Dog goggles (a.k.a “Doggles”) maybe be cute and make for adorable Instagram pictures, but they also play a vital role in your dog’s eye safety and health.
Rex Specs
I never considered purchasing a pair, until our vet prescribed my dog an eye gel for allergies and warned me that the medicine would make his eyes more vulnerable to injury. From there, I started to do some research and learned that he should have been wearing goggles all along due to his pigment deficiency (often attributed to the same gene that made him deaf).
My research taught me that there are a ton of dog goggle options out there, and it can be difficult to determine which model is best for you dog! Luckily we’ve put all our hours of research into our picks below.
1. Rex Specs
Note: Recently tested, updated review coming soon!
2. QUMY Dog Sunglasses
These fashionable, rainbow-mirrored glasses are guaranteed to make heads turn. Not only do they look awesome, their design is waterproof.
If you’re going on a long walk or hike, you can stash them in your pocket and put them on your pup before a swim or before going into the woods, since they’re foldable and come with a carrying pouch.
They also have a hinged nose bridge design which can help with fit and comfort.
- fashionable
- folding frame
- lenses can pop
- not shatterproof
- not as durable as other hinged designs
Perfect For: medium and large dogs, outdoors
3. Doggles Originalz Frame Goggles for Dogs
As the name implies, these are the original dog goggles, and this is the latest design based on the original model. Doggles has had over twenty years to perfect their design so you can trust their effectiveness and quality.
The smoke-tinted lenses are great for walks, car rides, or if your dog is very light sensitive.
Not only do they have a great reputation, but this model is often worn by dogs working for the U.S. military, so you know they’re tough. These durable goggles are a favorite among dog owners who take their dogs on ATVs, motorcycles, or high-speed window surfers.
- durable
- reliable
- proven
- fit can be tricky (make sure you measure accurately)
Perfect For: small to large active dogs
4. Enjoying Dog Goggles
Small dogs won’t feel excluded from the fun with this model made just for them!
These goggles not only provide UV protection, but are windproof and waterproof. They come in pink or black and are sure to give your dog that ‘I’m too cool for dog school’ look.
They are made for smaller dog breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkies.
The elastic strap will ensure they fit properly and won’t fly off if your pup sticks his head out of the window. They’re padded around the eyes to make them more comfortable, too.
- cupped lenses to accommodate for bulgy eyes
- sizing can run large
- not shatterproof
Perfect For: Small dogs with bulgy eyes during outdoor activities
5. PETLESO Large Dog Goggles
With these Petleso skiing goggles, you’ll wonder if your dog is cooler than you are. Dogs who use these get a lot of attention.
Not only do these goggles provide a larger area of protection by covering the bridge of your dog’s nose, they also don’t make your dog look like he is on the swim team.
These goggles have all the protection your dog needs for skiing and other sports. They have UV protection, wind protection, dust and fog protection, allowing your dog to see clearly as he hits the slopes.
They also have a silicon strap that can removed and washed, and the cotton padding gives your pup’s eyes some ventilation.
- added coverage for the bridge of the nose
- durable
- not shatterproof
Perfect For: medium and large dogs, especially those in snowy climates
6. Doggles ILS Dog Glasses
As we mentioned above, Doggles is a trusted brand with a die-hard following. They are even used for military dogs that parachute from planes!
These 100% UV Protection goggles provide physical protection with their shatterproof lenses, as well.
They have an extra wide nose bridge and come in sizes extra-small to large for better pup-fit, and the entire frame is padded. And you don’t have to worry about your active pups fogging up the lenses, they have a coating to help prevent that.
One of the most unique characteristics of these goggles is that if one of the lenses gets scratched, you can easily order replacement lenses.
If you have a small dog, Doggles also makes a pair specifically for them.
- shatterproof
- anti-fog lenses
- interchangeable lenses are easily replaced
- the interchangeable lenses can slide out
Perfect For: working dogs and dogs that love the outdoors
7. Vevins Dog Goggles
These goggles made the list because of their unique nose bridge design.
Like other goggles, they are breathable, fog resistant, provide UV protection, and have soft padding. Unlike the other models on our list, this design provides nose coverage with the flexibility of a hinged bridge that makes them more comfortable for your dog and sit snugger on his face.
They are made for small to medium sized dogs. Miniature Schauzer, Jack Russel, Boston Terrier owners rave over them.
- six color options
- folding bridge design for better fit
- not shatterproof
- only one size available
Perfect For: small and medium dogs
8. DETI Dog Sunglasses
These dog sunglasses are a top choice because they were designed by the people who know what our dogs need: veterinarians.
These goggles are some of the most versatile on the market. They were designed with the sportiest dogs in mind. They are great for dogs who join their owners on the boat, motorcycle, or in the woods. They are even designed for dogs who love to swim and get muddy.
The lenses are polycarbonate shatterproof, UV proof, and water resistant. Their frame is extra light and has special vents to prevent fogging. And for those dogs that get extra dirty, the band and frame come apart for easy cleaning.
- easy to clean
- lightweight
- the single lens design does not sit as flush on some dogs
Perfect For: medium and large dogs in sunny regions
Dog Goggles Help Protect our Dogs…
Against UV Light
Do you put sunscreen on your pup’s nose? If so, you’ll want to protect his eyes from UV damage, too.
Some dogs, like mine, are more sensitive to light. Breeds that are light sensitive can develop an autoimmune disease called “pannus.” These breeds include German Shepherds, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and long haired Dachshunds.
If you and your pup live in a sunny location, spend a lot of time in the sun, or are exposed to snow glare, you should consider protecting your pup’s eyes with tinted goggles.
From Injury
The last thing you want is your dog to have to wear or an eye patch, or worse, have an eye surgically removed.
Some puppers have naturally bulging eyes (vets refer to this as “brachycephalics”). These pups are extra adorable, but their eyes make them more vulnerable to injuries like abrasions, ulcers, and cuts. These bulgy-eyed breeds include Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Chow Chows, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Bull Mastiffs, English Toy Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and Pugs. If you’re unsure if your dog falls into this category, be sure to ask your vet.
Whether your dog’s on the job, in the woods, or sticking his head out of the window, they can be exposed to branches, snow, bugs, dirt, or other debris that could puncture or scratch their eyes.
Goggles are a must if your dog dives into murky water or plunges into bushes or brush without hesitation.
From Further Injury
Goggles can help dogs prevent further injury if they have cataracts or renal failure or cataract surgery or related procedure. Goggles also help if your dog is prone to scratching their eyes due to irritants.
They are also great if your dog has persistently dry eyes. Not only will they prevent further damage, but goggles can give you peace of mind.
What to Consider When Shopping
Lenses
You’ll want clear lenses for general protection or if your dog has vision problems.
Tinted lenses are great for wilderness dogs, dogs that work outdoors, or dogs that ride on motorcycles, boats, or in cars. Make sure you don’t put the goggles over your dog’s eyes until you’re outside. Tinted lenses can make it hard for pups to see inside.
Fit
To get your dog’s back strap and frame length, measure your dog’s head circumference. You can do this by measuring from the outer edge one eye, across the nose to the other eye and around the head.
To get his frame length, measure under one ear to the other ear.
Final Thoughts
Remember, that when you first get your dog his new shades, he may need a little bit of time to get used to them.
Start by putting them around his neck, giving him a few treats, and reassuring him that everything is okay.
After a few days, put them on your pup’s eyes and reward your pup with some treats and affection.
Better listen to him and sign up below!
Is there ones for really small dogs