DIY Dog Shade Ideas to Keep Your Pup Safe from the Summer Sun

Warm weather is here, so it's time to start thinking about keeping your four-legged friend cool. 

Keeping your furry companion refreshed during the sweltering summer can be challenging. But with some creativity and supplies from your local hardware store, you can easily make a DIY dog shade that will keep them comfortable all summer!

Let us help you by explaining why you should keep your pups cool this summer. We’ll also show you different DIY dog shades to have and how you can create the best one for your furry friend. 

Ready? Let’s begin!

Reasons Your Dog Needs a Shade

Dogs are innately smart, and they have plenty of lovable characteristics. Yet one thing they are not capable of is regulating their body temperature because of their inability to sweat. Aside from canine biology, here are the other interesting reasons your dog should have a shade. 

Provides coolness for thick-furred dogs

Dogs with thick furs like chow chows, old English sheepdogs, poodles, and Pomeranians are total charmers. They’re so adorable that you’ll want to take care of them, never mind the extra care they’ll need when summer strikes. 

If you have thick-furred dogs, having shade during the hot season is a must. On top of this, trimming their fur will help a lot.

Prevents sunburn in dogs with thin fur

Good news if you favor dogs with thin fur like bull terriers, miniature pinschers, dalmatians, and Great Danes: short-haired dogs are less prone to overheating. However, they are more susceptible to sunburn. 

If you notice redness or flaking on your dog’s skin, they may have had more than enough sun. Keeping your dog under a shed ensures they won’t suffer sunburns.

Eases heat absorption for dark-furred dogs

Humans avoid black and dark-colored clothes when it's warm because dark colors absorb heat. The same rule applies to dogs with dark-colored furs. 

If your dog has black, gray, or dark brown fur, make sure to get them trimmed. Also, keep them hydrated, and give them a bath more often.

Features of a Good Dog Shade

Each dog's cooling needs differ depending on its fur's thickness and color. Nevertheless, dogs will benefit if the shade has these excellent characteristics. Be sure to take note of them as you build your DIY dog shade. 

Provides all-day shade

To protect your dog all day from the harmful heat, carefully cover the shed on sides where sun rays will hit. You can also place the dog shade near an area with natural shade so that you can just add covering to the areas hit by the sun. 

Has sufficient airflow

Aside from keeping the dog protected from the sun, ensuring sufficient airflow is another way to keep your paw friend cool. Thus, designing the shed to let some air in is best. You can achieve this by using the right materials or having enough openings for your dog shed. 

Elevated for ground heat protection

It is also best to elevate the dog shed from the concrete ground because the material absorbs heat. If that isn't possible, position the shed away from asphalt or add another heat-absorbing layer on the ground to keep your dog cool.

5 Easy DIY Dog Shade Ideas

Now that you know the characteristics of the best dog shade, you can now build one! It is easier than you think, and you can make a dog shade from the common materials you see at home. But of course, if you want a high-quality and durable one, it wouldn't hurt to invest a bit in it.

Dog umbrella

It just takes a resourceful mind to use things differently. For instance, the umbrellas that keep us from the sun or the rain can be the dog shade you are looking for. Just grab one that suits the size of your dog and stick it on a plant box or pot, and it can serve as the dog shade. This DIY project is probably one of the easiest and thriftiest to make. 

Sun shade sail

Using sun sails and shades can give your dog the oxygen and airflow they need. These materials are readily available in physical and online stores, so you can get a hold of them quickly. Setting them up is convenient, too: you only need to tie the shades and sails in poles. If you get a big one, you can even use it as a family shade. 

Fabric and wooden awning

If you are picturing a fixed shade, you can try a fabric or wooden awning. The material and design of this shade will allow your dog to enjoy some air. Just attach some poles to the wall of your home and use a shade cloth as the roof. Stick the poles in a parallel position and with enough distance to create an awning. Rain or shine, these robust shades will remain standing.

Gazebos and canopies

Do you have an energetic dog that needs a bigger space to play around? Then, you can go for gazebos and canopies. Just design poles from wood or steel, and use fabric or a waterproof covering for the roof. 

An A-frame shed

Another classic dog shade design is an A-frame shed. To bring this project to life, use plywood, fabric, or a roof with thermal insulation for the shed sides. Fabric is breathable, and a tin roof with thermal insulation is the most durable. The A-frame opening also allows good airflow within the shade.

Practice Dog Care with Perfect Petzzz

It takes a lot of effort to ensure your dog stays cool during the summer season. On top of building a DIY dog house, you should maintain their fur, bathe them, and keep them hydrated. But it is all worth it because you care for your paw friend.

However, if that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry; it is not yet the end! You can still enjoy the affection and companionship of Perfect Petzzz. 

Our lifelike pets are as cuddly as real dogs and cats; they even snore too! You can skip the worry of your dog overheating this summer and have fun relaxing with Perfect Petzzz under the warm sun.

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