sunscreen Balm	Best for Nose and Ears	Check price →
Vet's Best Dog Sunscreen Spray	Best Budget	Check price →

Why this matters

Dogs can get sunburned on areas with thin fur, especially the nose, ears, and belly, and UV rays can penetrate car windows, making sunscreen essential during car rides.

The Options

Types Explained

Spray Sunscreen

Easy to apply over large areas quickly. Ideal for active dogs and car rides. Ensure even coverage by spraying and rubbing in.

Best for: Full-body protection on medium to large dogs

Sunscreen Wipes

Pre-moistened wipes for mess-free application. Great for touch-ups and sensitive areas. Less product waste than sprays.

Best for: Quick application and small dogs

Sunscreen Balm

Stick or balm format for precise application on nose, ears, and paw pads. Usually thicker and longer-lasting.

Key Buying Factors

SPF Level

SPF 15 is the minimum, but SPF 30 or higher offers better protection for long car rides. Higher SPF reduces the need for frequent reapplication.

Application Method

Sprays are quick and cover large areas, but wipes are less messy. Lotions allow precise application but can be greasy. Choose based on your dog's tolerance and your convenience.

Ingredients

Avoid zinc oxide and PABA, which are toxic to dogs. Look for titanium dioxide, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Fragrance-free options are best for sensitive skin.

Water Resistance

If your dog sticks its head out the window or gets wet, water-resistant sunscreen (at least 40 minutes) ensures protection lasts. Reapply after swimming or heavy drooling.

Non-Greasy Formula

A non-greasy sunscreen dries quickly and won't stain car seats or attract dirt. This is important for car rides where your dog may sit on fabric.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

How to Apply Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. For sprays, hold nozzle 4 to 6 inches from coat and spray evenly, then rub in to avoid missed spots. For wipes, use a fresh wipe for each area. Pay special attention to nose, ears, belly, and groin. Avoid eyes and mouth.

Reapplication Schedule

Reapply every 2 hours or after your dog gets wet. For car rides, reapply if the trip is long or if your dog sticks its head out the window. Set a timer to remind yourself.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store sunscreen in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check expiration date; most last 1 to 2 years. Discard if the texture or smell changes. Keep out of reach of dogs to prevent ingestion.

Pro tip

Apply sunscreen to your dog's paws if they rest them on the window sill, as paw pads can also burn from direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I apply dog sunscreen during a car ride?

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before the ride and reapply every 2 hours. If your dog sticks its head out the window or gets wet, reapply sooner. For short trips under 30 minutes, one application may be enough, but for longer journeys, plan for a break to reapply.

Can I use human sunscreen on my dog?

No, human sunscreen often contains zinc oxide or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs if ingested. Dogs lick their fur, so ingestion is likely. Always use a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs, which uses safe ingredients like titanium dioxide.

What SPF is best for dogs?

SPF 15 is the minimum recommended, but SPF 30 or higher provides better protection, especially for dogs with light-colored or thin coats. Higher SPF blocks more UVB rays and reduces the need for frequent reapplication. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

How do I apply sunscreen to a dog that hates being touched?

Use a spray sunscreen and spray from a distance, then distract your dog with treats while you rub it in. Alternatively, use wipes that are quick and less invasive. Start with small areas and reward calm behavior. If your dog is extremely resistant, consider a sunscreen balm that can be applied quickly to the nose and ears only.

Is sunscreen necessary for dogs with dark coats?

Yes, even dogs with dark coats can get sunburned, especially on areas with less fur like the nose, ears, belly, and groin. Dark coats absorb more heat but still need protection from UV rays. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin regardless of coat color.

Can I use baby sunscreen on my dog?

Baby sunscreen is not recommended because it may contain zinc oxide or other ingredients not safe for dogs. Always choose a product labeled for dogs. If you must use a human product, check the ingredients and avoid zinc oxide, PABA, and fragrances.

What should I do if my dog licks sunscreen?

If your dog licks a small amount of dog-safe sunscreen, it is usually not harmful. However, if the sunscreen contains zinc oxide or other toxic ingredients, contact your veterinarian immediately. To prevent licking, distract your dog with a toy or treat after application, or use a bitter-tasting deterrent spray.

How do I remove sunscreen from my dog's coat?

Most dog sunscreens are water-based and can be removed with a gentle dog shampoo. If the sunscreen is greasy, use a degreasing shampoo or a mixture of baking soda and water. Rinse thoroughly and dry your dog. Avoid using human products that may irritate the skin.

Can I make my own dog sunscreen?

Homemade sunscreens are not recommended because it is difficult to achieve the correct SPF and ensure even protection. Commercial dog sunscreens are formulated to be safe and effective. If you prefer natural options, look for products with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and titanium dioxide.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Care Products, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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