What to avoid in sunscreen for dogs?
Rudy Thiel
2025-08-08 12:38:51
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The main ingredients to avoid when picking a sunscreen for pets are zinc oxide and a group of chemicals referred to as salicylates. With repeated exposure to zinc oxide on the skin, pets can develop zinc toxicity, which can damage the red blood cells. Salicylates are products in the same category as aspirin, and when applied to the skin, your pet may develop mild skin redness and irritation. If you do pick a veterinarian-approved sunscreen for your pet, make sure it does not contain zinc oxide, and make sure it has a low concentration of salicylates. The zinc oxide in some products can contribute to stomach upset and possibly an allergic reaction, which can lead to swelling of the face and hives on your pet. If they eat a very large amount of sunscreen, the salicylates in the sunscreen can potentially cause ulcers in the stomach and even liver damage, although this is very unlikely.
Javier Zboncak
2025-07-31 00:49:29
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Toxic ingredients to avoid include: Zinc oxide – A common ingredient in many sunscreens, zinc oxide is highly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Salicylates – Found in some chemical sunscreens, these can also be harmful to pets. Fragrances and preservatives – Many of the added chemicals in sunscreens can irritate your pet’s skin or cause allergic reactions. Oxybenzone and avobenzone – These chemical filters can be endocrine disruptors and are not safe for animals. Even human sunscreens marketed as “natural” or “organic” are not necessarily pet-safe. Many common sunscreen ingredients can be dangerous or even life-threatening to animals if licked off their skin or fur.
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