Why Some Pets Might Need Sunscreen Too

You’re not the only one who needs SPF this summer—your pet might, too. According to The Atlantic‘s Katherine J. Wu, sunburn isn’t just a human problem. From zoo elephants to white cats and light-skinned dogs, more and more animals are facing sun-related skin issues that evolution alone can’t handle.

In the wild, animals have natural ways to avoid sun damage—thick fur, dark skin, mud baths, or shady retreats. But modern life changes that. Pets and zoo animals often live in unnatural environments: indoor cats sunbathe in windows, pigs can’t wallow like they used to, and animals bred for appearance may have little protection at all. At the Phoenix Zoo, for instance, zookeepers noticed an Asian elephant named Indu had peeling ears from sun exposure. Their fix? Sensitive-skin human sunscreen—zinc-based, applied regularly. Indu even offered her ear through a window for treatment.

Whales get sunburns. Dogs and horses suffer from skin cancers. Some animals, like the okapi, need months of training just to accept a sunscreen wipe-down. Yet many pet owners and vets are still hesitant to try. Zinc oxide—effective but toxic if swallowed—poses risks for tongue-happy animals like cats. And while the FDA has deemed one product “compliant” for pets, most pet sunscreens lack rigorous oversight.

Still, as Climate change intensifies heat and UV exposure, these issues will only grow. Domesticated animals didn’t evolve for this—and they depend on us to protect them.

If you’re heading out with your dog or letting your cat lounge in that sunny window, consider whether they need some SPF too. Better yet, adopt and Support animals who are more naturally suited to their environment. Selective breeding for looks often leads to suffering—let’s move toward a world where every creature can thrive as nature intended.

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