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 to 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 and 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 shades at a glance:
• Best dog sun shade overall: Cool Club Raised Air Dog Bed with UV Canopy – 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: 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
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Featuring a canopy that offers up to UV 50 protection and a mesh panel bed for maximum air flow and ventilation, the Cool Club Raised Air 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.
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
- No tools required for simple assembly
Cons
- Not designed for dogs who weigh over 31kg
Best dog sun shade for large dogs
AmazonGreat for giving large dogs extra shade on hot summer days, the PawHut Raised Dog Bed 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 can be removed on those not-to-hot days so your dog can kick back and relax on it throughout the year.
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
- XL size is ideal for big breeds such as Rottweilers, Dobermanns and German Shepherds
- Includes a travel bag
Cons
- Unclear how much UV protection the canopy offers
Best budget dog sun shade
The Rangewww.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.
Pros
- Value for money
- Ideal for travel
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best pop-up dog sun shade
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Looking for a simple and easy-to-install dog sun shade? Consider the Cool Club 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.
Customer review: "Great size- fit in my rucksack. My springer spaniel loved it with her cool mat, cooling toys and water bowl inside. Put away in seconds- works just the same as any pop up tent, fold in 8 shape and pull over on its self."
Pros
- Up to UV 50 protection
- Just pops up for easy installation
Cons
- Some dogs may prefer to be more elevated from the floor
Best for dog sun shade for smaller breeds
AmazonHelp your little furry friend to 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 keep their joints protected and comfortably supported. It's also made with breathable mesh and a detachable sun canopy.
Customer review: "This is my 2nd purchase of this item as I am so pleased with it, excellent quality, but most of all my dogs absolutely love it. Really easy to assemble/disassemble, Sun canopy to keep them shaded in the warmer months.
Ideal for the colder months, I just place my dog's mattress on top for extra comfort,5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Highly recommend😊"
Pros
- Shelters dogs from heat and humidity
- Breathable mesh fabric
Cons
- Even though the smallest size is classed as Large, it is best suited to smaller breeds
Best large pop-up dog sun shade
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
The large size of the PRIMAX Pop Up Tent Family with Anti UV 50+ UPF make 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.
Pros
- Large enough to fit everyone in
- Made with anti-UV coated material
Cons
- No customer reviews
Best rattan dog sun shade
AmazonLooking for a sun shade that might match your garden furniture, take a look at this PawHut Wicker Covered Dog Bed with Canopy. Made of steel and PE rattan, this bed is designed to make your dog feel more cosy and secure and comes with an adjustable canopy that you can angle to shade your pooch from the sun while they relax inside.
Pros
- Adjustable canopy
- Comes with a soft cushion inside
Cons
- Not suitable for large dogs
Best kennel-style dog sun shade
AmazonThis Amazon Basics Elevated Portable Pet House has the look of a traditional kennel but it's made from a lightweight yet durable fabric and includes mesh panels for enhanced air circulation. It has a large opening at the front for easy access for your pet, plus your pooch will still be able to see what's going on around them as they lay inside.
Customer review: "This was really easy to assemble, very good quality I am just amazed how it stayed cool in super hot days my dog loves it and I love that it keeps him well protected from the sun and heat. I recommend this to anyone with a pet that likes to be outside in hot days"
Pros
- Made from lightweight, breathable materials
- Plenty of room inside
Cons
- Heavier than other sun shades
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 Pets, Homes and Garden 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.