Easy Homemade Sunscreen for Dogs with Natural SPF

Making your own homemade sunscreen for dogs is easy.  It’s not only effective but also provides great reassurance to pet parents that sunscreen is safe for their dogs. This recipe avoids the potentially harmful ingredients in conventional sunscreens while using ingredients that provide a natural SPF for our furry friends!

So, do dogs need sunscreen anyway?

Yes, dogs do need sunscreen just like humans! Our dog’s skin can also get sunburn and develop other conditions like skin cancer due to excessive sun exposure. This is more common for certain dog breeds, however, since a dog’s fur is typically lighter due to seasonal shedding all dogs are at risk.

It’s best to avoid your dog being out in the sun’s rays during peak hours, usually between 10 am – 3 pm depending on where you live. Of course, most dogs like to lay outside on sunny days, but this could result in a painful sunburn for them if left out too long.  For my dog, we typically try to avoid too much sun during peak hours and stay in the shade when possible. If your dog can’t avoid direct sunlight, then using homemade dog sunscreen might be the best way to avoid sunburn!

The American Kennel Club actually recommends that all dogs use sunscreen for all of these exact reasons.

Types of Dog Breeds at Risk of Sunburn

There are certain dog breeds that need sunscreen more often due to the nature of their skin, coat, and nose.

• Hairless dog breeds such as the Chinese Crested and American Hairless Terrier actually need something to protect their skin from harmful sun rays.  This is especially true when the dogs are going to be outside in direct sun for an extended period of time.
• White dogs are most susceptible to sun damage due to their light-colored fur.  These could be Collies, Dalmations, or Bulldogs.
• Light-colored nose also presents a risk of sunburn, for a dog’s nose as well as its eyelids.
• Lighter coat means less of a barrier between the sun and the dog’s skin.  This can be from a seasonal shedding, a health condition, or a dog with naturally less fur.  Either way, too many UV rays are not what we want for our furry friends.

Benefits of Natural Sunscreen

When selecting a sunscreen for your dog, whether that is purchasing or making your own sunscreen, here are a few things to keep in mind. A dog-safe sunscreen is one that is free from carcinogenic ingredients for your dog.  These ingredients include zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which can be present in human sunscreens.  Also, since dogs typically lick themselves you will want to avoid any fragrances and instead opt for an unscented one.

Natural sunscreens are a great option since you control the ingredients and know exactly what you are putting on your dog.  Not only do they work great, but they also come together rather quickly once you have all the ingredients.  Some of which you may already have in your home.

Natural Ingredients 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer for the skin, while also being a natural thickener in the recipe. It also has antioxidant properties, which may prevent sunburn.  It’s a great versatile oil that makes it great for many homemade recipes.  

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is full of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and B.  It’s a great carrier oil that quickly soaks into the skin, which is definitely something that we want in a recipe for dogs. 

An alternative is using sweet almond oil, since it’s naturally rich in vitamins A, and E plus has antioxidant properties, while also soothing and nourishing the skin.

I like using sweet almond and jojoba oil in many of my other natural recipes.  However, you can also use avocado oil or olive oil if you have those on hand.  These oils have an SPF rating of 4-6.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural moisturizer with a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin A and vitamin E. These vitamins are what make it an antioxidant, and in this homemade dog sunscreen recipe that means it also helps to filter UVB rays. Shea butter has an SPF rating of 4-6.

Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil is cold-pressed oil from carrot seeds.  It is used in many homemade sunscreen recipes as it has a higher SPF of 35.  Of course, carrot seed oil also has antioxidants making it a must-use in this recipe!

Yes, this is different from the carrot seed essential oil.  You won’t get the same benefits if you use the essential oil.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil

Red raspberry seed oil is one of the best ingredients for a natural sunscreen.  It can protect the skin from both UVA and UVB sun rays.  Plus it has several minerals and high levels of antioxidants, making it a great natural product for sunscreen and skincare.

Beeswax (optional)

Beeswax can also help serve as a protective barrier on the skin, helping to make this DIY sunscreen recipe waterproof if you choose to include it.  It can also help in thickening homemade recipes. Beeswax is also known to hydrate, soothe, and have a calming effect on the skin. This may be especially helpful if your dog’s skin is itchy, has skin irritations, or need help repairing damaged skin. 

Essential Oils (optional)

Adding in essential oils are technically optional, as we don’t want too fragrant of sunscreen for your dog.  My favorite essential oil to use in this recipe is lavender oil.  You could also frankincense, myrrh, or chamomile essential oils as they are considered safe for dogs.

Supplies Needed for Homemade Dog Sunscreen

Here are the supplies needed to make your own dog-safe sunscreen:

• 1/4 cup jojoba oil
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil
• 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil
• 1 tablespoon beeswax (optional)
• 10-20 drops of essential oils (optional)
• glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
• double boiler or large saucepan
• small glass bowl
• whisk
• small glass jar

DIY sunscreen recipe

Let’s get to making this DIY sunscreen recipe. This is a fairly easy recipe but requires a little prep time to get out all ingredients to make sure the recipe goes smoothly.  I like making small batches, since I never know how often we’re going to need them with our medium-sized dog.  If you have a larger dog or know you will use this recipe often, then I would suggest doubling the recipe.

STEP ONE: Measure out 2 tablespoons of shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir.  Then add the 1/4 cup of jojoba oil, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of beeswax (optional) into a double boiler on your stovetop. 

For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 1-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together.  You also have the option of using your microwave to melt the ingredients.  When using the microwave, heat for 30-second increments until melted, making sure to stir the mixture in between.

STEP TWO: Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.

STEP THREE: Pour mixture into a glass bowl.  This allows the mixture to cool more quickly.  Let sit for 5 minutes before moving to the next step.

STEP FOUR: Then add 1 teaspoon of carrot seed oil and 1 teaspoon of red raspberry seed oil.  If using, add 10-20 drops of essential oils to the mixture.  Stir again to combine well and allow to cool completely.

My personal recipe uses 10 drops of lavender essential oil for a light scent.

STEP FIVE: Finally, store your finished homemade dog sunscreen in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

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How to apply sunscreen to your dog

When applying sunscreen to your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind.  Of course, they are most likely going to be wiggly and unsure of the process, to begin with.

It’s a good idea to apply the DIY dog sunscreen to the areas of the dog most likely to get exposed to the sun.  Depending on your dog, this could be the dog’s nose, tips of the ears, or areas with exposed skin like bare bellies or with light pigmentation.  Also, make sure to avoid getting too close to the eye area as you don’t the sunscreen getting there.  

For my dog, we usually give her a treat she loves while applying sunscreen. It works great to have one person giving treats and the other person applying sunscreen.  If that’s not an option, then I like using these licking mats with suction cups on the back.  They work great at keeping them busy for 5-20 minutes depending on the treat you make for them.  My dog loves plain greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter on her licking mats.  Plus if you freeze them in advance, they last even longer!

Once you have applied the sunscreen to your furry friend, you will want to make sure they don’t lick it for the first 10-20 minutes while it’s absorbing into their skin.  This also ensures the sunscreen will actually work before they spend a lot of time outside.  

It’s best to reapply the sunscreen every 2-4 hours or as needed.  Although this sunscreen does have some waterproofing (if you added the beeswax), it is still advised to reapply after your dog goes swimming.

Storing your DIY dog sunscreen

It’s best to store your homemade dog sunscreen in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.  Also, the glass will keep the sunscreen from absorbing anything from other materials. Plus, it’s always a good idea to use glass containers if you used essential oils in your recipe. Store in a cool, dry area of your home and out of the sun.  The sunscreen has a shelf life of around 6 months after making it. I love using these smaller glass mason jars for so many of my homemade recipes!

What to do if your dog gets sunburned?

If your dog happens to get a sunburn, then there are several things you can do for them.  

• Move your dog inside or to a shaded area outside right away.  This will prevent the sunburn from getting worse.
• For a minor sunburn, apply aloe vera gel to the skin.  This will soothe and cool any pink or red skin.  It also helps with moisturizing dry skin.  Make sure to look for an aloe vera gel that contains simple ingredients and is free of dyes. Reapply as needed.  A cool compress may also help with discomfort.
• For a major sunburn, it is advised that you bring your dog to the veterinarian to determine the best course of action.  They may need special ointments or antibiotics if an infection is present.

Can you use human sunscreen on your dog?

No, human sunscreen is not meant for dogs as it contains active ingredients that are harmful. There are two types of sunscreens that people use called chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens.  The chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that are absorbed into your skin to absorb the UV rays.  The physical sunscreens (or mineral sunscreens) instead create a barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays.

Unfortunately, both chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs if ingested.  Also, since dogs typically lick themselves you will want to avoid any fragrances and instead opt for an unscented one.

Is baby sunscreen safe for dogs?

Baby sunscreen is not safe for dogs and should not be used on them.  They are generally mineral sunscreens made with higher SPF, which contain toxic ingredients if ingested by your dog.  While baby sunscreens might also be gentler for baby skin, they can also still contain scents and fragrances that you don’t want to put on your dog. 

Alternatives to Sunscreen for your dog

There are some simple alternatives to applying sunscreen to your dog.  

• There are companies that make UV clothes for your dog. This could be a good alternative if your dog is prone to sunburn, going to be outside during peak sun hours, and tends to lick itself. 
• Keep your dog in the shade as much as possible
• Make sure they have access to water
• Depending on the age of your dog, you may also want to consider the temperature outside.  Puppies, young dogs, and older dogs are more at risk of things like heat stroke.  Keeping these pets inside when the weather is too hot may be best.

More Natural DIY Recipes for Dogs

Hi, I’m Kristin.

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