Do you have enough shade for your dog during these summer heatwaves? It’s really critical and you can add shade to your yard without busting your budget.
I’m always surprised at the shady spots in my yard that my dog, Henry, finds. Most don’t cost me much of anything, yet they all help to keep him cool in the hot summer months.
You can do the same in your yard, regardless of size. So, today, let’s grab our sunglasses and dig in to discover all about providing dog shade and how it saves you money.
Budget tip:
The great thing about adding an area of dog shade in your yard is that it helps your dog and adds to your yard's beauty. Additionally, by keeping your dog cool, you reduce the risk of future vet bills related to heat or sun issues. Thus, an area of shade in your yard is a major win-win-win for your dog, yard, and your pocketbook!
Why do dogs need shade in a heatwave?
I would hope that this is almost a self-explanatory question. But let me break it down why your dog needs ample shade. In the hot months, or even warmer spring and fall months, the sun can be too much for your dog. For example, just as the sun can cause serious health issues for you, it can for your dog. Specifically, when your furry friend is left in the sun with no shade he/she may suffer from:
- Sunburn (This is a good sunscreen for noses, paws, and elbows.)
- Heat exhaustion
- Dehydration
- Heat stroke
- Death
Additionally, when your dog doesn’t have shade it can lead to issues such as:
- Digging holes to try to get cool
- Escaping your yard to get to a shady spot
These are all pretty good incentives to provide shade for your dog, right?
My dog loves to nap in the sun. Isn’t the sun good for him?
I admit, Henry loves an early morning or late afternoon nap in the sun’s gentle rays. However, when it’s hot out or he’s been outside for a while with me, he’ll naturally seek out shade.
As such, yes the sun is great for your dog. Just as the sun is good for you. It provides a source of natural D3. However, when it becomes hot or your dog is exposed to the sun for too long then it can become an issue. Thus, the reason for providing shade for your dog.
Are some dogs more prone to sun-related issues?
Yes! Light-colored dogs can be more prone to sunburns. Meanwhile, dark-colored and thick-coated dogs can have more issues with staying cool in the sun. For example, Henry is mostly black. Thus, it doesn’t take him long to be in the sun before he’ll start panting trying to cool himself down.
How can I affordably provide dog shade in my yard?
Honestly, Henry often seeks shade from a tree out of the direct sunlight. Additionally, when he lies down at the base of a tree, the soil can be moist. Thus, it helps to keep him cool.
However, there are other ways to easily provide shade for your dog without breaking the bank. These include:
Putting a cover over your dog run or dog kennel
Surprisingly kennel covers can be very affordable. Here are some great dog kennel covers!
Dog Houses
You can build a dog house or buy one affordable that will let your dog escape the sun’s rays. For example, an elevated tent-style dog house like this one is great for keeping your dog out of the sun’s rays without being too hot.
Additionally, a dog house can allow your dog to find shelter during rain storms and summer heat.
Install shade trees
Use the side of your house as shade (assuming you have a mostly shady area)
Install an umbrella in a planter
This is very cost-effective. Additionally, you can place an umbrella planter on your patio and enjoy it as well. Just remember to take the umbrella down during wind or storms. Here’s a great tutorial for installing a planter umbrella.
Moreover, you can plant dog safe perennial flowers in the pot as well. To learn about what are the best perennial flowers for you, check out this article. Sun sail or canopy
Shade sails or canopy
These can be surprisingly affordable. You can even find them at big box stores relatively cheap. Here’s a great tutorial on installing a sun sail:
Awning
Creating an awning may take a few more skills to install, but it’s very affordable to add a shade structure to your yard. Here’s a great tutorial on how to install a retractable awning.
A-Frame Roof
Similar to an awning is installing an A-frame is a shade structure in your yard. This is the most costly project. However, it could add beauty as well to your yard while keeping your dog out of the direct sunlight. Additionally, an a-frame does take the most skills. But if you have the skills, it could be well worth the effort. Here’s a great tutorial on creating an A-frame structure.
Tip: Moreover, you could even train a dog-friendly perennial vine such as Jasmine or a climbing rose, to climb the frame, which would add even more beauty to your yard.
How long can I leave my dog in a shady yard?
Of course, you always want to make sure your yard is secure. However, even during the hot or warmer months, you don’t want to leave your dog in your yard, even with shade for hours on end. Here’s a good rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t do it to yourself or your child, don’t do it to your dog.
How hot is too hot for my dog to be outside, even with shade?
Of course, the amount of heat your dog can tolerate can vary depending on breed, size, immune issues, and even fur thickness. However, even with all that considered you shouldn’t leave your dog outside for any length of time when the temperatures soar above 85F (29C).
What are the signs my dog is suffering from the sun’s exposure?
You’ll need to take immediate action if your dog is doing any of the following:
- Panting excessively
- Drooling
- Dehydrated (when you gently pinch your dog’s skin on the neck or back it doesn’t pop back immediately)
- Red, blue, purple, grey gums
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargic
- Wobbly when trying to walk
What should I do if I suspect my dog has heat exhaustion?
The best thing to do if your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms is:
- Put your dog in the shade
- Pour cool (not cold or ice) on your dog, but avoid his/her head so their no drowning issues
- Wet cool towels
- Let your dog drink small amounts of water
However, if your dog doesn’t start to improve rather rapidly, race to the vet! Moreover, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
Note: If you suspect your dog is experiencing a stroke rush to your vet!
Learn how is possible to lower your emergency vet bill in this article.
What else does my furry friend need in a good dog shade yard?
Naturally, you want to always provide lots of clean fresh water for your dog. Additionally, you may want to include fun activities for your dog during the cooler hours such as:
- Digging pit (Henry has a few digging spots he loves in our yard)
- Agility course
- Cooling vest (Henry has one similar this one and it really works well)
Note: Always make sure you plant dog friendly plants and flowers. Additionally, you may want to section off your yard to restrict your dog’s access to your vegetable garden. Keep in mind that some veggies are very toxic to your dog such as onions and garlic.
How much can I save by providing good dog shade in my yard?
This is always the part of an article that I truly love. It helps to bring everything together. Also, it lets you know that with just a few simple steps you can avoid costly bills. So with that in mind consider the following potential costs of not providing dog shade in your yard.
| Issue | Possible Cost |
| Dehydration | $200 – 800 |
| Heat exhaustion | $280 – $3,000 |
| Emergency vet visit | $100 – 150 |
| Heat stroke | $500 – 15,000 |
| Death | HEARTBREAKING!!!! |
Related articles:
- A Dog Friendly Backyard On A Budget
- Easy Dog Emergency Vet Visits Tips
- Do Dog Cooling Vests Help Summer Dogs?
- Save by Easily Growing Veggies for Dogs!
- 17 Dog Safe Perennial Flower Guide: Beauty on a Budget!
Shady Paws! How Dog Shade Saves Money!
Sometimes the easy things in life don’t seem like they could possibly save any money. But when you realize the cost of not doing them, it can be pricey. Thus, I know providing dog shade in your yard seems simple, yet if your dog has no shade it can be catastrophic.
While Henry has many shady spots in our yard to rest when I’m outside, his favorite is generally beneath a shade tree. Moreover, the shaded dirt is moist and helps to keep him cool. However, I always make sure he has plenty of cool clean water and even put his cooling vest on during the hotter summer months. Keeping Henry cool during the hot summer months with the shade is essential and a major way to cut future vet bills.
