Camping with your dog can be fun, but keeping them warm is important, especially if you’re camping in a hilly area or during winters.
Keeping your dog warm while camping keeps them comfortable and healthy and lets you enjoy your trip stress-free. Apart from this, keeping your dogs warm will help minimize canine arthritis – a common health issue that dogs face due to cold.
You are on the right page if you are looking for ways to keep your dog warm during camping. Today, I will share some interesting tips on keeping a dog warm during cold camping.
Do Dogs Get Cold While Camping?
Just like humans, dogs also get cold while camping. Although dogs’ skin is covered with hairs still, there is a certain degree of temperature they can survive in.
The coldness level may vary depending on the dog’s size and breed. For instance, the Alaskan Malamutes are a cold area breed, whereas Chihuahuas have a thin layer of skin and need extra protection during cold. So, by considering the breed you are camping with, you can only figure out the right clothing, tent, sleeping bags, and other arrangements you should focus on to keep your dog warm.
If the temperature falls to 20 degrees, dogs may be subjected to frostbite. Apart from that, dogs also have a chance of getting hypothermia if the temperature is below 100 Fahrenheit.
During cold weather camping, it is recommended to provide a comfortable and warm environment to your dogs and keep a close eye on the signs that indicate your dog is getting cold.
Signs Your Dog is Getting Cold:
It’s not just waiting for the temperature to fall to get your puppy a warm cloth. The environment and activity levels influence your dog’s health. So, you can keep a close eye on the signs your dog is getting cold.
The signs include:
- Shivering
- Holding his one paw up
- Less active
- Crying and whining
- Body is cold
- Pacing
If you notice any of these signs, that’s a clear indication your dog is feeling cold, and it’s time to provide him warm environment.
7 Tips to Keep Your Dog Warm While Camping
Now that you have a clear idea of how important it is to keep your dog warm while camping. Today, I will share the seven most useful camping gear to keep your dog warm during colder weather.
Let’s jump in.
Warm Dog Coat
What will you do if you feel cold? Put an extra layer of clothing? Well, that is the first thing you will do for sure. The same is the case with your pet. To keep your pet warm, get him a dog jacket.
The thickness of the coat depends on the temperature. There is a huge variety of coats available in the market; some are thinly layered while others are heavy-duty. The thin coats usually have a small layer of warm material like an outer shell and flannel.
It is recommended to make your dog use to of coat before you take them on the trip—one way to teach your dog to enjoy wearing clothes is by associating them with their favorite toy.
While your dog is wearing a coat, ensure they don’t get overheated. Because it will make your dog uncomfortable, it wants to get rid of it.
Make sure the coat stays dry when camping in a snowy area or near a stream. If it gets wet, remove it immediately as that may cause them to get cold.
Waterproof and puffed coats are preferable for the snowy region. It will provide an extra layer of warmth while not getting wet.
Sleeping Bags
Get your dog a separate sleeping bag instead of letting them sleep on the cold ground. Please ensure the bag size is big enough that your dog can move easily in his sleeping bag.
Depending on the size of your dog, choose your dog’s sleeping bag wisely. The small sleeping bags are ideal for small dogs like American Eskimo. On the other hand, for larger dogs like Leonberger, a bigger sleeping bag is the perfect fit for them.
Dog sleeping bags provide an extra layer of warmth and make them sleep well. One of the main advantages of a dog sleeping bag is it traps all the dog’s body heat and lets them stay warm throughout the night.
You can also add some padding between your dog and the bottom of the sleeping bag. It will prevent the cold air and provide an extra layer of warmth on cozy nights. Sleeping bags mostly act as a perfect outdoor dog bed.
The better your dog sleeps, the more actively it participates in outdoor activities.
Hot Water Bottle
Providing warmth to your dog through a hot water bottle is another good way while camping.
When you pour hot water into the bottle, don’t forget to check if it’s not too hot to burn your dog’s skin. Another way is to cover the water bottle with a furry cover. If you don’t have a cover, you can also warp the bottle in the towel, pillow cover, or one of your shirts.
Hot water bottles are portable, lightweight, and the easiest way to keep your dog warm while camping.
Nutrient-Rich Treats
Feeding your dog with nutrient-rich food is also a good way of keeping your dog warm. The protein-rich food will also boost your dog’s energy level. Keep your dog warm and full during chilly nights with extra food.
With more food, it is also essential to keep your dog stay hydrated. Most dog owners think drinking more water is important in hot weather, but keeping your dog hydrated is also important in winter, especially when feeding them with protein-rich items.
The Right Camping Tent
Having the right camping tent is the key to peaceful nights. Both you and your dog need to get the right tent of large size so that you can also use the heating equipment during colder temperatures.
When choosing a tent, ensure it is durable enough to stand strong during a heavy storm. The camping tent also has enough ventilation flaps that you don’t face air circulation issues.
An ideal tent can keep you and your dog warm during cold weather.
Having the Right Camping Tent
Having the right camping tent is the key to peaceful nights. Both you and your dog need to get the right tent of large size so that you can also use the heating equipment during colder temperatures.
When choosing a tent, ensure it is durable enough to stand strong during a heavy storm. The camping tent also has enough ventilation flaps that you don’t face air circulation issues.
Dog Booties
The dogs’ paws are more likely to suspect frostbite and abrasions during cold weather. Boots play a vital role in cold weather and keep the dog’s feet dry and warm.
Boots help your dog to walk in the snow more comfortably. Just like human dogs also find it difficult to walk on the cold surface.
A pair of warm booties will keep your dog warm and help them walk comfortably.
If your dog is not used to boots, you need to put a little extra effort into training your dog so that it works while camping in cold weather.
Fleece Blanket
A fleece blanket provides an extra layer of warmth to your pet while camping. If your dog has a favorite blanket, do bring that with you. It will keep your dog warm and help them feel more secure.
Cuddling with your dog in a warm blanket is an awesome way of sharing heat and bonding.
It is recommended to bring a camping-specific blanket rather than a house blanket as camping blankets are lightweight and mostly waterproof.
A warm blanket will also help your dog sleep well.
Pack Your Dog Camping Essentials
With all the necessities your dog needs to stay warm and active, don’t forget to pack your dog’s camping essentials like a poo bag, bowl, and food.
If possible, do bring your dog’s bedding so that it may feel like home. Pret proof feeding bowl is an ideal choice while camping.
The first aid box is a must while camping; in case you or your pet gets injured.
Wrap Up!
Are you considering leaving your dog home because of an upcoming winter trip? Dogs can survive the cold temperatures of a campground as long as you are willing to keep them warm.
Bring a sleeping bag, a dog coat, booties, hot water bottle, fleece blanket, nutrient-rich food, and beverages to keep your dog warm. You can also train your dog to sleep with you while cuddling in a tent.
