Most Australian dogs cope with a cold night far better than a hot afternoon. As summer arrives, it's worth taking a fresh look at your dog's outdoor setup, because the things that keep them comfortable on a scorching day are mostly simple, and mostly free.
1. Shade that lasts all afternoon
Shade moves. A spot that's cool at 9am can be in full sun by 3pm, which is usually when the day is at its hottest. The Australian Veterinary Association suggests giving dogs several shady spots they can move between as the sun shifts, rather than relying on just one.
On the next warm day, walk your yard at a few different times and notice where the shade falls. Trees, a verandah, the shady side of the house or a shade sail all count. Put the kennel somewhere that stays shaded through the afternoon, because even a well-ventilated kennel warms up quickly when it sits in full sun.
2. Let the air move
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, and RSPCA Australia points out that panting needs good airflow to work. Think of the kennel as a cool, shaded, ventilated retreat rather than a closed box.
- Keep the doorway clear and facing an open part of the yard, not a wall or fence.
- Choose a kennel with a raised floor, so air can move underneath and the floor isn't sitting on hot ground.
- For the warmest months, swap heavy winter bedding for something light and easy to wash.
3. More water than you think
Leave plenty of clean, fresh water in the shade, plus a second bowl somewhere else. RSPCA Australia recommends having extra water sources in case one gets spilt, which is easy to do when a hot dog is drinking often and moving around. If you're home, top bowls up with cool water through the day.
4. Walk early, walk late
Save walks and games for early morning or late evening, and skip exercise in the hottest part of the day. Hot footpaths, roads and sand can burn paws, so check the ground before you head out.
The hand test: place your hand flat on the footpath. If you can't comfortably keep it there for more than a few seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
5. Know which dogs feel the heat most
Some dogs need extra care. RSPCA Australia lists flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, dogs carrying extra weight, dogs with thick or long coats, very young and older dogs, and dogs with heart or breathing conditions among those at higher risk. If your dog is in one of these groups, plan to keep them inside on hot days.
For every dog, a simple rule applies: if the house is cooler than the yard, bring them in. The best kennel in the world won't beat a cool laundry floor on a 40-degree afternoon. And never leave a dog in a parked car, or on the back of a ute, where the tray itself can burn.
6. Spot the signs of heatstroke early
Heatstroke is an emergency. Signs to watch for include:
- heavy panting that keeps getting worse
- drooling, restlessness or trouble breathing
- very red or pale gums, or a bright red tongue
- vomiting or diarrhoea
- weakness, staggering, trembling or collapse
If you suspect heatstroke, move your dog somewhere cool, wet their coat with cool (not ice-cold) water and fan them, then get them to a vet straight away, even if they seem to be recovering. RSPCA Australia advises against using ice or ice-cold water, as it can make things worse.
Where to start in our range
If you're setting up or upgrading before summer, look for airflow and a raised floor first.
- Best for airflow: The Compound has front and rear ventilation openings, plus a lift-up roof that helps with both airflow and cleaning.
- A covered spot to lounge: The Estate pairs an enclosed sleeping space with a covered front area that still lets the air through.
- Room to stretch out: The Homestead is a spacious kennel with a raised floor for airflow and a removable floor that makes summer cleaning easier.
Every kennel is delivered free Australia-wide and backed by a 12-month warranty.
Shop all dog kennelsAsk us a question