When the summer months hit, your furry companion still wants to roam around outside, but as a dog owner, you don’t want them to overheat. The solution? Providing shade! While it may seem like a daunting task, creating shade for your pup is easy and can be accomplished with some creative thinking. In this article, we’ll discuss various DIY dog shade ideas that will help your furry friend stay comfortable even on the warmest days.
1. Lowes’ Simple Wooden Dog House
If you’re up for a moderate difficulty level project, building a wooden doghouse is a great idea. The project requires (3) 2” x 4” x 8’ pressure-treated lumber, (18) 2” x 2” x 8’ lumber, (2) 4’ x 8’ x 0.75” pressure-treated plywood, (4) 4’ x 8’ x 0.5” sheathing, and (8) 1” x 3” x 8’ lumber. You’ll also need a circular saw, jigsaw, drill, drill bits, impact driver, driver bits, and a brad nailer. This guide helps you build a durable dog house that can withstand the heat, keeping your furry friend cool and comfortable during summer.
2. HGTV’s A-Frame Dog House
For those who need a challenging project, the HGTV A-Frame Dog House guide is ideal. It requires 2” x 2” x 6’ cedar board, 2” x 4” x 8’ pressure-treated lumber, 1.25” galvanized wood screws, low VOC paint or stain, 15-lb asphalt-impregnated felt roofing paper, ¾” exterior-grade plywood, 3” galvanized wood screws, 0.75” galvanized roofing nails, roofing cement, (12) 3-tab roofing shingles, and 3/8” galvanized staples. The guide provides instructions on how to build a safe and effective dog house that’s ideal for keeping your pup cool during hot summers.
3. PDSA UK’s Fabric Sun Den
If you have little DIY skills or tools, then transferring a large sheet or towel over the chair or table, coupled with a cooling mat, will help your furry friend relax comfortably in the sun. It’s easy to dismantle and set up, perfect for when you only need it for short periods during the day.
4. HGTV’s Portable Pup Tent
If you’re always on the move, then this portable pup tent is perfect for you. It’s easy to make and requires (4) 3’ x 2” x 1.5” wood pieces, (3) wooden dowels, spray paint, fabric, straight pins, and an iron-on fabric adhesive. The portable pup tent is not only easy to make but also extremely effective.
5. Daily Puppy’s Canvas Tarp Shade Tent
For a project that requires zero coordination skills, this DIY canvas tarp shade tent by Daily Puppy is perfect for you. It requires woodblock or similar heavyweights, a canvas tarp, (2) 6” wooden stakes, grommet kit, and (4) 12” lengths of rope. The DIY project is one of the easiest out there, although the final appearance isn’t very appealing.
6. This Old House’s Outdoor Dog Bed and Canopy
If you want something beautiful and practical, then building an outdoor dog bed and canopy may be the project you’ve been searching for. Material cost includes 1.25” x 5’ PVC pipe, 0.5” x 5’ PVC pipe, 0.75” x 5’ PVC pipe, (2) 1.25” three-way side elbow, (2) 1.25” four-way side outlet tee, (2) 0.5” side-outlet elbows, (2) 0.5” 90-degree elbows, (2) 1.25” coupling, (2) 1.25” x 1” reducer bushing, (2) 0.75” coupling, (2) 0.75” x 0.5” reducing coupling, 2 yards of awning fabric, washer-head screws, heat-fused hem tape, and adhesive-backed Velcro. You’ll also require a miter saw, scissors, drill, driver, tongue and groove pliers, drop cloths, and a steam iron. This guide provides instructions on how to build an outdoor dogbed that your furry friend will love.
7. Miaira Jennings’ PVC Pipe Dog Canopy
If you have no building materials but need a DIY project for the shade, this simple PVC pipe dog canopy will be perfect for you. You’ll need (8) 0.5” x 24” PVC pipes, (4) 0.5” three-way elbows, (4) 0.5” caps, spray paint, and (5) sheer voiles. The guide availability of materials at least teaches one creativity.
8. Woodshop Diaries’ DIY Dog Tent
A great choice for someone with basic sewing skills, this DIY dog tent guide provides instructions for a tent-like shade. The materials required are 2 yards of tent teepee fabric, 1 yard of pillow fabric, a thin pillow, (4) 0.75” x 32” dowel rods, thread, jute string, and pins. The finished product features a comfortable pillow base ideal for keeping the pup cool and comfortable outdoors.
9. Ana White’s Crooked Dog House
Need a moderate difficulty level project? The Ana White guide for the crooked doghouse may help. You’ll need (2) 0.5” x 0.5” exterior wood pickets, (4) 1” wood screws, (2) 1.5” x 0.75” screen door hinges, and wood glue. The completed crooked dog house is not only adorable but also makes an excellent outdoor shade for any dog breed.
Conclusion
Several do-it-yourself projects can help keep your furry friend cool and comfortable during hot summer days. While the different projects come with varying difficulty levels, it’s essential to choose the one that fits your skills to avoid waste and frustration. Whether you build a simple shade or a dog bed and canopy, the end-result will both benefit your dog and prove to be long-lasting.
