Do dog sunglasses work? Debunking the myth on pups' UV protection

Dogs sporting sunglasses sounds both stylish and strange. Do sunglasses-donning doggos actually benefit from the lewk, or is it just a myth?

Should dogs wear sunglasses to prevent eye diseases?
Should dogs wear sunglasses to prevent eye diseases?  © 123RF / Alexgrec

A caring dog owner always wants the best for their pup. They might also want them to look too cool for school.

As a result, dog sunglasses have emerged on the scene. But many pet owners have debated if they actually do anything in protecting pups against harmful UV rays.

Do dog sunglasses work?

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Dogs Kitten is terrified of dog sibling – only one day later, hearts are melting!

In this dog guide, TAG24 takes a look at whether dog sunglasses will protect your perfect pooch's eyes. Are they practical, or just a fashion fable?

Let's take a look.

Do dog sunglasses work, or are they just for the photo op?

Dogs which spend a large amount of time outside, both enjoying the beach in summer and the snow in winter, often end up getting a lot of excess UV rays in their eyes.

As we all know, UV rays can be rather harmful, so it may please you to know that some veterinarians actually say that dog sunglasses are worth using.

Specialists at Eastcott Veterinary Hospital in Swindon (UK) told the BBC that sunglasses, goggles, and visors can actually help "very active dogs" who are exposed to large quantities of UV, as well as those with pre-existing or developing conditions.

Visors, goggles, and sunglasses protect animals from certain eye diseases, and have even been prescribed to doggos over the years with particularly sensitive eyes.

In the case of a 14-year-old poodle named Celine, dog sunglasses became particularly useful. When her owner, Miluse Vojtiskova, noticed her beloved dog's nervousness in sunlight, she took her to Eastcott Veterinary Hospital.

The verdict was in: the dog's irises had weakened with age, and were now not strong enough to contract the pupil in direct sunlight.

What was the solution? Yep, you guessed it: sunglasses when she's out in the sunshine.

Do dog sunglasses help with UV protection?

The reason why dog sunglasses help is that they filter out and protect against UV light.

A well-fitted and correctly used pair of dog goggles, sunglasses, or visors, have the potential to significantly increase a dog's quality of life, protecting their eyes and reducing their need to squint.

In the case of Celine, now that she wears sunglasses, she is in considerably less pain when out in the sun. The discomfort was coming from the UV light that gets filtered out by sunglasses. Now that she has stylish sunnies, the need for her pupils to contract has reduced, and she's able to see better than before.

Best dog sunglasses

Dogs may look cute wearing human sunglasses, but they'll likely fall right off. Specific dog sunglasses are a better bet.
Dogs may look cute wearing human sunglasses, but they'll likely fall right off. Specific dog sunglasses are a better bet.  © Mel Elías / Unsplash

There are a multitude of great dog sunglasses and brands on the market.

Dog goggles may be your best bet, as they are fitted to the face and secure well with a strap.

In the end, it's best to take your veterinarian's advice for recommendations and specific prescriptions.

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Dogs Dog mom thinks her pet is sad because she's going away on vacation – but then she gets this video!


Important: Your vet should be able to suggest proper dog sunglasses, including which brand to look for, the glass thickness you need, and help with getting your dog used to them.

There's nothing cuter than a dog with a scarf and glasses

Let's be real: a pooch with a nice winter jacket and a pair of goggle-like sunglasses is a cuteness overload. The cool thing, though, is that a 'fit of such adorable proportions is genuinely beneficial.

As long as you get proper dog sunglasses that fit your pup well, and take steps to protect them from harsh rays, the fun in the sun will continue for you both.

Cover photo: 123RF / Alexgrec

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