When you want to block out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays or protect the delicate skin around your eyes, you may reach for sunglasses or other protective eyewear. The same goes for people who are sensitive to light or need to protect themselves from eye injuries at work or while playing sports. Since protective eyewear is good for your own eye health, you naturally want to know if your four-legged friend can also benefit.
Have you ever seen a dog cruising down the highway with their head out the window, sporting a pair of slick goggles? I sure have, and I gotta admit – it’s pretty darn adorable! But beyond the cuteness factor, I’ve always wondered if those “doggles” actually serve a purpose or if they’re just another way for us pet parents to dress up our furry friends.
As someone who’s obsessed with my dog’s wellbeing (aren’t we all?) I decided to dig into this topic and find out once and for all are dog goggles necessary or are they just a fancy accessory?
Why Some Dogs Actually Need Eye Protection
Turns out, there are legitimate reasons why some pups benefit from wearing goggles! And no, it’s not just so they can look cool at the doggy park (though that’s definitely a bonus)
Protection from Physical Injuries
One of the main reasons vets recommend dog goggles is to prevent physical injuries to your dog’s eyes. This is especially important for:
- Brachycephalic breeds (those adorable flat-faced dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus)
- Active outdoor dogs who love adventures
- Dogs who love sticking their heads out car windows (we all know one!)
Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover, explains that brachycephalic breeds “have naturally very bulgy eyes, which means that they’re very vulnerable to injuries like corneal ulcers.” For these pups, protection from even simple things like a blade of grass poking their eye can be super important!
Sun Protection for Sensitive Eyes
Just like us humans, dogs can benefit from protection against harmful UV rays. This is particularly true for dogs with:
- Eye conditions like pannus (common in German Shepherds and Greyhounds)
- Cataracts or other eye issues
- Light-colored eyes that are more sensitive to bright light
- Dogs who live at high altitudes where UV exposure is stronger
In fact, Dr. Jessica Stine, a veterinary ophthalmologist, notes that “UV light can have consequences for dogs, including worsening pannus” and potentially increasing the risk of certain eye cancers.
When Dog Goggles Are Most Helpful
Not every dog needs goggles all the time, but there are specific situations where they can be really beneficial:
Working Dogs in Harsh Conditions
Police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other working canines often operate in environments where debris, dust, or other irritants could damage their eyes. For these hardworking pups, goggles aren’t just helpful—they can be essential equipment!
Post-Surgery Protection
If your dog has had eye surgery (like cataract removal), protective eyewear might be recommended during recovery. While most vets use those cone-shaped Elizabethan collars to prevent dogs from pawing at their eyes, goggles can sometimes be an alternative.
Dr. Jessica Meekins, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, mentions that while she usually prescribes an e-collar for her patients, “sometimes goggles or visors are used by myself or other veterinary ophthalmologists.”
Beach and Outdoor Adventures
If your dog loves playing at the beach, goggles can protect their eyes from sand, salty water, and intense sun reflection. Similarly, hiking adventures where branches, leaves, or trail debris might get into your pup’s eyes could warrant some eye protection.
Car Rides with Wind Exposure
We all know that many dogs LOVE sticking their heads out the car window (though this practice does come with risks!). If you allow this, goggles can protect your dog’s eyes from wind, bugs, and debris that could cause irritation or injury.
Signs Your Dog Might Need Eye Protection
How do you know if your furry friend could benefit from some eye gear? Watch for these signs:
- Squinting frequently, especially in bright sunlight
- Redness of the eye
- Excessive tearing
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
- Light sensitivity (avoiding bright areas)
Dr. Stine emphasizes that “any squinting dog should be evaluated by a veterinarian that day, ideally.” Eye problems can progress quickly, so don’t wait around if you notice these symptoms!
Choosing the Right Dog Goggles
If you’ve decided your pup could benefit from eye protection, choosing the right pair is crucial. Not all dog goggles are created equal!
Factors to Consider When Shopping
- Lens cup depth – Especially important for bulgy-eyed breeds
- Strap adjustability – Must fit securely without being too tight
- UV protection – Essential for sun protection purposes
- Comfort level – If they’re uncomfortable, your dog won’t wear them
- Visibility – Make sure your dog can still see clearly
- Flexibility – Particularly around the nose bridge for proper fit
Dr. Greenstein highlights that “there’s so many different variations on the anatomy of dog’s heads. You want to see a product that has flexibility.”
Popular Dog Goggle Options
Based on expert recommendations and user reviews, these are some of the most highly-rated options:
- Doggles Dog Goggles ILS – Great for brachycephalic breeds with deep lens cups
- NVTED model – Budget-friendly with good padding, popular for larger breeds
- Rex Specs Dog Goggles – Single lens design for unrestricted vision, built for outdoor adventures
- Doggles Originalz – One of the first on the market, known for adjustable straps
Getting Your Dog Used to Wearing Goggles
Now for the tricky part – actually getting your dog to WEAR the goggles! As Dr. Greenstein humorously points out, “Ask any dog owner who tries to put boots on every winter. Dogs don’t necessarily want to have any encumbrances on their faces.”
Here’s a step-by-step approach that’s worked for many pet parents:
- Start slow – Let your dog sniff and investigate the goggles first
- Use treats – Lots and lots of positive reinforcement!
- Practice in short sessions – Begin with just a few seconds of wear time
- Gradually increase duration – Slowly work up to longer periods
- Make it fun – Associate the goggles with activities your dog enjoys
Remember that some dogs might never fully accept wearing goggles, and that’s okay! Don’t force it if your dog seems genuinely distressed.
When Dog Goggles Might NOT Be the Right Choice
While goggles can be beneficial for many dogs, they’re not always the right solution. Consider these scenarios:
Dogs with Certain Eye Conditions
For dogs with conditions like glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye), the process of putting on and adjusting goggles might actually cause more harm than good. As Dr. Greenstein cautions, “We have to be extremely careful that the act of putting on goggles doesn’t harm the eye that we’re trying to protect.”
Dogs Who Strongly Resist Wearing Them
If your dog absolutely refuses to wear goggles despite your best training efforts, forcing the issue could cause stress and anxiety. In these cases, there are alternatives:
- Limiting outdoor time during peak sun hours
- Providing shade when outdoors
- Using dog hats or visors instead (if your dog tolerates these better)
- In some cases, leaving your pup at home during activities that would require eye protection
Improperly Fitted Goggles
Wearing ill-fitting goggles can be worse than wearing none at all! Dr. Peter Accola, a veterinary ophthalmologist, warns that “a major concern with eyewear is that they can dislodge and do more damage to a dog’s eyes.”
This is especially true for brachycephalic breeds, where shallow goggle cups could press against their already-protruding eyes.
Real Talk: Are Dog Goggles Worth It?
So after all this research, what’s the verdict? Are dog goggles necessary?
The honest answer is: it depends on your individual dog.
For some dogs—particularly brachycephalic breeds, those with existing eye conditions, or adventure dogs who spend lots of time outdoors—goggles can provide valuable protection and potentially prevent costly eye injuries.
For other dogs, goggles might be unnecessary or even unwelcome, causing more stress than benefit.
I think Dr. Greenstein sums it up perfectly: “For certain activities, like prolonged sun exposure, or dogs who have eye disease, or you’re worried about debris going into their eyes—it might be an activity that’s humans only.”
My Personal Experience with Dog Goggles
I tried goggles with my Lab mix, Baxter, last summer before our beach vacation. The first few attempts were…let’s just say hilarious disasters! He kept pawing them off within seconds. But after a week of training (and many, MANY treats), he eventually tolerated them for short periods.
Were they worth it? For us, yes – especially at the beach where he loves to dig in the sand (and inevitably gets it everywhere, including his eyes). But we don’t use them for regular walks or everyday activities.
Final Thoughts
Dog goggles might look cute and funny, but they serve a real purpose for many dogs. The key is understanding your dog’s specific needs, getting proper guidance from your vet, ensuring a good fit, and taking the time to help your dog adjust to wearing them.
When in doubt, consult your veterinarian about whether your particular pup could benefit from eye protection. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s breed, health status, and lifestyle.
And remember – if your dog absolutely refuses to wear goggles despite your best efforts, that’s okay too! There are always other ways to protect those precious puppy peepers.
Have you tried dog goggles with your furry friend? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Protecting Against Sun Damage
Ultraviolet light is bad for dogs, but not in the same way it is for us. “While UV light is the most common cause of cataracts in people, dogs develop cataracts due to heredity or as a side effect of diabetes,” says Meekins, a board-certified veterinarian. “They simply don’t live long enough for the cumulative effects of UV exposure to induce cataracts.” So, should dogs wear sunglasses?
UV light can have other consequences for dogs, including worsening pannus, she says. And “while uncommon in dogs, UV light can also increase risk of the development of a certain kind of surface ocular cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.”
Protection from the sun in the case of pannus is the most common reason Accola, who is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology, recommends eyewear. Although pannus is considered hereditary, he says UV radiation from the sun contributes to the disease. “Reduction of exposure to direct sunlight is reasonable in hopes of reducing the severity of this condition and eyewear is one way to achieve this.”
Dog Breeds That May Benefit from Protective Eyewear
When it comes to vision, some breeds are more likely than others to have issues with their eyes. Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and other breeds known as brachycephalics have prominent eyeballs, says Dr. Brady Beale, a clinical instructor in ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia. “Prominent eyeballs are much more susceptible to abrasions, ulcers, and cuts.”
Because their eyes are large and situated closer to the ground, brachycephalics tend to run into plants or other items that might harm their eyes, says Stine, who is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology. So “they may benefit from protective eyewear when they’re outside to prevent self-trauma to the eyes.”
Sun exposure can worsen an autoimmune disease called chronic superficial keratitis (or pannus), especially in German Shepherds and Greyhounds, says Dr. Lucien Vallone, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station.
Pannus is not painful in most cases, but can result in blindness if left untreated, he says. “While topical anti-inflammatory therapies are the mainstay of therapy, reducing sun exposure can also help. Protective eyewear is often recommended for dogs suffering from this specific disease.”
Blind dogs who have persistent ocular trauma, as well as active dogs who work in an environment where there is higher risk of trauma to the eyes—search and rescue dogs, police dogs, those who work in harsh conditions, for example—may also be good candidates for eye protection. “They may help prevent ocular trauma such as foreign bodies like plants, punctures and abrasions, and other potential irritants,” says Dr. Peter Accola, a veterinary ophthalmologist at WVRC Emergency and Specialty Pet Care in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Why let your dog wear goggles?
FAQ
Do dogs really need goggles?
Your dog can immensely benefit from wearing goggles if you’re both active in the great outdoors as they provide protection from UV rays, sand, dense woodland …Mar 31, 2021
Why do K9 dogs wear goggles?
Many working dogs, particularly hunting or search & rescue dogs, find use in a good pair of goggles. Hunting dogs are prone to abrasions, or even further damage, from the animals they retrieve. Birds in particular can poke and peck at your dog’s eyes, and they can sometimes lose them in this occupation.
Can doggles prevent cataracts in dogs?
Thus, dogs don’t need to wear doggy sunglasses to prevent cataracts. But, yes, some dogs do develop cataracts. Why is this?
Do dogs’ eyes need protection from the sun?
Dogs with light-colored eyes are particularly vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can lead to conditions such as cataracts or even cancers. Goggles can also be beneficial for dogs that are prone to eye infections or have recently undergone eye surgery.