Camping trips offer numerous adventures, excursions, things to see, and activities to do. Sharing these experiences with your canine friend adds another layer of excitement to an already fun and interesting outing. When your camping plans include your special friend, it is important to provide him or her with the comforts of home, which includes a safe sleeping place fitted with comfortable bedding. No matter what time of year you will be camping, bringing your dog along as a travel mate results in a memorable experience for everyone involved.
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Where Should Your Dog Sleep When Camping?
Keeping your dog safe and secure while camping is a priority, since it is you they rely on to protect them from dangerous situations. This includes where they sleep. While your pup may enjoy being in the great outdoors, letting him or her sleep unprotected outside your tent can lead to disaster. Whether you are camping in a secluded location or at a campground location, wildlife may not be far away. Leaving your pet outside puts him or her in harm’s way. To avoid dangerous situations, a safe place for your dog to sleep is inside the tent, RV, van, or camper.
Types of Dog Bedding
Elevated Dog Bed
A comfortable sleeping option for your dog is the elevated dog bed, such as the raised cot from Paws & Pals that can be used indoors and outdoors. Ideal for small, medium, or large canines, the elevated pet bed with its folding metal frame comes with a soft bed and a carrying case. With dimensions of 28 x 28 x 9.5, the bed offers plenty of snuggle room while keeping your canine protected from the cold ground.
From Outrav, their polyester filled portable elevated dog bed also folds for easy carrying and storage and supports air flow. The bed features a steel frame with weight enforced legs capable of supporting dogs weighing up to 100 pounds. The lightweight bed comes with a soft cushioned top pad secured to the bed frame using the strength of Velcro.
From Guide Gear, their Dura Mesh elevated dog bed rates 4+ stars from consumers. The elevated bed is constructed with a tubular steel frame fitted with Dura Mesh fabric. The fabric is not only comfortable, but it also provides ventilation. Sturdy corner straps can be adjusted to ensure the frame remains rigid. The bed comes with a convenient adjustable shoulder strap to easily carry the bed. Bed dimensions are 38 x 38 x 10 with a capacity to hold up to 120 pounds.
Canopied Pet Bed
Available from Outrav, the Pet Cot with Canopy Shade Tent serves two purposes when camping. The foldable cot is made with durable polyester featuring mesh panels for breathability to keep pets cool and dry. During the day, the canopy can be attached to the base providing your pup with a shady sleeping area protected from sun, rain, even snow. This pet bed is available in two sizes to accommodate small, medium, and large dogs.
Donut Style Pet Bed
For canines that are prone to being nervous or anxious, the Calming Donut Cuddler bed is the answer. Bring the comfort of home along on the camping trip to help your dog feel save and secure and extra comfortable. Made with pet-friendly materials, the machine-washable faux fur pet bed is available in sizes to accommodate small to large canines. The bed is lightweight, portable, has a non-slip bottom and waterproof.
Sleeping Bags for Dogs
For canines that prefer snug and cosy on the ground sleeping, consider the Lifeunion Dog Sleeping Bag. The polyester outer shell is filled with soft fleece for warmth, comfort, and protected from cold or hard surfaces. The sleeping bag is waterproof and fitted with a zipper and drawstring design to safely secure your pet. The bag can also be unzipped and used as a soft cushion for lounging. When not in use, the bag can be rolled up for easy transport or storage.
Dog Travel Pillow
A simple sleeping solution for canines that want to just stretch out and relax is the FurHaven Trail Pup Travel Pillow Dog Bed. Specially designed for small breeds, the pillow-type bed measures 32 x 26 x 2 and weights one pound. The outer shell is made with easy-to-clean polyester. The inside of the bed is filled with quilted batting, which insulates against cold surfaces and enhances comfortability.
From RUFFWEAR, the Urban Sprawl dog bed is a plush respite for your pup after a day out and about while camping. The two-sided soft and supported bed is made with microsuede material that provides comfort. The cover can be removed and easy to clean as it is machine washable. The bed is made to last due to its high-quality material and waterproof capability. It also comes with a non-skid layer on one side to help hold it in place. This is helpful when bedding is placed on a protective layer such as a tarp made with slick polyethylene fabric. This bed/mattress also has a handle integrated into the side of the bed for easy carrying/toting.
Fold Down Pet Crate
Depending on the size of your tent and the size of your dog, if possible, bring along a fold-down pet crate to place inside the tent for bedtime. With this type of sleeping arrangement, your dog may feel safer and more secure while sleeping near you without the need to secure him or her with a leash while inside the tent. Foldable tents, such as those available from companies such as Petco, Chewy, Wayfair, PetSmart, and Walmart are convenient, collapsible, and easy to transport.
An example of a folding crate is the Orvis Hose-Off Folding Travel Dog Crate. The travel crate is constructed using a sturdy tubular metal frame covered with heavy-duty polyester material. Inside, the crate is fitted with a Sherpa fleece mat for comfort. The crate is designed for convenience with zippers at the top, side, and front doors, ventilated windows, and a carry window. The durable crate collapses for easy transport and has side clips to secure the crate when it is folded.
Available for large dogs with a weight range of 70 to 90 pounds is the iCrate Dog Crate Starter Kit. The 42-inch crate comes with accessories that include bedding, two bowls for food and water, plus a crate cover, which can be used to create a snug hideaway for your dog. The bedding is made of soft fleece and the crate cover is polyester fabric. Both are machine washable and dryer friendly. For security and convenience, the two bowls can be attached to the crate.
Collapsible Pet Crate
For a sturdier camping crate, there are also collapsible wire crates such as the model available at Orvis. The crate has a five-point secure locking system for the door, rounded corners for added strength, and comes with a divider to create a smaller interior space. There is also a polypropylene pan inside the crate to take care of any accidents in the night. The pan is removable for easy cleaning. The crate is designed to collapse and fold into a flat position, so they are easy to take down when not in use. This crate is also available in various sizes from small to XX large and can be set up inside the tent for secure sleeping arrangements or any time your dog is going to be inside the tent.
Choosing the Right Tent Size
Picking the right size dog bed that will fit conveniently inside a tent is important. You want to have ample room for sleeping bags, camping gear, food, personal items, and your own sleeping bags. You also want enough space inside the tent to move around.
If this is the first time your dog is accompanying you on a camping trip, prior to leaving, set up the tent and place all the items you will be taking with you inside. Depending on your dog’s size, use a tape measure to determine the space inside the tent that will be available for the type of bedding you will be providing for your canine companion.
Protecting a Tent’s Floor from Nail Punctures
Whenever your dog is inside the tent, there is the potential for the tent material to be punctured, ripped, or torn due to your dog’s sharp nails. Trimming his or her nails prior to leaving for the camping trip is highly recommended, but this alone does not provide 100 percent protection of the material used to make the tent, which may be susceptible to damage.
When setting up the tent, it is important to include a protective barrier to cover the tent floor. A separate layer can also be placed under the tent. A tarp, which is designed to be tear-resistant, is recommended to ensure the tent floor is not punctured. Interlocking foam tiles or a piece of carpet cut to the dimensions of the tent are also options for protecting the tent floor. Whichever option is used; be sure the protective barrier covers the entire interior space.
Securing Your Dog
Once the tent is set up and the protective floor barrier in place, place your dog’s bed or bedding, toys, food/water bowl, and any other accessories in the same area as his or her bed. Keeping your dog regulated to a specific area minimizes how much access will be available to move around.
Because the setting and sounds of a camping location may be unfamiliar to your dog, it may make him or her curious about what is going on outside the tent. This can lead to roaming around inside. If the sounds or scents from outside upset your dog, it may attempt to get out of the tent. Like the tent flooring, tent walls that are not tear-resistant will not be strong enough to contain your pup.
An accessory that comes in handy is a tie-out cable leash with collar. With this mechanism, you can secure your dog while they’re inside the tent socializing, eating, or sleeping. The same device can be used to secure your dog outside to have room to walk around or lay down without fear he or she will run away.
Camping Items and Accessories for Dogs
When bringing your dog on a camping adventure, it is important for your pet to be at ease and enjoy the experience. To address your dog’s habits and preferences, there are accessories you will want to bring along to keep him or her secure, engaged, and entertained. Depending on the time of year or specific season when you will be camping with your dog can help determine what type of items to bring along, such as:
- Bedding (elevated cot, cushion, or sleeping bag).
- Clean-up bags.
- Collapsible food and water bowls.
- Extra collar and leash.
- Food. (canned and/or dry)
- Non-skid dog socks.
- Paw balm.
- Pet first aid kit.
- Pet harness.
- Strong collar and a leash with a reflective coating.
- Sweater (fleece, quilted, knitted).
- Toys.
- Treats.
Cleaning Up After Your Dog
Don’t forget to bring along items to clean up after your pup. With bedding provided inside the tent, some choices, especially those with removable pans, can help make this an easy step. If you are camping at a campground with facilities, such as washing and drying, consider dog bedding that is washable.
Final Tips and Thoughts
To prevent any unforeseen problems with places you plan to stay while camping, before you pack your gear and head for the open road, it is important to know ahead of time if dogs are allowed at your chosen site(s). Not all camping locations allow certain breeds, especially if they have a history of being an aggressive breed. There will also be rules and regulations to follow for campgrounds and RV parks that allow canine campers.
With comfort, safety, and security in place, your camping adventure could be the first of many adventures to share with your canine buddy.
Looking for more handy camping tips for your next trip? Check out our essential guides to staying safe and comfortable on the trail here.