Collaborative Post
This article is going to explore why dogs need shade. Is shade essential to your dog? What would happen without any shade? How do dogs cool down in the hot weather? What are the signs your dog has had too much sun? What shade options are there available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
A shaded area is essential for your dog so they can keep out of direct sunlight and keep themselves cool. Dogs cannot take off clothing as humans can, so they need a cool place to retreat to. Without a shaded area, they risk overheating and becoming ill.
Let’s take a more in-depth look into the importance of shaded areas for your four-legged friends. We will also take a look at why too much sun can be dangerous to your dog’s health.
Sail Shades
Sail shades are the ideal solution for your pet’s needs on those hot days. Without the appropriate shade, your dog can become ill, too much sun can even be fatal. You can enjoy a hot summer’s day in the garden with your much-loved pooch knowing they can retreat to their shaded area when needed. Perfect for those hot BBQ days where the days are long and beautiful.
Perhaps your pooch likes to join you for a garden workout, but you often have to leave them inside where it’s cooler? Not anymore, your pooch can join you in your outdoor fitness routine when using a sail shade. Some shade and lots of fresh drinking water and you and your dog can enjoy outdoor exercise with regular rests.
Are Sail Shades Worth The Cost?
Sail shades can be good for Mother Nature. A cool area will be used by other animals too such as the birds. They are also easy to install and allow you to sit outside even during heatwaves. They are worth their weight in gold for dogs too.
Dogs enjoy a little sun and you will often catch them lying in the sun from time to time. However, dogs cannot cool down effectively when they become too hot as they don’t sweat in the same way humans do. A dog can become too hot and dangerously ill very quickly. Shaded areas in your garden give your pet a safe space to spend their days. This is doubly important if your dog lives outside and cannot come in – they must have an adequately shaded section.
Keeping Your Dog Cool
As well as providing a shaded area in your garden, there are some other ways to help keep your dog cool and comfortable:
- Only walk your dog when it is cool enough – ideal times in the warmer months are early morning and late evening.
- Regularly top up their drinking bowl with clean fresh water.
- Keep your curtains closed during the times the sun is on those rooms. Open curtains and windows when the sun moves.
- Look out for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion in your dog.
- Never leave your dog in a hot car.
- Fill up a paddling pool for your dog.
Signs Your Dog Has Had Too Much Sun
A dog who has been exposed to lots of sun will become very ill very quickly and when you spot signs of dehydration you need to act quickly. A few of the common signs of dehydration include:
- More panting than normal
- Lethargic behaviour
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or sickness
- Lack of elasticity in your dog’s skin
Slight signs of dehydration can be dealt with by simply offering your dog some water. You can wet their lips with some first if they do not show much interest. If your dog displays some of the more serious signs, then an emergency trip to the vets is a must.
Do Black Dogs Feel the Heat More?
Black and dark coloured dogs do feel the heat more and find it harder in the summer months to stay cool. It works in the same way that we feel hotter when we wear black clothing on a day the sun is beating down on us.
Is it Safe for My Dog to Lie in The Sun?
Your dog will enjoy some sunshine on their skin and will often sunbathe for short periods. Sun will provide your dog with plenty of Vitamin D. Just be aware that too much sun will do more harm than good and don’t let them get too much.
Useful Links to Help You Keep Your Dog Safe
Battersea Advice on Keeping Your Dog Cool
My poor puppy got sunstroke last week. We bought him a bib you dip in water which really helped!
It can be easy to forget that pets can get affected by too much sun just like humans. These are some great shade options!