As summer approaches and the sun shines brighter, many of us reach for sunscreen to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays. However, what you might not realize is that some of the chemicals in sunscreen can pose a significant risk to our furry friends. Video above: Protect your pet from heatstroke with these simple tipsWhile sunscreen is crucial for human skin protection, it contains ingredients that can be toxic to dogs if ingested or absorbed through their skin. According to the ASCPA, these are the ingredients to avoid:Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide These are common active ingredients in sunscreen, especially in mineral or physical sunscreens. They are generally considered safer than chemical filters for humans, but ingestion of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) This chemical is found in many sunscreens and is known to be toxic to dogs. Oxybenzone can cause severe reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and even more serious symptoms like tremors and seizures in dogs. It's important to keep products containing oxybenzone well out of reach of pets.Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate) Another chemical filter commonly found in sunscreens, octinoxate can also be harmful to dogs if ingested. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset and irritation.Which sunscreens are safe?Although the ingredients listed above are common in some popular sunscreens, we've found some human sunscreens that are safe to use around Fido. Check out our list below:PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50: This fast-absorbing, non-greasy sunscreen for the face and body from Supergoop hydrates skin and is water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes.Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray: Everyone loves the ease of use that comes with spray sunscreens. This one from the popular brand Sun Bum offers a simple spray with none of the potentially toxic-to-pets ingredients 鈥� and it smells like delicious coconuts. Check it out on Amazon today.Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen + Hydrating Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60: If your pup loves to give kisses and you're worried about him ingesting sunscreen through that route, invest in a high-quality facial sunscreen like this one from Neutrogena. Not only does it leave out all of the ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, but it's also completely oil-free. Click here to see more on Amazon.For more coverage on how to take care of your pet during the summer heat, click here.
As summer approaches and the sun shines brighter, many of us reach for sunscreen to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays. However, what you might not realize is that some of the chemicals in sunscreen can pose a significant risk to our furry friends.
Video above: Protect your pet from heatstroke with these simple tips
While sunscreen is crucial for human skin protection, it contains ingredients that can be toxic to dogs if ingested or absorbed through their skin.
According to the , these are the ingredients to avoid:
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
These are common active ingredients in sunscreen, especially in mineral or physical sunscreens. They are generally considered safer than chemical filters for humans, but ingestion of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
This chemical is found in many sunscreens and is known to be toxic to dogs. Oxybenzone can cause severe reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and even more serious symptoms like tremors and seizures in dogs. It's important to keep products containing oxybenzone well out of reach of pets.
Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate)
Another chemical filter commonly found in sunscreens, octinoxate can also be harmful to dogs if ingested. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset and irritation.
Which sunscreens are safe?
Although the ingredients listed above are common in some popular sunscreens, we've found some human sunscreens that are safe to use around Fido. Check out our list below:
PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
: This fast-absorbing, non-greasy sunscreen for the face and body from hydrates skin and is water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes.
SunBum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
: Everyone loves the ease of use that comes with spray sunscreens. This one from the popular brand Sun Bum offers a simple spray with none of the potentially toxic-to-pets ingredients 鈥� and it smells like delicious coconuts. today.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen + Hydrating Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60
: If your pup loves to give kisses and you're worried about him ingesting sunscreen through that route, invest in a high-quality facial sunscreen like this one from Neutrogena. Not only does it leave out all of the ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, but it's also completely oil-free. to see more on Amazon.
For more coverage on how to take care of your pet during the summer heat, click here.
