Keeping pets cool in the summer months can be a challenge, but it’s particularly difficult if you have an outdoor dog kennel. If you aren’t careful, you could end up with an overheated pup and an expensive vet bill. Fortunately, there are several things can do to help your furry friends beat the heat this summer.

How to Cool Down Your Dog Kennel

1. Give It Some Shade

If you can, it’s best to situate an outdoor dog kennel near trees that will provide shade in the summer. You can plant some fast-growing trees, but it may take a couple years or more for those to be effective. If trees aren’t an option, consider using a large umbrella or light blankets. Just don’t use anything that will block the airflow, as this could make the dog kennel even hotter.

2. Provide Plenty of Water

Dogs can overheat quickly if they don’t get enough water. To ensure your pups have plenty of water to drink throughout the day, provide them with multiple water bowls to drink from. You may also want to consider adding ice to one or more of the bowls, or freezing a bowl so it melts slowly. As the ice melts, the cool air it generates will help regulate the temperature in your dog’s kennel.

3. Throw in a Pool

Sometimes, small water bowls and shade just aren’t enough when the dog days of summer set in. To keep your furry friend from overheating, consider putting a kiddie pool full of cool water inside the kennel. They can drink from it or lounge in the cool water. It’s a fun way to help them keep their body temperatures at a normal level.

4. Install Fans With Misters

Days with little to no breeze can be painful for a dog. Plan for those miserably hot days by installing fans in the dog kennel to prevent stagnant, hot air. Adding misters to the fans is another great way to keep the air in the kennel as cool as possible.

5. Lay Down Wet Towels

Most outdoor dog kennels are on dirt or grass, which gets hot quickly. Reduce the temperature of the floor of the kennel by soaking some towels in cold water and covering the floor with them. The cold, wet towels will feel good on your dog’s paws and will help put a chill in the air.

Whether you need to upgrade your existing dog kennel or build a new one, keep these tips in mind so that your pup stays safe all summer long. The fence suppliers at AAA Fence have provided homeowners and businesses throughout Anchorage, AK, with quality fences for over 30 years. They can assist you throughout the design process and will even install your new dog run fence or kennel for you. To request a free estimate, call (907) 349-7000, and visit their website to learn more about all the services these fence suppliers offer.