Outside Kennel Flooring in Hot Climate?

    • Puppy

    Outside Kennel Flooring in Hot Climate?

    Hello all...
    We have 2 dogs that we put in our kennel outside when it's nice out.  It's a 4X6 kennel, with pavers down for flooring.   We used to throw old blankets or rugs in there for them to lie on, but they shred them over time.  So we're tired of buying things that they will just shred, but I still would like to give them something more comfortable to lay on than brick pavers. 
     
    We live in Houston, so we have our share of hot days.  Kennel currently has lattis work on top to give them some shade, but let's them enjoy some sun too.  Thought about the rubber mats (like stall mats), but concerned they will get to hot in the summer.  So now looking at some plastic kennel/crate floors that are suppose to be non-conducive to heat...but not sure how much more comfortable they are than the pavers.
     
    Any other ideas or thoughts?  Thanks!
    • Gold Top Dog
    If you shade the kennel top and side, the substrate should be fine and not get hot. There should be shade anyhow [;);Periodic sprays down with a hose will also help...but really if it's hot enough in the shade that it's uncomfortable on rubber matting (which would get my vote)...they should be inside anyway.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I also thought that adding a misting system would likely eliminate the issue of susbtrate heating up too much.