It is important that you know how to keep your best pal warm and safe while you enjoy the great outdoors on a camping trip. These furry friends need extra attention when camping at night, even in the summer.
For that reason, here are some tips on how to keep a dog warm while camping so you both can enjoy the trip to the fullest. Stay tuned!
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Warm While Camping
Cuddle Up with Your Dog, Snuggle Bag for Dogs
What’s better than a good ol’ cuddle with your buddy? I assume this must be what to first come to the mind of most people as it is something they love to do with their dog at home. I mean, who doesn’t?
You can buy a large or a double-sized snuggle bag that fits you and your dog; also, make sure that he feels comfortable enough to sleep in the bag all night while having all the warmth.
Buying a Separate Sleeping Bag or Pad for Your Dog
If your dog prefers to have his own space, or he simply just can’t stay still in one position, it is best to buy him a separate sleeping bag.
Besides, the bag should be there in case your dog feels like it’s too warm that he wants to retreat to another place.
The material is one crucial factor that you ought to pay close attention to when buying a highlands sleeping bag for your dog.
It should be durable and long-lasting; water-resistant is good, but fast-drying should be put first on the list when you’re in the wilderness.
Bring Your Dogs Own Blanket
If you feel like a sleeping bag is too much, bring your dog’s own blanket. It will keep him warm and help him sleep easier as the blanket is something he’s familiar with and comfortable to be around.
However, blankets at home are often heavy; it would be impossible to get them dry if you accidentally spill water on them, or if they get wet because of the fog at night.
In this case, a wool blanket makes a great alternative. They’re not too heavy and works great in keeping both you and your dog warm.
Buy a Doggie Puffy Coat
When camping in the winter, your dog will need more than just a blanket. A doggie puffy coat serves as an extra layer to keep your fluffy friend warm in winter days.
I’m sure you can find jackets for dogs to keep them warm easily as there are several different ones on the market.
Put on the coat and see if your dog wants it on him. You’ll know when he doesn’t since he’s very much likely to take it off, and by that, I mean he will try his very best to get the coat off him.
Pack a Warm Water Bottle Next to Them
If your pooch is shivering cold, then a warm bottle of water will do the trick. I assume you will have all the gear needed for heating water when you’re out on a camping trip.
However, do remember to test the water against your skin first to make sure it’s warm enough. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
Feed Your Dog More
Did you know that dogs can produce a lot more calories than usual from just eating? This is because their body will constantly work to digest the food, resulting in heat being created.
As trivial as it sounds, a dog will need two or even threefold amount of calories their body usually requires when it is cold at night, especially in winter.
Plus, I’m sure your little pooch will love all the extra food and treat he’s getting.
Insulate Your Tent Properly
This tip seems to be practical; yet, not everybody knows how to insulate their tent in the right way. The best thing to do would be to look up the tips on how to do so; luckily, we’ve got you covered!
Keep Your Dog Dry
You should not let him come into contact with any water, even though he’ll be very much likely to give you a hard time with those poor-looking, marbled eyes.
Yes, you must ensure to keep your fluffy pal dry at all times; they can catch a cold easily when it rains or when you allow them to have some fun with the nearby puddle.
Check Their Health, Constantly
Constantly check for your dog’s physical health – Is he shaking? Are his ears cold? Are the blood pressures normal? If it appears that he doesn’t feel well, you might want to take him to the nearest vet.
But where do you find a vet in the middle of nowhere? This leads to another thing to do – look for a nearby vet clinic when planning your trip; you know what they say, prevention is better than cure!
Cold Weather Camping Gear for Dogs
To keep your dog warm on a winter night in the wilderness, here are a few things you need to prepare.
- Shelter/Bed: Your dog should have his own bed unless he’s 100% comfortable sleeping with/next to you. Bringing his bed at home will even make him comfier sleeping in a strange place.
- Blanket: Usually, the fur should be good enough to keep your dog warm in summer days, but a blanket is needed in colder weather.
- Coat: Winter camping can be somewhat challenging for your dog if he doesn’t have an extra layer from his coat for more warmth. Do pay attention to whether he likes the coat on or not, though.
- Shoes/socks: Did you know that dogs have a unique circulation system on their paws to help keep warm? The system, however, can be interrupted when the ground is too cold. For that reason, shoes or socks can really come in handy when camping in winter months.
Warning Signs When My Dog is Too Cold
You might be wondering how cold is too cold for dogs? Is it the same as it is for humans? Well, here are some warning signs to tell you when your pooch is too cold.
Even though various breeds have different times of enduring the cold weather, if you spot these visible signs from your dogs, get him warm immediately by applying some of the tips above.
- When your pal is shivering or whimpering
- When he’s acting differently than usual or being lethargic (this might result in other problems as well)
- When your dog is restless
Cheap Ways to Heat While Camping
- Start a fire: Gather some branches around and start a fire next to your tent. That way, you’ll be kept warm all night.
- Purchase some disable heat patches: These patches are really useful, and they usually don’t cost that much.
- Use warm rocks: You can leave some rocks by the fire to heat up and bring them inside the tent later. This is one old-school yet effective method that people still apply nowadays.
See more:
- Cold Weather Tips for Dog Owners
- 4 Ways to Keep Dogs Warm in the Winter
- 10 Winter Safety Tips for Dog Owners
FAQs
Do Large Dogs Handle Cold Weather Better Than Small Dogs?
Yes.
Due to their outstanding physical strength to smaller dog breeds, it is not surprising when they have a better tolerance of cold weather.
However, Labradors or Boxers will still need extra insulation because of their short hair.
What Temperature Does Your Dog Need a Coat?
When the outside temperature is 45℉ or more, there’s no need for a coat, especially if you guys are going out for a short time (15-20 minutes).
What is more, dog breeds like Alaskan Husky or Saint Bernard were built for the cold weather, so they have an even higher tolerance for the cold weather.
Can Dogs Get Hypothermia?
Like us, dogs can get Hypothermia due to being exposed to the cold for a long time. In the early stages of Hypothermia, you’ll see that your pooch has trouble breathing, rational heartbeat, or poor blood pressure.
A thermometer is a must-have in your dog first-aid kit so you can get him checked out if he starts acting weird.
Can Dogs Get Frostbite?
It is possible that your pooch gets Frostbite. But unless he’s exposed to freezing weather in a long time, chances of him getting Frostbite are low.
How do You Keep a Puppy Warm at Night?
You can consult some of the tips we’ve mentioned above. In general, it is best that you limit their time outside (especially when camping in winter), provide them with proper shelter, and equip them with dog-specialized gears.
Is My Dog Cold at Night?
Even in summer or spring months, the temps drop to a certain extent at night, so yes, your furry friend will be cold if you don’t provide him with adequate insulation.
Do Dogs Need Blankets at Night?
It depends on how cold it is where you camp. If your dog is used to sleeping with his blanket at home, a blanket will help to keep him warm, thus help him sleep easier in an unfamiliar place.
Bottom Line
What’s better than spending a camping trip with man’s best friend – your little pooch?!
Nonetheless, when it comes to camping with your dog, it’s not just about how to keep a dog warm while camping; you must also know how to make him comfortable in a strange place, and observe how he reacts to different weathers.
Comment down below if you have any other useful tips for camping with dogs. Have fun!
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