First of all, why should you protect your dogs eyes?
Because most dogs will be diagnosed with some sort of eye problems by the time they are 8!
Common eye issues include cataracts, Pannus & damage to the cornea. A lot of these things can be prevented, slowed or eliminated by just protecting their eyes.
Dog sunglasses provide protection from things like sun, dirt, dust, sand, grasses and twigs. Even things like dry eye can be helped by putting glasses on your dog.
Dry eye makes it difficult for your dog’s eyes to naturally eliminate any dust and dirt, causing irritation.
If not properly treated, dry eye can lead to cornea scratches and even ulcers so you would need to see your vet for this one but having something to keep debris out of their eyes is super important!
Now that you know the why, let me share my experience with a few products with you. This is my review of RexSpecs and Doggles ILS sunglasses for dogs.
These may seem similar but they are worlds apart as far as safety and eye protection goes.
We will start with the RexSpecs, at the first glance these appear to be more of a scuba diving goggle for dogs.
• They are oversized for your dogs face, but that is part of the safety aspect of this product.
•They come in 6 sizes, they have 7 color options as well as lens color options.
• RexSpecs also offers replacement lenses and you can buy cool lens wraps too!
• All lenses are rated UV400, blocking 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays.
• They have a very sturdy mesh around the top and at the bottom so it allows for maximum airflow and quick draining when used in water & speaking of water, they are actually made for use in water as well as on land.
•They have a incredibly durable frame with a foam edge so it provides a tight seal and its comfortable!
• They are impact resistant, they are actually made with a polycarbonate lens so they are also shatter proof the lens is slightly flexible so it could take a pretty good hit and not break.
• They are fully adjustable so they will fit every dog perfect!
• They allow for full range of motion, even for their mouths so they can still eat, drink & bark.
• They have a clasp so that allows for a nicer fit and I love that part it doesn’t mess up my dogs poodle hair when we take them off and put them on.
Now lets talk about the Doggles ILS,
I’m going to be real honest here, I think these are super cute! They look like real sunglasses and that is adorable!
• They come in 5 sizes, they have 13 color options as well as lens color options.
• Doggles also offers replacement lenses.
• They have lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
• They have a few small holes on the sides to allow for some airflow.
• They have a flexible rubber frame with a thinner foam edge for comfort.
• They have elastic straps so they are adjustable so they can fit a wide range of dogs They allow for full range of motion, even for their mouths so they can still eat, drink, bark & howl.
So now I want to share my experience with each of these products.
At the time I wrote this, I had used them both on the same dog for about 5 months, we use them every time we go outside in the sunlight so they are put on and taken off at least 5 times a day.
In my experience the RexSpecs have held up really well. The straps and clasps still appear new with no signs of wear (this is still true 10 months in with the RexSpecs).
The RexSpecs fit great and they stay put so there is no chance my dog will hurt her eyes by having the glasses moved if she lays her head down or scratches an itch.
They stay in place so well because the straps are nylon webbing so they do not stretch out, once you adjust them to the size you want, that it.
My experience with the Doggles was great at first, however they have shown signs of wear on the elastic straps. The real complaint I have is that they move a ton!
If my dog lays down they get in her eye, if she scratches, they move and get in her eye. That was enough for me to seek out other safer options.
In my opinion, the Doggles are a novelty product, I’m sure it provides some protection but sadly it seems they are more of a “look at me” statement piece rather that actually made with safety in mind.
The RexSpecs are a superior product by far!
RexSpecs is a thoughtfully made product designed to keep your dogs eyes safe and it shows.
These don’t move once I put them on my dog, they have never once got in her eye, even when she has been swimming or rolled in the grass while wearing them.
Oh & they have even passed the ANSI Z87.1–2010 impact resistance test! They don’t move once fitted correctly on your dog (it’s super easy to adjust them too)! You can get them by clicking here!
So in conclusion, I would recommend RexSpecs 100% to anyone wanting to protect their dogs eyes!
All views and opinions in this post are my own. I am basing my research on a few things including testing each product on my dog for 5 months, research on dog eye health as well as the safety stats from each company.
I purchased each of these with my own money and I am not sponsored by either brand.
I made this post & accompanying video because I am passionate about my dogs health, I want her to thrive AND
I want your dog to thrive too!
You can follow our journey at youtube.com/JenFarrer I post weekly videos about my service dog, mental health and living with PTSD. I hope this information has been helpful & you are able to keep your pups eyes safe!