I'm in Arizona so this is actually a big topic. There is the heat, the dryness of the air, and rock landscaping.

1. Shaded, open-air canopy area that covers solid, cool flooring. Dog houses are not a good idea for desert. They are closed and retain heat. The open-air canopy provides shade and air movement.

2. Automatic water feeder kept in the corner of the canopy covered area.

3. Teach to sit on step in an in-ground pool. If you don't have an in-ground get a kiddy pool.

4. Keep them inside during the heat of the day.

5. Don't overfeed them.

6. Rinse them off in shower.

7. In desert communities - air conditioning is a must.

8. Have quiet time during heat of day. Play early morning or late evening.

9. Make sure water is available inside and outside - all the time.

10. A water mister system roped through canopy is a good idea for desert climate for several reasons. It noticeably reduces air temperature by putting water vapor into the air. This also allows for the skin/body temperature to stay cool.

Mostly our dogs get shade and fresh drinking water. While the kiddie pool idea sounds nice, I'm afraid we would just end up with a major muddy mess. We have Labradors who manage to tromp down or dig the grass at spots in the yard until it is just dirt. Dirt plus water equals mud.

Our dog loves the outdoors and she doesn't understand why I make her come inside the air conditioned house during the heat of the day. I have a running birdbath that she loves to drink out of while she is outdoors. I'm always refilling this and cleaning it. Also, she has plenty of water inside the house. I open the blinds so she can see out the windows while she is inside, and for sure she sleeps inside at nights. She also has a doggie cot outside what air can get up to her from the bottom, so she doesn't have to lay in the dirt. She loves the early morning and late evening hours outside.