How to Shield Dogs From the Sun in Backyards

Providing your dog with appropriate shelter from the elements is extremely important to good general health. Many people mistakenly believe that a dog house will provide adequate cooling for the animal. However, the temperatures inside a dog house can rise well above safe levels when exposed to direct sunlight or during the hottest months of the year. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke since they do not sweat like humans do and cannot cool themselves effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Natural shade
  • Pre-fabricated shelter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1
      Natural shade is ideal when protecting your dog from the sun.

      Observe the outdoor area that the dog will be staying in during the course of a hot and sunny day in order to find the most shaded areas, particularly those most shaded during the warmest time of the day: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Look for an area under a large tree or in the shadow of an outbuilding, which may provide good natural shade.

    • 2
      Light colors help reflect the sun's heat.

      Choose a shelter covering for your dog that will not absorb the heat of the sun, but reflect it. Reflective sheeting or light colored tarp material is preferable to black or dark materials, which will attract and retain the heat of the sun.

    • 3
      Keeping your dog cool will help to avoid many health problems.

      Purchase a shelter, such as a dog house or chain link exercise pen with a sun cover, and assemble according to product instructions. If you are using a dog house within a fenced yard or large exercise pen, place it in the coolest area of the yard and raise it above the dirt and grass by placing it on paving stones or gravel to provide more air circulation and protect from insects.