Best Dog Goggles: Protecting Your Pup’s Eyes!

Dogs are pretty tough critters, but their eyes are rather delicate.

Things like wind, dust, sand, and gravel can irritate or injure your pet’s eyes.

For that matter, sticks and thorns may cause very painful wounds.

Fortunately, there are a number of dog goggles available, which will help protect your pupper’s peepers. We’ll identify a few of the best models on the market below and explain which ones will work best for various applications.

But first, let’s talk about the reasons that goggles are so helpful and explain some of the situations in which you may want to strap a pair on your pooch.

Best Goggles For Dogs: Quick Picks

• #1 Rex Specs V2 [Best Overall Dog Goggles]: Looking for the best dog goggles on the market? Here you go — it really is that simple. These premium goggles are extremely well made and feature impact- and UV-resistant lenses.
• #2 QUMY Dog Goggles [Best Budget-Friendly Dog Goggles]: Just need a pair of inexpensive goggles to help protect your pup’s peepers? QUMY’s Dog Goggles are the perfect choice.
• #3 Doggles ILS Series Goggles [Most Style and Color Options]: Need some goggles that’ll perfectly suit your pupper’s style? These goggles are available in several different designs and feature interchangeable lenses.

Types of Dog Goggles: Picking the Best Eye-Protection for Your Pooch

For the most part, dog goggles are all pretty similar. Most feature some cushioned frames, one or two lenses, and a special neck or head strap that keeps the whole shebang in place.

But goggles do differ in a few key ways, which we’ll describe below.

Style: Single Lens or Individual Lenses

Most dog goggles have two different lenses – one for each eye. However, a few models feature a single, large lens, which protects both eyes at the same time.

Neither style works best in all situations; however, single-lens goggles may allow your dog to enjoy a slightly wider field of vision.

Lens Strength: Typical or Heavy-Duty

Most goggles – particularly economy-priced models – don’t provide a ton of information regarding the impact resistance of the lenses. We’d call such lenses “typical duty.” This isn’t really a big deal if your dog is just wearing them to shield his eyes from the bright sunshine or wind.

However, if your dog needs protection from sticks and similar dangers, you’ll likely want to opt for goggles that utilize lenses that are designed to be impact resistant.

Fortunately, there are at least one pair of dog goggles that feature these types of “heavy-duty” lenses.

Lens Color: Clear or Tinted

Some dog goggles have tinted lenses, which help to cut down on the sun’s glare, while others have clear lenses, which don’t appreciably reduce the amount of light passing through the goggles.

Just be sure to select lenses that are appropriate for your dog’s needs. Note that some clear lenses still block UV rays, so you needn’t stick to tinted lenses if you don’t want to.

Best Dog Goggles on the Market

There’s no shortage of dog goggles on the market, but they vary quite significantly in terms of quality. However, we found five different options that are well-suited for owners in different circumstances. We’ll detail each one below.  

1. Rex Specs

About: Rex Specs V2 are premium dog goggles, which are made by a Wyoming-based company that produces nothing else – their entire product line consists of these goggles (although they do come in several sizes and a wide range of colors, and you’ll have your choice of lenses).

They were originally designed for the company owner’s dogs, who developed eye problems and needed extra protection from the sun and elements.  

Features:

• Single-lens design with comfortable, 10 mm-thick padding
• UV 400 to block out 99.9% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays
• Tri-glide buckle and elastic strap system
• ANSI Z87.1-rated for impact
• Breathable mesh helps drain goggles and keep out fog

2. QUMY Dog Goggles

About: QUMY Dog Goggles are affordable, no-frills goggles that should help shade and protect your dog’s eyes, without busting your budget. QUMY Goggles are primarily designed to protect your dog’s eyes from the sun, sand, and wind, and they work more like sunglasses than true goggles. This means that they won’t keep your pet’s eyes dry while he’s swimming underwater.

Features:

• Shatterproof lenses
• Hinged bridge allows goggles to fold in half for easy storage
• Dual strap system for a snug fit
• Sliding buckles for strap length adjustment
• Included carrying pouch

3. Doggles ILS Series Goggles

About: A newer line of goggles from Doggles, the ILS Series features a pretty simple design that is roughly similar to the Originalz line discussed above. However, the ILS series feature interchangeable lenses and upgraded graphics on the frames.

Features:

• Twin-lens with unique designs to express your pup’s personality
• Durable, rigid plastic frames
• Padded eye cups for added comfort
• Deeper cut lenses to give your dog’s eyelashes from bumping into the lenses
• Flexible head-and-chin strap for a secure fit

4. Doggles Originalz

About: Doggles is a company that specializes in producing eyewear for dogs. Their Doggles Originalz models are pretty straight-forward dog goggles, which are designed to fit snuggly against your dog’s face and help protect his eyes, while also looking awesome. Doggles Originalz are pretty inexpensive, although they do cost more than some of the other options on the market.   

Features:

• Dual-lens goggles
• Anti-fog and impact-resistant design
• Drain holes for ventilation and emptying excess moisture
• Elastic head and chin straps
• UV protection

5. Enjoying Dog Goggles

About: At first glance, Enjoying Dog Goggles don’t appear much different than a few of the other budget-friendly goggles on the market. And in most ways, that’d be a correct assumption: In terms of style, materials, and features, they are pretty similar to most other goggles.

The thing that makes them stand out amid the crowd is the fact that they appear to fit small dogs better than any of the other options on the market.  

Features:

• Dual-lens design
• Flexible elastic strap system
• Cushioned frame for added comfort
• Head and chin strap for a secure fit
• Lightweight, shatterproof lenses

6. NAMSAN Large Breed Goggles

About: For a rugged pair of goggles that are designed to endure any adventure yet won’t break the bank, check out these goggles from NAMSAN. These windproof, UV-proof goggles are suitable for medium and large breeds, and they even come with a convenient travel case. While these goggles are more expensive than some other options of the list, they serve as an excellent alternative to Rex Specs and some of the other super-premium options. 

Features:

• Made with durable materials to ensure they last
• Single lens design for comfort
• Wind, water, and snow proof
• Come with an included travel case 

7. NVTED Dog Sunglasses

About: These sunglasses from NVTED are a great value for the price and have a single, one-piece lens that might work better for some pups. The padded frame is designed to keep your pooch comfortable and keep debris and water out, while the chin and neck strap help keep these sunglasses in place while your pooch moves from one activity to the next. 

Features:

• Built-in vents to keep out moisture
• Soft and sturdy PVC frame
• Elastic chin and neck strap
• 100% UV protection
• Mirrored lens  

8. NAMSAN Dog Goggles

About: Is your best buddy your adventure buddy? If so, these versatile dog goggles from NAMSAN deserve serious consideration. In addition to simply being great dog googles, these also come with a convenient travel case and an adjustable chin and neck strap for a snug fit. 

Features:

• Provide 100% UV protection 
• Curved snout bridge for comfort
• Wide design works for large breeds
• Comes with an included travel case

9. Pawaboo Dog Sunglasses

About: Got a pint-sized pooch on your hands? Check out Pawaboo Dog Sunglasses –  a high-quality yet affordable pick that’s perfect for any small breed doggo. UV-proof and designed specially for small pups, these lightly padded sunglasses are breathable, to keep your canine comfy and prevent fogging.  

Features:

• Sun goggles perfect for small dogs
• Adjustable chin and neck strap
• Light foam padding
• Provide protection from UV rays and the wind

10. Lewondr Small Dog Sunglasses

About: If your furball is a fashionista, these colorful sunglasses from Lewondr are a great pick. But aside from being colorful, these snug-fitting sunglasses come with adjustable neck and chin straps for maximum canine comfort. These glasses also provide 100% UV protection when your pup’s soaking up the sun! 

Features:

• Provide 100% UV protection
• Elastic chin and neck strap for a secure fit
• Sponge padding included for comfort
• Available in 13 color and pattern options 

11. PEDOMUS Dog Goggles

About: If you’re seeking dog goggles that keep debris out of your dog’s eyes without changing the way he sees the world, these goggles from PEDOMUS may be perfect. These clear goggles are perfect for biking or going on road trips with your best buddy, and they stay snug with the adjustable head and chin straps. 

Features:

• Clear glasses for wind and debris protection
• Elastic head and chin strap 
• Sponge padding for comfort
• They feature a single, rimless lens

Matching Your Dog’s Needs with the Best Goggles

While the seven dog goggles mentioned above are all worthy choices, it’s important to select the pair that’ll best satisfy your pet’s specific needs. Some dogs may need a pair of goggles to protect their eyes from wind, while some others may simply need glasses that’ll help them look as fabulous as possible. Some will belong to owners who need the cheapest eye protection available.

We’ll discuss a few of these situations in greater detail below.

Best Hunting Dog Goggles: Rex Specs

Hunting can be a dangerous activity, as forests and fields are often full of eye-endangering sticks, thorns, and other hazards.

Accordingly, you’ll want goggles that feature strong lenses, provide full-eye coverage, and fit securely. Rex Specs check off each of these boxes and more.  

Best Goggles for Motorcycle-Riding Dogs: Doggles Sidecar Eyewear

Doggles Sidecar Goggles protect biker dogs from the three things that may endanger their eyes, including wind, debris, and the sun’s UV rays. These goggles are fit for a motorcycle ride!

They’re also designed with a motorcycle-appropriate aesthetic, which makes them the perfect choice for dogs who like to ride on the open road.

Best Dog Swimming Goggles: Doggles ILS Series

Because their furry faces make it virtually impossible to achieve an air-tight seal, there aren’t any “human-style” swimming goggles on the market. They’ll all fill with water once your dog starts swimming underwater. Fortunately, this isn’t really a big deal – few dogs swim underwater very much, and those that do don’t seem to mind opening their eyes underwater.

But, if you do expect your dog to swim underwater with his goggles, it’s probably a good idea to set him up with clear lenses, so he will be able to see as well as possible. Accordingly, Doggles ILS Series Goggles with clear lenses are your best bet.  

Best Military-Grade Goggles: Rex Specs

There don’t appear to be any bona fide tactical or military grade dog goggles available to the public (we’d love to be corrected – let us know if you know of any that are). That said, a number of tactical supply retailers stock Rex Specs and incorporate them into their dog-protection packages.

Best Goggles for Working Dogs: Rex Specs

Rex Specs are the obvious choice for dogs who work outdoors or in other challenging environments. Not only do they provide better protection than any of the other goggles we found, but they also have interchangeable lenses, which make it easy to use the goggles in a variety of light levels and environments.

Best Clear Dog Goggles: Rex Specs or Doggles ILS Series

Most dog-goggle manufacturers try to provide everything owners may want in a single product. This means that most goggles are not only designed to protect your dog from wind, UV-rays, and debris but bright sunlight too. Consequently, clear lenses aren’t terribly common. However, clear lenses are an option with Rex Specks and Doggles ILS Series goggles.  

Best Cheap Dog Goggles: QUMY Dog Goggles

Not all dogs need the type of serious peeper protection Rex Specs and some of the other goggles we recommend above provide. Some just need a bit of protection for when they’re scoping out the park scene on a sunny day or the wind starts blowing across the beach. For that matter, goggles are often simply a way to make your canine companion look a bit cooler.

In such cases, it’s hard to go wrong with an affordable pair that typically fit well, making QUMY Goggles the obvious choice.

Best UV-Resistant Dog Goggles: Rex Specs

Most of the goggles we recommend above have UV-blocking lenses. However, not all UV-blocking lenses provide equal levels of protection. Rex Specs are rated UV 400, meaning that they block 99% of the light waves shorter than 400 nanometers (which means all of the UV rays produced by the sun).

The Benefits of Goggles: Why Do Dogs Need Goggles, Anyway?

Let’s be clear at the outset: Goggles aren’t a necessity for all dogs.

If, for example, your 9-year-old greyhound would rather lounge on your lap instead of running through forests, swimming at the pool, or riding in the car with his head out the window, your money is probably better spent elsewhere.

But, a lot of dogs will absolutely benefit from a good pair of goggles or protective eyewear. Especially those described below:

Dogs Who Ride Motorcycles

You wouldn’t jump on your bike and hit the road without some kind of eye protection, so you shouldn’t expect your dog to do so either.

The wind will blast his eyeballs hard enough to dry them out, and he’ll likely get tons of dirt and grit blown into them too, which may cause serious injuries. But a simple pair of dog goggles will offer some protection from the wind and help keep his eyes safe.

Also, because biking weather is usually sunny, a set of tinted lenses may also be necessary.

Dogs Who Jog with Their Person

Unless you’re really picking them up and putting them down, you probably don’t jog fast enough for wind to be a problem. However, there are still plenty of reasons to protect your pup’s eyes during your daily jog.

There’s a lot of dangerous debris floating alongside roads and sidewalks, and the sun is often a factor too. But a good pair of UV-resistant goggles will usually keep your pet’s eyes protected.   

Dogs Who Love the Water

Goggles are great for water-loving dogs, but they don’t work like human goggles do. They don’t provide an air-tight seal around your dog’s eyes.

But they still provide value for dogs who love to play around the water. Several will help protect your dog’s eyes from dangerous UV rays, while also shielding his eyes from splashing water.

Dogs Who Work for a Living

Not all working dogs need goggles, but those who are expected to spend a lot of time outdoors very well may.

This is particularly true of dogs who must work in places where bright sunlight, wind, and debris are factors. If you need eye protection in a given location, your dog does too.

Dogs Who Regularly Run Through Forests

Even if your dog doesn’t work for a living, it may be a good idea to strap a pair of goggles on him before letting him run, jump, and play in your local forest.

Most forests are full of sticks and thorns that are just waiting to jab your pooch in the eye, so goggles are a good way to help avoid such problems and protect your pupper’s eyesight.

Dogs Who Must Spend Time in Sunny Locations

If your dog spends a lot of time at the beach, chilling by the pool, or otherwise hanging out in bright and sunny locations, a good pair of tinted goggles will help keep his eyes comfy.

Additionally, the UV protection most dog goggles provide will further protect your dog’s eyes.

Dogs Who Have Eye-Related Medical Problems

Dogs with some eye problems – including pannus, which is an immune-mediated eye problem that often afflicts German shepherds – may benefit from the UV-protection many goggles provide.

Just be sure to discuss your dog’s eye problems with your vet and ask whether goggles would be a good idea for your pooch.

Dogs Who’ve Recently Had Eye Surgery

Eye surgery often leaves a dog’s eyes incredibly vulnerable, so goggles may be a good idea while your dog heals.

They may even help to protect your pup’s eyes from his own paws, which many use to scratch at itchy wounds. Just be sure to discuss the issue with your vet – goggles may not be ideal for all post-operative dogs.

Blind Dogs

This may sound counterintuitive – after all, why should you go to great lengths to protect your pup’s eyes if they don’t work anyway?

The truth is, blind dogs can still suffer injuries to their eyeballs, and because they can’t see, they aren’t able to protect themselves the same way most other dogs can.

Dogs with Bulging Eyes

Some breeds naturally have big ‘ol eyeballs and relatively shallow eye sockets.

This gives them a bit of a “bug-eyed” look (which is often cuter than it sounds), and it makes their eyes a bit more vulnerable to injury than the eyes of some other breeds. Some of the most noteworthy breeds with bulging eyes include:

• Shih Tzu
• Pekingese
• Lhasa Apso
• Boston Terrier
• Pug

If your dog is a member of one of these breeds, you may want to consider picking up a pair of protective dog goggles.

Dogs Who Like to Hang Their Head Out the Car Window

Let’s be clear: It is not a good idea to let your pup ride with his head hanging out the car window.

He may get smacked in the face by debris or objects found alongside the road. He could even be hit by a passing car. In fact, you should always have your dog ride in a car carrier designed to keep him safe while riding in your vehicle.

But we all do things we shouldn’t from time to time. I probably shouldn’t give my dog as many French fries as I give her, but I do anyway. We’re only human.

So, we try to be as realistic and down-to-earth as possible when providing advice for dog owners.

If you allow your dog to feel the wind in his hair from time to time, be sure to strap a pair of goggles on him to protect his eyes. And for goodness’ sake, please be careful.

Dog Goggles: FAQ

Dog goggles may seem like straightforward tools, but they cause a lot of owners to have questions. We’ll try to answer a few of the most common below, to ensure you understand everything you need to know!

***

Simply put, goggles are the best way to help protect your dog’s eyes while he’s enjoying the great outdoors. Just be sure to select a pair that’ll provide the specific type of protection your dog needs and be sure to check the sizing guidelines carefully before making your choice.

Have you used any of the goggles discussed above? We’d love to hear about your experiences. Let us know what you liked about them and what you didn’t. We’d also love to hear about any other goggles you may have stumbled across that have worked especially well.