Why Do Dogs Need Goggles?
We get it, us humans sometimes go over the top with our dogs and their accessories. I mean, does any dog actually want or need a $3.2 million dog collar (I’m not kidding, that’s a real thing)? But for a lot of dogs, goggles are a safety necessity.
Some dogs who may need goggles include:
- Military/police dogs for eye protection and impact resistance (and soon for augmented reality).
- Working dogs like (i.e., search and rescue) to protect their eyes from debris, sharp objects, humans who may be in distress, animals, and the sun.
- Dogs who hike and adventure with their humans to avoid eye injury from branches, sticks, and thorns while running, as well as for sun protection.
- Blind dogs who are unable see protruding objects in their way.
- Bulging eye breeds whose eyes are more exposed and vulnerable to injuries.
- Dogs who like swimming in lakes and oceans.
- Dogs with certain eye injuries, to prevent further damage or infection.
- Dogs who like to hang their head out of car windows, or ride in boats or on motorcycles, to protect from dust and bugs.
Note: It’s generally not advised (and potentially dangerous) to allow dogs to stick their head out of a car window, but for the purposes of this list we realize that people still do it. Like how I probably shouldn’t play oyster cracker fetch with my dog across the living room…
Best Overall Dog Goggles—Rex Specs
4.9 star rating with over 1,000 reviews
RexSpecs are the toughest dog goggles on the market, designed for dogs known for galavanting in rugged environments.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Multiple colors & size options
- Shatterproof & impact resistant lenses with ANSI Z87 1 certification
- UV protection (UV400 rated)
- Water friendly and anti-fog
- Clear lens options
Cons
- Pricey compared to other goggles
- Lenses scratch fairly easily according to reviews, but replacements are available
BUY HERE, $79.95 $59.96 from Rex Specs
BONUS: Rex Specs Anti-Fog “Cat Crap”
You didn’t read that wrong. The product is made by RexSpecs and is really named “Cat Crap”. It’s an anti-fog cleaner for these nifty goggles. Not gonna lie, we had to add this to the list solely because its name is hilarious. It doesn’t seem to have many reviews yet, but the ones posted so far are 4 or 5 stars. Something tells us that everyone could use some Cat Crap in their lives.
BUY HERE, $9.95 from Rex Specs
Best Overall Budget-Friendly Dog Goggles—QUMY
4.3 star rating with over 7,000 reviews
These QUMY dog goggles seem to be loved by reviewers! They’re only available in one size (best suited for medium sized breeds) with adjustable straps, and are designed for light activity and protection, but at their budget-friendly price point, it’s a great option for a lot of dogs.
Pros
- Affordable
- 6 color options & adjustable straps
- Water friendly & available anti-fog option
- Shatterproof lenses and replacements available
- UV protection
Cons
- Only available in one size
- Not ideal for dogs under 15lbs or very large dogs
- Not designed for rugged environments
BUY HERE, $8.99 on Amazon
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Goggles For Small Breeds—Enjoying
4.3 star rating out of over 6,000 reviews
These goggles fill the gap for budget-friendly eye protection that fit small breeds. They offer 4 color options in the adjustable goggle style, and reviewers are pretty stoked about how well they fit their pups. (Please disregard the pumpkin sunglasses in this listing—as adorable as they are, they do not function effectively as goggles.)
Pros
- Ideal sizing for small breeds
- Lightweight & adjustable
- 4 color options
- UV protection
Cons
- Not designed for protection in rugged environments
- Some reviewer complaints about design, and material around eyes not having enough cushion or breathability
BUY HERE, $7.99 from Amazon
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Goggles For Large Breeds—PETLESO
4.1 star rating out of over 600 reviews
PETLESO is a great low-cost option for larger breeds like golden retrievers, German shepherds, and huskies, if you can get them to stop zooming long enough to put them on.
Pros
- Ideal sizing for large breeds
- UV protection
- Adjustable straps
- 3 color options
- Unique triangular shape looks pretty sweet
Cons
- Some reviewer complaints about quality
- No mention of shatterproof lenses or water-friendliness
- Not designed for rugged environments
BUY HERE, $7.99–$10.99 on Amazon
Best Budget-Friendly Dog Goggles For Heckin’ Large (Giant) Breeds—Doggles ILS Series
4.5 star rating with nearly 300 reviews
It can be difficult to find just about anything for XXL breeds, but these goggles fit the bill! In fact, they offer sizes from extra-small all the way to extra-large.
Pros
- Lenses are shatterproof, replaceable, extra-deep, & anti-fog
- 100% UVA & UVB protection
- Adjustable straps
- 5 sizes and 13 colors available
- Made of recycled materials
- Clear lens options
- Great for “short-nosed” breeds
Cons
- Some reviewer complaints about being too rigid & stiff
- No mention of water-friendliness
- Not designed for rugged environments
BUY HERE, $24.99 $17.99 from Chewy
Best Fashionable Sunglasses/Goggles—PEDOMUS
3.7 star rating with over 300 reviews
These li’l numbers are great for dog parents looking for goggles designed more like stylish sunglasses, but with adjustable straps. They’re best for UV protection and light dust only.
Pros
- Water-friendly
- Shatterproof
- Adjustable band
- UV protection
Cons
- Not ideal for rigorous activity
BUY HERE, $10.79 $9.99 on Amazon