We all know that dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do. But did you know that their sense of smell is so acute that they can even smell through sunscreen? That’s right—sunscreen might block out the harmful UV rays, but it can’t stop your dog from getting a good sniff. So, why is this the case? Let’s take a closer look.
Dogs sense of smell
Dogs have approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while humans have just six million. This gives dogs the ability to smell things that we would never even think to sniff—like, for example, sunscreen.
Sunscreen contains chemicals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which can off-gas and be detected by a dog’s keen sense of smell. In fact, dogs can even detect these chemicals in levels as low as one part per trillion!
How does sunscreen block UV?
Most sunscreens work by blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and can damage the skin. It is divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays are the longest and can penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. They are also the main cause of wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are shorter and do not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays. They are the main cause of sunburns. UVC rays are the shortest and do not penetrate the skin at all. However, they can still damage the DNA of cells, which can lead to cancer.
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering UV radiation before it reaches the skin. They usually contain one or more of the following ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Mexoryl SX, or Oxybenzone.
Sunscreens come in many forms, including lotions, creams, gels, sprays, and even wipes. They can be applied to exposed skin or clothing. However, no matter what form they come in, they all need to be reapplied periodically to be effective. This is because they rub off on clothes, wash off in water, and break down over time. The amount of time they last varies depending on the type of sunscreen and how much you sweat. But in general, most sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to look for one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It should also have an SPF of 30 or higher.
And remember: no sunscreen is waterproof or sweatproof, so always reapply it after swimming or sweating.
Can sunscreen block a scent?
When sunscreen is applied to an object, the dog will be able to smell the sunscreen, but the dog will still be able to smell the object underneath. So, while sunscreen might block out the UV rays, it won’t completely mask the scent of what’s underneath.
If you’re trying to hide something from your dog (like a treat), applying sunscreen can help to mask the scent and throw them off the trail. But it will not keep them from sniffing whatever it is you are hiding from them.
Applying sunscreen to a dog
As any dog owner knows, our furry friends tend to have a bit of an earthy smell. This is especially true after a romp in the dog park or a roll in the grass. And while we may not mind the smell, others may not be so tolerant. Thankfully, there is a way to help keep those dog smells at bay – sunscreen.
Believe it or not, sunscreen can help to block out unwanted scents. The active ingredients in sunscreen work to form a barrier on the skin, and this barrier can also help to trap smells. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your dog’s smell under control, reach for sunscreen. Just be sure to choose a product that is safe for dogs and won’t irritate their skin.
How to choose sunscreen for a dog
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your dog’s skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection the sunscreen will provide.
However, it’s important to choose a sunscreen that is specifically designed for dogs, as some human sunscreens can contain ingredients that are harmful to animals.
In addition, dogs have a much higher tolerance for sunlight than humans do, so they may need a higher SPF than you would use for yourself. When choosing a sunscreen for your dog, look for one with an SPF of at least 30, and make sure it is labelled “broad spectrum” to ensure it provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
It’s also important to choose a sunscreen that won’t irritate your dog’s skin, and that won’t rub off easily. If possible, try to find a sunscreen that doesn’t have an unpleasant smell, as dogs are very sensitive to smells and may not tolerate sunscreen with a strong scent.
Final Thoughts
So, the answer is yes—dogs can smell through sunscreen! The next time you apply your SPF 30, just keep in mind that your pup will still be able to sniff out what’s going on. Happy summer!
So there you have it—proof that sunscreen can’t fool a dog’s nose! Next time you’re applying sunscreen, don’t be surprised if your furry friend comes over to investigate. And if you’re trying to keep something hidden from them, well…sunscreen just won’t do the trick.
