Shading Ideas for an Outdoor Dog Pen

It can get pretty hot outside in the summer time, so if you plan to keep your dog in an outdoor pen, it needs some shade. Dogs can suffer heat stroke just like humans can, and the heat affects some breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, more than others. There are several ways to help your dog escape the sun's hottest rays.

  1. Tree

    • The easiest way to make sure your dog pen has shade is to place it under a large shade tree. If you have a towering oak, maple or magnolia tree in your yard, it can be the perfect spot for a pen. Make sure the tree provides full shade, not just partial shade. Also, don't rely on a tree to shade the pen unless it provides ample shade all day long.

    Dog House

    • Many dog pens are large and allow the dog to run around outside. If yours is like that, purchase a small doghouse to place in the pen. That way, the dog can have space if it desires, but it can get out of the sun to a cool shelter when necessary. A doghouse is a good idea for large outdoor pens all year long because it also gives the dog a way to escape the rain and cold.

    Canvas

    • Another type of outdoor dog pen is a large wire kennel. If your dog spends his days outside in this type of kennel, consider purchasing a canvas cover for the top of it. If your outdoor metal dog kennel is long, you won't need to cover the entire thing. Find a canvas that fits over about 10 feet of the kennel so that a section is shaded. Many of these covers reflect the sun's rays so that the shade stays cool.