Best Dog Goggles of 2025
August 28th, 2025
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If you are spending time outside with your dog, and you are wearing goggles or sunglasses, you may be wondering if your dog should have some eye protection as well. In this guide we discuss the benefits of goggles for your dog and how to choose the best pair for their needs.
We tested seven pairs of goggles for dogs over a period of three months to find the best ones for your dog's adventures. We chose winners based on a variety of factors, including durability, ease of use, ability to be worn long term, and a vision test with treats. Our dog testers were compensated with many treats and snacks and nice long walks during testing. We tested on sunny days in summer and some cloudy days with wind and a little rain.
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Comparison table
| DOG GOGGLES | TREELINE AWARD | SIZES AVAILABLE | UV PROTECTION | LENS TYPE | BEST USE | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rex Specs V2 Goggles | Best Overall Read why |
X-small, small, medium, large, x-large | Clear and smoke lenses are UV 400 blocking 99.9% UVA/UVB rays | Singular Spherical | Professional working dogs, high impact sports, long term wear | $88 |
| NVTED Suglasses/ Goggles | Best Affordable Read why |
One size fits medium to large dogs | Provides UV protection | Shield | Pet dogs who are wearing goggles for shorter periods of time. Summer hikes, bike rides, snowy walks, good training goggles for upgrading to Rex Specs. | $11 |
| QUMY Goggles Small to Medium Breed | Best for Small Dogs Read why |
One size fits small to medium dogs | Has UV protection | Spherical lens | Small dogs–we tested these on our Jack Russell Terrier and they worked best for this smaller dog. These are great for walks, hikes, and bike rides in summer or snow. | $13 |
| KayKos Dog Shades Wayv Sunglasses | Best Stylish Read why |
Small, medium and large | UV400 lenses, polarized | Split lenses | All sizes of dogs, for walks/hikes, low impact activities and hanging on the beach on sunny days, looking cool. | $21 |
| NAMSAN Dog Sunglasses | Best for Biking Read why |
One size | Clear with UV protection | Spherical | Cloudy days, eye protection, medium to large dogs | $10 |
The winners
Best overall dog goggles: Rex Specs V2 Goggles
Sizes available: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large
UV protection: Clear and smoke lenses are UV 400 blocking 99.9% UVA/UVB rays
Lens type: Singular Spherical
Strap system and adjustability: Static straps that cross underneath the dogs chin and clip over the ears, very adjustable for perfect fit
Best for: Professional working dogs, high impact sports, long term wear
What we liked: High-quality goggles, most adjustable of any model we tested, clips into place so it is harder for the dogs to remove the goggles once they are on and adjusted properly, well vented, and can be used in the water. Replacement lenses are affordable, comes with spare lenses, and comes in many colors.
What we didn’t like: Price
Rex Specs are the most expensive of all the models that we tested but they are also the most robust, well-fitting, and fully featured goggles. If you have spent any time looking at dog content on the internet you have likely come across Piper the airport dog, who wore Rex Specs for his patrols on the runways scaring off birds. Piper wore goggles to protect his eyes on windy runways, which says a lot about the function of these goggles.
Rex Specs V2 Goggles
They come in the widest range of sizes so you can get the correct fit for your dog. They come with both a clear and smoke lens so you can be ready for any conditions. Spare lenses are available for purchase and are relatively affordable once you have the goggle frame. We also liked that you can get other colors of lenses, like mirrored; and, these were the only goggles we tested that offered replaceable lenses. These goggles attach with a static strap so dogs have a harder time getting them off, and they won’t stretch and slide off like all the other models we tested.
We really like the wide field of view that our dogs get with these goggles–they are the largest of the models we tested but also seem to give our dogs the best vision while wearing them. They were all easily able to catch treats while wearing these goggles and they seemed to be comfortable for the dogs once they were adjusted properly and they practiced wearing them.
Ace wore Rex Specs when he was working with me on Search and Rescue. They were very important on days where we were working around helicopters and anytime we were in a moving vehicle or quad. The goggles helped to protect his eyes from any rock or debris that might be flying through the air. He also wore these in winter on snowy days doing avalanche training to help him see in snowstorms and protect him from the strong sun reflecting off the snow on sunny days.
If you plan on having your dog use goggles long term, you can’t go wrong with this choice. Being able to purchase replacement lenses helps them stretch the value further and you don’t have to be as stressed about a scratched or damaged lens. The static straps and clip-on design mean that your dog will have a harder time removing them on their own so you are less likely to lose them on an adventure. With all these factors added up, they are likely cheaper in the long run over some of the other goggles that might get lost or scratched and need to be replaced more frequently.
Best Affordable Dog Goggles: NVTED Sunglasses/Goggles
Sizes available: One size fits medium to large dogs
UV protection: Provides UV protection
Lens type: Shield
Strap system and adjustability: Elastic straps
Best for: Pet dogs who are wearing goggles for shorter periods of time. Summer hikes, bike rides, snowy walks, good training goggles for upgrading to Rex Specs.
What we liked: The price, nice wide field of view, fits a variety of dogs up to our 9-pound Lab tester.
What we didn’t like: Might not be as durable over the long term, elastic bands make it easier for the dog to remove the goggles. Only one size available.
The NVTED goggles are affordable and fit a variety of dogs. They only come in one size but that size worked for all but our smallest tester. These are great entry-level dog goggles if you are not sure that your dog will be wearing them long term or if you just want to try them out for a specific adventure. The affordable price stings less if your dog refuses to wear them or scratches them while trying to remove them.
NVTED Sunglasses/Goggles
We also love that these goggles are really easy to slide on and off our dogs. If you are looking for a goggle that will work for short bursts of use, these are much easier to attach than the ex Specs which have a clip and require a little more adjusting for a perfect long term fit. With a rainbow colored lens these also just look cool–we had so much fun trying these on all of our dogs and it was hard not to smile at how cute they looked in these.
We did a treat catching test with these goggles and had great success with almost all of our dogs being able to see well enough to catch treats while wearing them. They have a smaller field of view compared to the Rex Specs, our overall winner, but they still were larger than most of the others we tested.
Overall these goggles look cool, fit our tester dogs well, and helped them see better. Stella, our Pitbull tester, even took naps wearing these (it was hard to tell because her eyes weren’t visible but the snoring gave it away). If you know dogs, being able to nap in something means it must be comfortable.
Best Small Dog Goggles: QUMY Dog Goggles Small to Medium Breed
Sizes available: One size fits small to medium dogs
UV protection: Has UV protection
Lens type: Spherical lens
Strap system and adjustability: Two adjustable elastic straps
Best for: Small dogs–we tested these on our Jack Russell Terrier and they worked best for this smaller dog. These are great for walks, hikes, and bike rides in summer or snow.
What we liked: Wide view with the singular lens and the apparent comfort of these goggles on our testers.
What we didn’t like: Only one size available, elastic bands allow for dog to remove goggles.
The QUMY goggles were the smallest of the goggles that we tested. We loved these for our smallest tester, Darby the Jack Russell Terrier. These goggles have a nice solid shape and feel sturdy. Darby is new to wearing goggles and the goggles were not damaged during moments where he decided to remove them with his paw. We tried these on some medium sized dogs, and while they worked for some of the medium dogs, they fit Darby the best.
QUMY Dog Goggles Small to Medium Breed
We tested for visibility and Darby was able to catch treats while wearing them. The lens is also nice and dark for bright sunny days. Darby wore these on his walks after a few training sessions and seemed to really enjoy them.
The field of view on these is smaller than other goggles we tested, but based on the size of dogs they are designed for it seems proportionate. We would trust these goggles for our dog on bike rides in a carrier or snowmobile rides where we can make sure we have an eye on them that they are keeping the goggles on.
Best Stylish Dog Goggles: KayKos Dog Shades WAYV Sunglasses
Sizes available: Small, medium and large
UV protection: UV400 lenses, polarized
Lens type: Split lenses
Strap system and adjustability: Elastic cord with cord lock
Best for: All sizes of dogs, for walks/hikes, low impact activities and hanging on the beach on sunny days, looking cool.
What we liked: They look like sunglasses for people but are made for dogs, they are super stylish and very cool. High-quality materials and well designed, sunglasses style vents well on hotter days.
What we didn’t like: Not for high-impact or high-speed activities.
If you have ever tried your sunglasses on your dog and thought they looked adorable, then these are for you. They are super cool looking and use an elastic band to attach to your dog for the perfect fit. Kaykos says that you can rest the glasses in “chill mode” on top of your dog's head for extra style. Stella, our Pitbull, figured out how to do this herself.
KayKos Dog Shades Wayv Sunglasses
Other than the Rex Specs these are the only models we tested with an actual UV400 rating (the other goggles state UV protection without specifics). We liked knowing that these have a good rating similar to sunglasses that people wear.
These glasses were originally designed for Pitbulls, with large block heads, so we had to try them on Stella, and while she loved them and possibly wore them best, they worked for Ace and Sunny as well. We really liked these for lake and beach days with the dogs where we are spending time by the water together relaxing. The dogs all tolerated wearing them well and they were able to see treats and catch them. These glasses come in a variety of colors so you can find one that fits your dog's personality.
We wouldn’t use these for high-impact activities, like snowmobile rides with our dogs, but we do like them for general eye protection during walks and adventures (including snowshoe adventures with your pup). We used these on overgrown trail walks to help protect our dogs eyes from scratchy brush.
Overall these are the coolest models we tested. We couldn’t help but smile at our dogs while they were wearing them and we always get comments on neighborhood walks about how they look on our dogs.
Best Dog Goggles for Biking: NAMSAN Dog Sunglasses for Medium to Large Dogs
Sizes available: One size
UV protection: Clear with UV protection
Lens type: Spherical
Strap system and adjustability: Two adjustable elastic straps
Best for: Cloudy days, eye protection, medium to large dogs
What we liked: Single lens with a wide field of view, fits a variety of dogs, good for cloudy days or indoor use and training to wear goggles, affordable price.
What we didn’t like: Only one size available and easy for the dog to remove the goggles.
The NAMSAN goggles are almost the same as the NVTED goggles–we were unable to find a difference other than the packaging and the color of the lenses, that being said we like the clear lenses for bike rides and other medium speed activities. The clear lenses are nice for cloudy days or inclement weather. My dog Ace hates getting rain on his face, wearing goggles like these with clear lenses helps him handle it better with less squinting.
NAMSAN Dog Sunglasses for Medium to Large Dogs
Much like the NVTED goggles, these fit a variety of dogs well–all but our smallest tester was able to wear them. The clear lens was great for indoor tolerance training, and helped Sunny, our most skeptical tester, get used to wearing goggles. Clear lenses are also great for dogs who are recovering from eye injury or with other eye issues since they will be able to see well indoors while wearing them. Our local vet recommended goggles for high pollen count days for dogs with allergies to help reduce the pollen in their eyes.
Overall these are a great choice to keep debris out of your dogs eyes while moving at moderate speeds or on stormy days.
Other Dog Goggles We Tested
Petleso Dog Goggles Medium Breed
Sizes available: One size, fit small to medium dogs
UV protection: Has UV protection
Lens type: Two lenses
Strap system and adjustability: Two adjustable elastic straps
Best for: Small to medium dogs for low to medium impact activities and bike rides
What we liked: Fashionable, portable with folding design, fit a variety of dogs well highly adjustable.
What we didn’t like: Lens sits closer to the eyes than other models, some dogs had trouble catching treats in these.
We like how compact these goggles are. They fold up small for storage and look like a hybrid between sunglasses and goggles. The lens on these is very small so it is hard to make sure you have them positioned in a way where your dog can see properly. The elastic straps on these allow for some movement and we found that with activity often they would need adjusting and our dogs were asking for help to fix them. We did like the nice dark lens on these, darker than some others we tested.
Overall most of the dogs had a really hard time catching treats while wearing these. While they look very cute on the dogs, they are best for smaller dogs like Darby where you can get the lens fitted properly over the eyes.
Petleso Dog Goggles Medium Breed
Sizes available: One size for medium to large dogs
UV protection: Has UV Protection
Lens type: Two lenses
Strap system and adjustability: Two adjustable elastic straps
Best for: Medium to large dogs in low to medium impact activities, bike rides, walks and hikes.
What we liked: Folds for compact storage, center hinge helps fit a variety of dogs
What we didn’t like: Some dogs had vision issues with these goggles, lens sits closer to the eye, durability concerns
These are similar to the Petleso goggles in that they can be folded in half and are a hybrid between sunglasses and goggles. They have a larger lens area than the Petleso goggles but we still had issues getting the right fit on our dogs.
Another unique feature of these is that they have a double hinge in the nose instead of just one like the Petleso goggles that fold. While the hinged goggles sounded like a good idea for being able to get a customized fit over the eyes, our dogs weren’t able to catch treats as easily in these. We also had issues with keeping them adjusted properly on our dogs eyes and they would need a lot of readjustment during the day.
QUMY Dog Sunglasses Dog Goggles for Medium to Large Breed
What to Look for in Dog Goggles
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Most of the goggles we tested can fit a variety of breeds and sizes. Bully breeds and breeds with narrow faces like the Borzoi are traditionally harder to fit with goggles or glasses and may require extra care with measuring for proper fit.
We tested three main types of goggles: a single lens style with a fixed width and large field of view, a hinged goggle with two lenses for a more adjustable fit, and a sunglass style with two lenses and a fixed front width. With some harder to fit breeds the hinged lenses might be a good choice as they flex to fit a wider range of sizes, however we also had issues keeping these properly adjusted over time on our dogs.
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We tested goggles that provide UV protection and have clear lenses with UV protection as well. For indoor use or cloudy days the clear lenses might be the best option for your dog. While some of the goggles listed a specific UV400 protection others just stated “UV protection.”
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It is important that you only use shatterproof lenses to protect your dogs eyes, especially if they will be used during high-impact activities or during high winds where debris or objects could break the lens.
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Most of the goggles we tested can be treated with an anti-fog coating like Cat Crap. Some of the models have ventilation built into the design to help reduce fogging on the lenses and allow for airflow.
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We tested goggles with static and elastic straps. The static straps take a little longer to get adjusted to the proper fit, but once they are adjusted they stay in place longer. The elastic straps have a little more wiggle room with fit but can usually be easily removed by your dog which creates its own issues.
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In the end, the best goggles for your dog are the ones they are willing to wear. If you have tried your sunglasses on your dog with success, the Kaykos might be a great choice for your dog since they will be a familiar style. Rex Specs are an investment for your dog–if you aren’t sure if they will tolerate goggles the NVTED goggles are a great affordable option to get them used to wearing a goggle without the investment of Rex Specs.
Tips for getting your dog used to goggles
One word: TREATS. If you have a food-motivated dog, I highly recommend using treats to get them used to wearing the goggles. Start with just placing the goggles over their eyes for a second without attaching the bands and giving a treat. You can gradually work up to placing the goggle straps on your dog and giving a treat while wearing them and increasing the duration that they have to wear the goggles. Eventually your dog should be able to wear them for longer durations, and once they are outside in the sun or wind they will appreciate having the goggles on since they will be able to see better.
If it has been awhile since my dog Ace last wore the goggles, I start again with the treat training until he is used to them again. He usually warms right back up to them again after a few treats. I also recommend giving breaks from wearing the goggles if your dog is having trouble getting used to them.
If your dog has a play reward system in place you can use play in place of treats and give the toy while they are wearing the goggles.
Care and maintenance tips
Stella loved wearing these glasses and knew she looked cool wearing them. Photo courtesy Billy Pudoff.
Dog goggles should be cared for the same as you would care for your own sunglasses or ski goggles. You will want to check for scratches and clean with a soft microfiber cloth after each use. Most of the goggles we tested have elastic straps and making sure those are in good condition without signs of wear or tears will ensure good continued use.
Some of the goggles we tested came with a soft microfiber bag for storage. Most dog goggles will fit into a spare sunglasses bag if you have one laying around from a spare pair.
The goggles can be cleaned the same way you would clean a pair of your own goggles or sunglasses with a drop of mild dish soap and warm water. You will want to use a soft cloth to dry them and you can replenish the anti-fog treatment by using some Cat Crap or other anti-fog treatment after cleaning.
FAQ
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This is the same as asking if you really need sunglasses when you go outside–you may not need them, but they are helpful and make being outside much more pleasant.
While most dogs don’t need goggles on a daily basis, there are circumstances where they can really help them see better and keep them safer. Working dogs will need goggles to safely perform their jobs, especially if they are going in and out of helicopters or working Ski Patrol or SAR where they are going to be exposed to harsher conditions. Dogs who are riding on motorcycles or at high speed in a bicycle trailer will also greatly benefit from goggles to protect their eyes. Dogs with allergies will appreciate goggles or glasses during high pollen counts. Goggles block dust, wind, and debris from getting into the eyes. Wearing goggles or glasses can also help prevent eye injuries and foxtails from getting into the eyes. You can read more about foxtails here and why they are dangerous for your dog.
Dog goggles also just look really cool. We smiled so much and laughed so hard during our testing of these dog goggles. It was really fun to see a dog wearing goggles and everyone we passed on walks smiled and stopped to ask us about them.
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Any dog that is outside, large or small, can benefit from goggles. It has to do with the activities that your dog is performing that determine whether or not they need goggles. Some dogs are harder to fit for goggles than others–we liked the Kaykos sunglasses for their easy-to-fit sizes geared towards bully breeds, which are traditionally harder to fit for goggles and dog accessories.
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We recommend that you gradually increase the duration that your dog wears the goggles, but there are no safety concerns with long-term wear. Most dogs will let you know when they are done wearing them or need a break by pawing at the goggles to get them off. You will have to supervise your dog while they are wearing goggles to prevent damage to the delicate lenses. Some of our dogs have napped in goggles outside in the sun, so it is just dependent on your dog’s personality, experience, and the conditions.
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Dog goggles are often recommended by veterinarians for use during high pollen count days for dogs with allergies. They can also help reduce the risk of getting a foxtail in the eyes during summer and they can help dogs who are recovering from eye surgery or with other eye conditions. Some of the models we tested have clear lenses or come with a second lens like the Rex Specs and can be used indoors while recovering from an eye surgery.
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Most of the manufacturers have specific ways to measure for the goggles listed on the ordering page. In general, you will have to measure around their head. Some manufacturers have breeds listed as well as a guide for sizing since it can be hard to go off of measurements alone. In most cases we have found that it is easier to size up than down.
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You will want to get the size that will best fit your dog based on measurements and breed recommended by the manufacturer. Many of the goggles we tested worked for a variety of dogs. We tested the large Kaykos sunglasses on a German Shepherd, Pitbull, Belgian Malinois, and Korean Jindo ranging in sizes from 45–75 pounds, which fit all the dogs very well. In general, if your dog seems to be between sizes you can size up easier than you can size down.
How we researched and tested
We tested our goggles on a variety of dogs. Our smallest dog tester was a Jack Russell Terrier weighing a little over 20 pounds. We tested on several medium-sized dogs, including a Korean Jindo and Pitbull Terrier weighing around 45–50 pounds. We also tested on some larger dogs: a Belgian Malinous and German Shepherd weighing around 60–75 pounds. Finally, we tested on three Labradors who were very large, weighing 75–95 pounds. We gave all our testers lots of treats and pets while testing.
We tested goggles on summer mountain hiking trails and on windy Northern California ocean beaches. We looked for windy and bright sunny conditions for testing in addition to overgrown trails where we had trouble with branches in our dogs faces.
Once our dogs were wearing a pair of goggles, we would toss them a treat to see if they were able to catch it while wearing the goggles. If they were unable to see the treat we knew there was a problem with the fit or vision in the goggles. For some of the darker lenses we tried the treat toss indoors with no success, but when we moved outdoors they were able to catch the treats, which meant they were able to see it.
We had our most experienced dog goggle tester, Ace the Belgian Malinois, wear the goggles on walks and hikes to see how they stayed on over a longer period of time. We did this testing over summer in the sun on hot or windy days. We will continue this testing into winter with snowy conditions and update our findings in spring.
We also tested the goggles on hot, sunny days at the campground and beach where the dogs were squinting to see in the bright sun to see how well they tolerated the goggles while relaxing and hanging out.
Why you should trust us / About the author
I am an avid outdoorswoman spending time daily outside either hiking, running, backpacking, or skiing/snowboarding. I fell in love with the outdoors during my time as an undergrad at UCLA working at UCLA Unicamp in the summers and going on guided outdoor adventure trips during the school year where I had some of my first experiences backpacking. Those experiences got me hooked on spending time outdoors and in the mountains. I worked as a professional lifeguard and professional ski patrol for many years, and safety outdoors has always been a priority for me.
I have been a dog mom for the last 20 years starting with Roxie, and now with Ace, Sunny, and Stella. I originally got a dog so that I would always have a hiking buddy. I have hiked and backpacked thousands of miles with my dogs and camped many nights with them under the stars. As a gear nerd, I love testing gear to see what really takes a piece of gear from good to great. I currently work part time as a professional dog sitter and dog walker, and spend time with other people's dogs who were included in testing the bottles for this story. Ace and I worked together on a K-9 search and rescue team. He is now retired. We spent hundreds of hours in a professional working dog environment training with SAR in the mountains in snow and summer conditions.
