If your dog is anything like mine, they LOVE to be outdoors, especially in the warm summer temperatures. Some, my dog included, like to lay out in the sun. Like humans, dogs can develop skin cancer and having UV protective clothing can help minimize their exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.
What Is UV Protective Clothing?
UV protective clothing are clothes made of materials that offer protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Materials like silk or polyester reflect the rays of the sun, while other fabrics may be infused with chemicals that prevent the absorption of UV rays.
Why Should My Dog Wear UV Protective Clothing?
UV protective clothing can provide many benefits for your dog in addition to helping to prevent skin cancer. It can:
- Help prevent sunburn in dogs without hair or with thinning hair.
- Protect your dog’s skin if they are prone to environmental allergies.
- Allow your dog to go outside after surgery, where they must limit their sun exposure.
- Help prevent light colored dogs from getting burned.
- Can provide some protection from foxtails.
- Protect your dog from insect bites and ticks.
- Help diminish your dog’s exposure to chemicals on the ground or on the grass.
- Can cover a wound and stop your dog from licking it.
- Provide anxiety relief.
- Have a medical condition where being exposed to the sun could cause harm.
- Help keep your dog cool in hot temperatures.
What Is UPF And How Is It Different Than SPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This tells you how protective from the sun’s UV rays the shirt you’re wearing is and refers to both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the UPF rating, the more protective it is. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (yes, we know this is in relation to humans, but it can be applied to dogs as well), a UPF rating needs to be 30 or higher to achieve their seal of approval. The highest UPF rating is 50 and this blocks 98% of UV rays.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This measures the time it takes for your skin to burn when exposed to the sun.
What Should I Look For When Choosing a UV Protection Dog Shirt?
When choosing a UV protection dog shirt, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Material. Is it breathable? Does it contain any chemicals that make it UV protective?
- Size. Find the correct size shirt for your dog. Follow the manufacturer’s guide for choosing the right size, as some you may have to size up, and others you may have to size down.
- Fit. Make sure it will cover any necessary areas that will be exposed to the sun and in particular, bald areas, areas where there is thinning hair, the belly area.
- Color. Dark or bright colors are better for sun protection than light colors.
How Do I Measure My Dog For a UV Protective Shirt?
To find the right size shirt for your dog, you will need 3 measurements:
- Girth. Measure the thickest part of your dog’s chest, right behind their front legs.
- Length. The length is measured from the base of the neck to the start of their tail.
- Neck. Measure around the thickest part of their neck.
For the girth and neck measurements, add two inches so the shirt won’t be too tight around their neck or chest.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whether to size up or down if your dog is between sizes.
The Best UV Protective Dog Clothing
Here are some of the top rated UV protective dog clothing. All of these shirts offer UPF 40 and above. Product information is from the manufacturer.
Gold Paw Sun Shield Dog Tee
- Available in 5 colors.
- Comes in 15 sizes.
- Blocks 98% of UV rays.
- Material helps reduce heat absorption.
- Made from recyclable materials.
- Machine washable.
- Made in the USA.
Louie de Coton Sun Shirt For Dogs
- Available in 5 colors.
- Comes in 12 sizes.
- UPF 50+.
- Reduces UV exposure by 98%.
- Stretchy.
- Reflective stitching.
- Cooling shirt.
- Reinforced leash hole.
- Made of silk material.
- Machine washable.
- Made in the USA.
PlayaPup Dog Sun Protection Shirt
- Available in 12 colors.
- Comes in 9 sizes.
- Go up if between sizes.
- Quick drying.
- 4-way stretch.
- Made of 80% Nylon, 20% Spandex.
- UPF 50+.
- Blocks 98% of the sun’s rays.
- Made in the USA.
EzyDog Rashguard Vest
- Available in Red.
- Comes in 5 sizes.
- Fast drying.
- Has 50+ UV protection.
- Odor resistant.
- Made of Lycra material.
- Bright color for easy visibility.
Canine Friendly Solis UV Sun Protection Coverup Dog Shirt
- Available in 2 colors: Raspberry and Electric Blue.
- Comes in 9 sizes.
- UPF 40+.
- Hole for leash access.
- 4-way stretch.
- Quick drying.
As warmer weather approaches, it is important to keep our dog’s safe from the harmful rays of the sun. UV protective clothing can not only protect your dog from getting sunburned, but can help protect against skin cancer too.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.