Although our canine friends could think of nothing better than basking in the sun over the summer, it's important they have somewhere to retreat to cool off, which is where a dog sun shade will come in handy. It's one of those dog cooling products that your pooch will definitely thank you for having. It will provide them with a shady spot to relax wherever they are outdoors, so they don't have to miss out on any of the summer fun the rest of the family is enjoying.
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as heatstroke and sunburn. So, as much as your pooch loves soaking up the sunshine, it's important that you're able to offer them ways to cool down, as well as access to plenty of shade. Luckily, there are a number of products out there that will help with that, such as pet cooling mats and doggy sun hats. However, if you want to give them as much shade as possible to relax in, a dog sun shade is just what you need.
Best dog sun shade at a glance:
• Best overall: Cool Club Raised Air Dog Bed With UV Canopy – view on Pets At Home
• Best pop-up dog sun shade: Cool Club Pop-up Dog Shelter – view on Pets At Home
• Best sun shade for large dogs: PawHat Raised Dog Bed – view on Amazon
Of course, pets will naturally try to find shade when they need to, but what about when there's little shade on offer? Whether you're staying at home in the garden or heading for a day out on the beach, it's always a good idea to have a sun shade available where your pup can have a time out from playing.
There are different styles of sun shade for dogs, canopy beds and tents being the most popular. A canopy bed is a fabulous addition to the garden for somewhere for your dog to seek shade, while a pop-up tent is a portable alternative that you can take with you on your next trip to the park. Whatever style you choose, you can find our recommendations of the very best dog sun shades to help them keep cool during the warmer months below.
Best dog sun shades
Best overall
www.petsathome.com
Keep your canine companion as cool as can be over the summer months with the Cool Club Raised Air Dog Bed With UV Canopy from Pets At Home. This bed is designed with a mesh panel which allows for plenty of air to flow around your dog while the canopy provides up to UV 50 protection to keep the harmful rays at bay.
Customer review: "Our Husky loves this, he suffers so much in the heat and has really appreciated this since he's had it He even likes to sit out on it at night when the sun has gone but it's still too warm inside."
Pros
- Up to UV 50 protection
- Simple assembly
Cons
- Supports a max weight of 31kg so not ideal for dogs heavier than this
| Sizes: | One size (105 x 76 x 90cm) |
Best pop-up dog sun shade
www.petsathome.com
Another Cool Club option from Pets At Home is this Cool Club Pop-up Dog Shelter. If you're after a sun shade that is portable, easy to use, requires no assembly and offers a high level of UV protection, it ticks all the right boxes. It's designed to 'pop up' when you need it and then you can fold it flat again when finished.
Customer review: "My pug Theo loves his sun shelter/tent. With his bed in it he's so settled and relaxed in it which is great considering he's not a fan of laying in the sun. Good quality and folds away well too so it's great if you're going to a friends or out for the day"
Pros
- Up to UV 50 sun protection
- No hassle installation
Cons
- Some dogs may prefer to be off the floor too in warm weather
| Sizes: | One size (70 x 90 x 70cm) |
Best sun shade for large dogs
Have you got a big doggo on your hands? The PawHat Raised Dog Bed's XL size is ideal for those larger breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermanns. After all, larger breeds are part of the group of dogs that are more susceptible to overheating so it's important they have adequate shade available. It'll keep them off the hot ground and increases air flow around them.
Customer review: "Our big boy loves this - we use it daily all year round as he prefers to sleep off the floor at home. in summer it is outside no matter the weather. we get through one a year - shame we can't buy the canvas bit just to replace instead of having to buy new - for occasional use this would last many years!"
Pros
- Larger size perfect for big dogs
- Travel bag is included for easy storage and transportation
Cons
- The amount of UV protection the canopy offers is not available
| Sizes: | S (62 x 61 x 46cm), L (92 x 76 x 90cm), XL (108 x 122 x 92cm) |
Best dog sun shade for small dogs
We've covered large dogs, but what about the smaller breeds? We think this COSTWAY Raised Dog Bed is a great choice for little fluffs. There are two main benefits to its elevated design. Firstly, it'll keep them off hard and uncomfortable ground that will only get hotter as the day goes on. Secondly, it'll keep their joints comfortably supported, too.
Customer review: "Perfect border terrier size, my dog loves his bed and always sits on it :-)"
Pros
- Made using a breathable mesh fabric
- Sun canopy is detachable for those not-so-sunny days
Cons
- Even though the smallest size is classed as Large, it's actually best for smaller dogs
| Sizes: | 82 x 90 x 81cm, 105 x 87 x 89cm |
Best budget dog sun shade
www.therange.co.uk
If you've got a fussy or nervous pooch and you're not sure how they'd react to a sun shade, why not consider this Pet Sun Shelter available from The Range? Available for under £10, it's a great low budget option if you're a bit hesitant on whether your pet will actually use it. Easy to pop up and take down, it's perfect for the beach, garden or anywhere your pooch is out in the sun.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great value
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Sizes: | One size (90 x 70cm) |
Best dog sun shade to fit everyone in
www.petsathome.com
This large PRIMAX Pop Up Tent Family with Anti UV 50+ UPF has plenty of room for multiple dogs but also enough room for the family to sit in with your dog. Perfect for any beach holidays or day trips when shade isn't so readily available. It's designed to block over over 96 per cent of harmful rays as it's made from a coated material that offers UV protection of factor 50+.
Pros
- Made from material that blocks out UV rays
- Big tent for multiple dogs or family trips
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best rattan dog sun shade
Both pretty and practical, this PawHut Wicker Covered Dog Bed with Canopy is designed to make your dog feel secure and comes with an adjustable canopy so you can angle it in just the right position to shade your pooch. There's a cushion inside to make them feel as comfortable as possible and the exterior is made of steel and PE rattan to blend in with any furniture you may have in your garden.
Pros
- Adjustable canopy
- Will make your dog feel cosy and secure
Cons
- Only one size available
| Sizes: | One size (90 x 68 x 61cm) |
Dog sun shade FAQs
What are the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs?
It's no secret that our canine companions love to soak up the sun, but they can overheat very quickly after being exposed to high temperatures. Heat stroke can be very dangerous for dogs, and in some cases, it can be fatal, too. That's why it's important that you familiarise yourself with the symptoms so you know what signs to spot.
The milder signs of dog heat stroke include:
• Panting excessively
• Drooling
• Restlessness or agitation
• Red gums
• Racing heartbeat or breathing rate
The more severe signs of dog heat stroke include:
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Confusion/disorientation
• Lethargy or collapse
• Seizuring
If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, it is important that you give your vet a call as they'll be able to advise you on the best course of action to treat your pooch. The milder signs may be able to be treated at home but the more severe ones may require treatment from a professional.
What dogs are more at risk in the sun?
Too much sun exposure can be dangerous for all dogs, but there are certain pooches that are more likely to feel the effects. These are:
• Large dogs
• Overweight hounds
• Pooches with thick coats
• Breeds with flat faces, such as bulldogs and pugs
• Dogs with white/light fur and pink noses/ears
How do you protect dogs from the sun?
Looking after our furry friends during warmer weather is extremely important. Imagine wearing a thick winter coat on a hot summer's day! Yep, that's probably how our pooches feel when the weather gets warm.
During the warmer months, you'll probably notice your dog starting to shed its fur. Don't panic - this is just a dog's way of regulating its body temperature. While dogs release heat through the sweat glands in their paw pads, it's still important to help them keep cool.
There are several things you should - and absolutely shouldn't - do when it comes to taking care of your dog in hot weather. Here's all you need to know on how to care for them as the weather gets warmer:
DO
• Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke: Make sure you're familiar with the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs and know what to do in that situation.
• Keep them hydrated: Always make sure your canine companion has a fresh supply of clean water to avoid dehydration. Check every few hours if their water bowl needs to be topped up. You can even put a few ice cubes into their bowl for a treat, too.
• Keep them in an open, well-ventilated, shaded area: Make sure your pup has plenty of room to move around, with somewhere to take shade. If necessary, you can put a fan on nearby to help.
• Keep them cool: Get creative! Use dog cooling mats, dog cooling vests and dog paddling pools for them to cool off.
• Book in for a trim: Especially if you've got a long-haired pooch, getting them in for a trim at the groomers is a great idea.
• Use dog friendly sun cream: Much like humans, sun exposure can lead to sunburn. Always check with a vet on what you should look for when buying dog sun cream.
DON'T
• Leave your dog inside a car, caravan or conservatory during warm weather: The temperature in these environments is fatal for dogs. Avoid leaving your dog in these situations at all costs.
• Leave them unattended near a body of water: Even dogs who are strong swimmers can be at risk when it comes to water. so you should make sure your dog is safe while playing around water.
• Walk them on hot pavement: Your dog has sensitive pads on the bottom of its paws that can blister and crack in hot weather. Place the back of your hand on the pavement and if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.
• Shave your dog: While this may seem helpful, shaving your dog can result in sunburn, skin cancer and heatstroke. Most dogs have an undercoat, which will make them even hotter while it's growing back. Book in for a trim with the groomer instead.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.
