Dog Goggles: What Are They for, and Does Your Dog Need Them?

At RMD, we believe in bringing dogs along on every adventure, whether it’s hiking, paddle boarding, mountain biking or trail running! Dogs belong at our side on each and every crazy adventure but with that comes the responsibility to protect our canine companions against whatever they might encounter! Humans benefit from protective eyewear to care for one of our strongest, most vivid senses and because of how a canine’s eye functions, serious protective eyewear may be necessary for your four-legged friend as well. Here’s what to know about dog goggles: what are they for, and does your dog need them?

Why Do Dogs Wear Goggles?

When we head outdoors, we’re sure to grab a pair of sunglasses for the road because we understand how critical vision protection is to maintaining the health of our eyes. Therefore, you may not be surprised to hear that veterinarians also recommend dog goggles both for protection against eye injuries and the sun. After getting used to the feel, your dog can become accustomed to routinely wearing eyewear just like a leash or a collar!

Dog Goggles for Every Adventure

Hiking & Trail Running

When exploring rocky trails, forests, or mountain terrain, your dog’s eyes can be exposed to many different harmful elements. Tree branches, dust, insects, flying debris and natural elements like UV rays, wind and glare, can all pose risks to your dog's eyes.

With the features listed below, Rex Specs can help protect your dog’s eyes:

• UV400 lens for intense alpine sunlight and glare
• Impact resistant quality works against branches and rocks
• Adjustable fit allows for comfortable long hikes
• Wide field of view lets your dog maintain natural vision
• Lightweight design doesn't interfere with movement
  

All of these together make the hiking and running trails easier and a lot more comfortable for your dog.

Mountain Biking & Bikejoring

Higher speeds create completely different challenges than walking. As your dog runs alongside your bike, debris that would normally fall harmlessly to the ground becomes airborne, increasing the risk of eye injuries.

Dog goggles help protect against:

• Flying Gravel - Small stones kicked up by tires can travel at surprisingly high speeds.
• Dust Clouds - Dry trails often produce constant dust that irritates eyes and reduces visibility.
• Tree Branches - Narrow singletrack trails frequently have overhanging branches at eye level.
• High-Speed Wind - Wind exposure can dry your dog's eyes during long rides.
  Insects - Bugs become painful projectiles when travelling at cycling speeds.

Motorcycle & Car Rides

Many dogs love riding in the side cart, on your back or with the windows down. Cutting through the airflow in moving vehicles can be surprisingly damaging though.

Strong wind dries out the eyes while airborne debris can cause scratches or even serious injuries.

Dog goggles help protect against:

• Road Debris - Tiny rocks and grit can become dangerous projectiles.
• Insects - Bugs hitting the eye at highway speeds can cause significant irritation.
• Wind Burn - Continuous airflow dries the surface of the eye, leading to redness and discomfort.
• UV Rays - Long drives expose dogs to prolonged sunlight through vehicle windows.
• Dust - Gravel roads and construction zones often produce fine airborne particles.

Water Sports & Paddle Boarding

Dogs love spending time on the water, but reflected UV rays can be surprisingly intense.

Whether you're paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, or spending the day at the beach, goggles help protect against UV reflection off the water, wind, water spray, sand, and saltwater irritation.

The ventilated frame allows for excellent airflow and quick drainage, making dog goggles ideal for water adventures.

Snow Adventures

Winter conditions present a different set of eye hazards.

Bright sunlight reflecting off snow can increase UV exposure dramatically, while blowing snow and ice crystals can irritate your dog's eyes.

Dog goggles provide protection during multiple winter sports and adventures such as:

• Snowshoeing
• Skiing
• Backcountry adventures
• Snowmobiling
• Winter hikes

They help reduce snow glare while shielding against wind and blowing ice.

Working Dogs, Military & RCMP

Many working dogs rely on protective eyewear every day. Military, police, search and rescue, and detection dogs often work in environments where airborne debris, impact hazards, and environmental exposure are common.

Rex Specs are trusted by professional handlers around the world, and at Rocky Mountain Dog, we're proud to supply Rex Specs to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to help protect their working dogs while they're on duty.

Whether searching disaster sites, tracking suspects, or working in challenging terrain, these dogs deserve the same level of eye protection as their human partners.

Medical Necessity: Protection To Prevent Damage

Certain breeds of dogs, such as brachycephalic breeds, may greatly benefit from wearing dog goggles as they have visually prominent eyeballs that are susceptible to cuts or other harm. Rex Specs can also aid pups facing eye pain or discomfort, for example those recovering from surgery or other eye trauma. For dogs that are already accustomed to wearing goggles, eyewear can assist their recovery by preventing further trauma caused by scratching and rubbing and also avoid the need to wear a cone!

The Active Dog: Protection for Outdoor Adventures

Still curious about dog goggles and what they are for? Rex Specs provide durable, dependable eye protection with all lenses being impact resistant, rated UV400 (blocks 99-100% UVA/UVB), and easy to replace. Ventilation allows for maximum airflow and quick draining for use in water and the spherical lens design offers an excellent field of view. The strap system is customizable and creates a comfortable, secure fit whilst allowing for full range of motion. Keep in mind that wearing goggles should never impede your dog's lifestyle but rather complement it! Your dog can immensely benefit from wearing goggles if you’re both active in the great outdoors as they provide protection from UV rays, sand, dense woodland and the elements such as wind, snow and rain.

If you’re on the lookout for protective goggles for your dog, let us help! We’re a proud Canadian supplier of RexSpecs dog goggles, which are perfect for protecting your dog’s eyes when hiking up mountains or cruising down the highway.

Reach out to us today with any questions or visit us in store to try a pair on! We’re here to help prepare you and your dog to be different, to be wild, and to join in the adventure that awaits.