 Should I be putting sunscreen on my dog? Yep. Dogs can get painful sunburns and even skin cancer, just like the rest of us. So here's how to keep your pup safe from the sun. Some ingredients can be toxic for your furry friend, so pick up a sunscreen that is made for dogs. Focus on spots with less hair or lighter hair, like around the face and belly. Not only will it keep them safe, but they'll also be the coolest dog in the dog park. Try to avoid taking your pooch outside during the hottest part of the day. But if you do, make sure there's plenty of shade. If you have cats that love sunshine, this applies to them too.