As paw-rents, we all know how much our dogs love being in the sunshine, but it's also important they have access to plenty of shade in warmer spells, that's where a dog sun shade comes in. Just as essential as other dog cooling products, they'll provide your pooch with a shady spot to sit so they can still make the most of being outside in warmer weather while being protected from the sun’s rays.
Being exposed to the sun has a whole load of benefits for your dog. It provides them with a source of vitamin D, acts as a sleep aid to help regulate their daily cycle, and can help build their immune systems, which is why you may find your pooch is always seeking out the least shady spot in the garden or around the house. However, too much time in the sunshine can be dangerous as dogs are prone to overheating and they can easily get sunburnt, too. You make sure your furry friend is equipped with cooling vests, bandanas and a doggy sun hat for when they are in the sun, but a dog sun shade will provide your hound with a shady spot to go when it all gets too much.
Best dog sun shade at a glance:
• Best dog sun shade overall: Sunny Daze Raised Dog Bed – View on Pets at Home
• Best dog sun shade for large dogs: PawHut Raised Dog Bed – View on Amazon UK
• Best budget dog sun shade: Clever Paws Pet Sun Shelter – View on The Range
There are two main types of dog sun shades you can get. Some are designed as an elevated bed with a sun canopy and others look like little pop-up tents. The elevated beds will not only provide sun protection with the canopy but also keep your pooch raised off hot floors, allowing air to circulate around them. The tent-type sun shade offers you more flexibility if you’re heading out on an adventure with your pooch as they’re lightweight and can be assembled and folded away again in seconds. You can also easily pop a dog cooling mat in there for them to lay on.
Whatever style you choose, a sun shade will allow your pooch to stay by your side in sunny weather so they don’t miss any of the action, but ensure they’re not being exposed too much to the higher temperatures. If your little sun seeker is in need of somewhere they can rest away from the sun, we’ve scoured the web in search of great dog sun shades and rounded up all the best ones below.
Best dog sun shades
Best dog sun shade overall
Credit: Rosie Floyd/Take a Break Petswww.petsathome.com
Featuring a canopy that offers up to UV 50 protection and a mesh panel bed for maximum air flow and ventilation, the Sunny Daze Raised Dog Bed will keep your pooch as cool as can be in high temperatures. It's got non-slip grip feet at the bottom so it won't slide about when in use inside or out.
We tested this bed with Labrador Cross, Barney, who struggles with hot weather due to his thick back coat. With the Sunny Daze bed, he was able to stay outside, enjoy the sunshine, and remain shaded. While the instruction manual was initially a bit confusing, we found that with some trial and error, assembly was straightforward. We were particularly impressed with the bed's sturdiness. Barney, who exceeds the recommended weight limit, was fully supported even after hours of use.
Pros
- Includes a canopy with UV 50 protection
- Non-slip feet to stop the bed from sliding about when in use
Cons
- We found the instruction manual to be a little confusing
| Sizes: | One size (105 x 76 x 90cm) |
Best dog sun shade for large dogs
PawHut/AmazonAvailable in sizes up to an XL, the PawHut Raised Dog Bed is ideal for giving large dogs extra shade on hot summer days. It will keep your pooch elevated to keep them off scorching and dirty floors while also allowing air to move around them, creating a gentle breeze. The canopy offers UV protection (although it's unclear how much) to keep your pooch sheltered against the rain. can be removed on those not-to-hot days so your dog can kick back and relax on it throughout the year.
According to the customer reviews on Amazon, it's easy to store as it includes a storage bag that you can keep it in when not in use which also doubles as a travel bag so you can take it with you if heading to a family member's house or on a staycation with your pooch. Reviews are mixed on how easy it is to assemble, with some saying it took a long time and others praising that it is easy to build and doesn't need tools to put together.
Pros
- XL size is ideal for big breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermanns and German Shepherds
- Includes a travel bag for easy storage
Cons
- Unclear how much UV protection the canopy offers
| Sizes: | S (62 x 61 x 46cm), L (92 x 76 x 90cm), XL (108 x 122 x 92cm) |
Best budget dog sun shade
Clever Pawswww.therange.co.uk
If you're not sure whether your pooch will enjoy laying in a sun shade, you're probably a bit hesitant to spend a lot on one. That's why this Pet Sun Shelter, available from The Range, is a great option as it's under a tenner.
Perfect for the beach, garden or anywhere you're out in the sun, this shelter pops up easily to provide shade for your canine companion wherever you are. It's lightweight too so it's ideal for taking with you when travelling. The brand claims it's easy to fold flat again for easy storage but there are no customer reviews online to back that up.
Pros
- Good value for money at less than £10
- Lightweight so great for travel
Cons
- The brand states it's easy to fold flat again after use but there are no customer reviews online to back that up
| Sizes: | One size (90 x 70cm) |
Best pop-up dog sun shade
Pets At HomeLooking for a simple and easy-to-install dog sun shade? Consider the Sunny Daze Pop-Up Dog Shelter from Pets At Home. It just pops up in seconds so you can get it out in a jiffy whenever the sun makes an appearance. It also folds flat for easy storage, making it a great option for using out-and-about when you're travelling with your pooch.
Unlike some of the other sun shades we've featured in this list, it isn't elevated from the floor so you will still need to make sure you're regularly checking on your pooch while they're laying inside to ensure the ground isn't making them too hot. That being said, the sun shade is made from material that offers up to UV 50 protection so it should help to protect your pup from the harmful sun's rays.
Pros
- Up to UV 50 protection to protect your pooch against the sun's rays
- Just pops up for easy installation
Cons
- It isn't elevated from the floor so your pooch may get hot from lying close to the ground
| Sizes: | One size (70 x 90 x 70cm) |
Best for dog sun shade for smaller breeds
COSTWAY/AmazonHelp your little furry friend stay cool in the peak of summer with the COSTWAY Raised Dog Bed. Not only will the elevated design keep them raised from hard, uncomfortable ground below, but it will also keep their joints protected and comfortably supported. Made from a breathable mesh with a detachable sun canopy, this bed will help prevent your pup from overheating as it will keep air circulating around them.
Online customers feel the bed offers great sun protection and it's sturdy too, however, the canopy design could be better as some have had issues with the elastic pinging off.
Pros
- Raised from the ground while helping to support your hound's joints
- Breathable mesh fabric to keep air circulating around your pooch
Cons
- Reviewers felt the canopy design could be better
| Sizes: | 82 x 90 x 81cm, 105 x 87 x 89cm |
Best large pop-up dog sun shade
PRIMAX/AmazonThe large size of the PRIMAX Pop Up Family Tent makes it a good choice for days out with your hound and the whole family or if you've got multiple dogs you need to keep cool. It's made from a coated material that offers UV protection of factor 50+, which means it blocks out over 96 per cent of harmful rays.
Customers found it to be very spacious and easy to install as it pops up in seconds. However, as it's very lightweight without means to secure it down, if you use it on a windy day it could blow about a bit.
Pros
- Large enough to fit everyone in
- Made with anti-UV coated material
Cons
- Very lightweight so could blow about when used on a windy day
| Sizes: | One size (110 x 200 x 115cm) |
Best rattan dog sun shade
PawHutwww.wayfair.co.uk
Looking for a sun shade that might match your garden furniture? Take a look at this rattan-style PawHut Polyester Pet Bed. This bed is designed to make your dog feel more cosy and secure as it comes with a rattan canopy that will shade your pooch from the sun while they relax inside, as well as a cushion to lie on.
Customers think this is a good quality, easy-to-assemble canopy dog bed and is very light so it's easy to move around. One thing to note is that it's made for dogs weighing 5-11kg so while it's a good choice for small dogs, you will want to consider another option for larger breeds.
Pros
- Rattan style to match your garden furniture
- Comes with a cushion insert for your pup to lie on
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
| Sizes: | One size (98 x 70 x 69cm) |
Best raised roof dog sun shade
With its raised roof, there’s plenty of room for your hound to lie down or sit up on this Summer Raised Pet Bed from Argos. The mat underneath the roof is raised off the floor and made from breathable mesh to ensure plenty of air can circulate around your pooch to prevent them from overheating.
If using this bed in the shade already, you can remove the canopy if you wish which gives you and your pup greater versatility with it. Just like others on our list, as it’s a raised bed, you may find that large dogs may be too heavy to use it as it has a maximum weight limit of 40kg.
Pros
- Raised roof so your pup can use this bed lying down or sat up
- Removable canopy to add greater versatility to the product
Cons
- Has a maximum weight limit of 40kg so not suitable for larger dogs
| Sizes: | 85 x 106 x 75cm (one size) |
How we chose the best dog sun shades
All of these dog sun shades have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered material, size and shade coverage in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog sun shades to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
With pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval. And, with help from veterinary experts, we share their knowledge to ensure everything we choose is paw-fect for your pet.
Dog sun shade FAQs
With the help of Take a Break's resident vet, Dr Micahel Lazaris, we've got the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to caring for your pooch in warm weather.
What are the signs of heat stroke in dogs?
"It is important to remember that dogs can experience heat stroke even in milder weather. This can happen when dogs over-exercise or are in humid, poorly ventilated areas, such as cars. All owners should learn the early signs of overheating so they can take measures to prevent this from turning into life-threatening heat stroke."
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
What should you do if you suspect your dog has heat stroke?
If you start noticing any of these symptoms in your dog, you need to act quickly by doing the following:
• If they are in direct sun, move to a cool, shaded area.
• Make sure the area is well-ventilated. Use a fan or even a towel to encourage air movement over your dog.
• Offer water in small amounts, but never force them to drink.
• Splash some cool water over their body and feet but never use cold or iced water. This can actually do more harm by reducing blood flow to the skin.
• Place wet towels over your dog, but make sure to replace these every few minutes.
"Once you have taken these measures, call your vet for further advice. They can instruct you on what to do next, especially if your current efforts to cool your dog aren’t working. They may advise that you should take your dog to the clinic so they can provide emergency treatment, and hopefully avoid the dangerous effects of heat stroke."
How to stop your dog from overheating in the sun:
Knowing how to detect signs of overheating is extremely important, but prevention is always better than cure. Take these steps to avoid the problem in the first place:
DO
• Always carry enough water on you to keep your dog cool and hydrated.
• Make sure your dog has access to shaded areas at all times.
• Apply pet-safe SPF to exposed areas of skin such as the ears and nose, especially if they have white fur and pink noses/ears.
• If your dog grows a long, thick coat, taking them to the groomer regularly in the summer months can make a huge difference to keep them cool.
• Provide fun ways for your dog to exercise and play without overheating, such as with paddle pools, hosepipes and offering their favourite treats in a block of ice. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl.
DON'T
• Don't exercise your dog in the middle of the day. You should avoid exercise altogether and go on a long walk at night instead.
• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car. Temperatures can reach a soaring 47°C in there, even if the actual outside temperature is lower!
• Avoid walking on hot pavements. These can cause serious burns to your dog’s paws.
This article contains expert advice from Dr Michael Lazaris. Dr Michael is a small animal vet and co-director of his practice, Vets on the Common, in London. You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok, where he shares all the latest pet advice and adorable patients he treats.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.