Let’s face it, dogs really are a man’s best friend. And, as such, we may want to bring our four-legged friends with us on a camping trip. However, there are some considerations that must be made before pulling the trigger and bringing along your furry best friend.
Below, we are going to go through the considerations that must be made before bringing your dog with you on a camping trip. In addition, we are also going to discuss the all-important aspect of how to keep a dog warm while camping.
These tips and considerations will not only help you enjoy a camping trip with your furry friend but could also potentially save their life. Keeping a dog warm while camping is not necessarily difficult, but there are telltale signs that you should be on the lookout for.
Taking the proper steps to avoid hypothermia in your dog will ensure both you and your dog are comfortable throughout your trip. And preparation is absolutely necessary. Before beginning a camping adventure with your dog, be sure to prepare for your trip with some of the items listed below.
Talk to Your Dogs Vet
Before planning your camping trip, you should make a quick visit to your dog’s veterinarian. Your dog’s vet will be able to confirm whether or not your little buddy is healthy enough for a camping trip and will also be able to give you some tips and recommendations for your upcoming trip.
It is also important to take your dog’s vet recommendations seriously. As a trained professional, your dog’s vet will be able to give you a more definitive answer on whether or not a camping trip will be safe for your little one. Be sure to heed their advice and avoid bringing your furry friend with you if their vet doesn’t recommend the trip.
Be Realistic About Your Dogs Abilities
Let’s be honest, some dogs are simply better equipped for the cold weather and the rigors of hiking then others. And while your dog’s vet can help you make that determination, you should also be realistic about your dog’s ability.
If you’re unable to visit a vet before a camping trip, try to mimic the conditions of one by going on a quick hike with your dog in the colder weather. How do they fare with the hike and the weather? Are they tiring easily? Do they get cold quickly?
Ask yourself these questions and be honest. If your dog is simply not equipped for the cold or for long treks, then simply respect their abilities and opt against bringing them along with you.
Confirm Your Four-Legged Friend is Welcome
Once you’ve determined that a cold camping trip is safe for your four-legged friend, be sure to double-check and confirm that they are welcome to the campsite. Many campsites and trails have liberal policies regarding dogs. However, others do not.
You don’t want to bring along your four-legged friend only to have to turn around once you arrive. Most campsites and trails will indicate whether or not dogs are allowed on site on their websites. It is also best to confirm beforehand rather than arriving and being disappointed.
Dress Your Dog Appropriately
While we’re not talking about additional layers for your dog, just yet, you will want to dress your four-legged pup in appropriate gear for a camping trip. Think bright, conspicuous colors that are easily visible and noticeable.
You should invest in collars and harnesses which are bright in color and noticeable. Whether they are frolicking in the snow or exploring the greenery around them, you will want an easy, quick way to locate and identify them.
There are a plethora of options available, however, we really like this no pull harness, which is both reflective and chic looking.
It is also important to dress your four-legged friend in appropriate camping harnesses as, with the weather getting colder and the days shorter, you will want an easy way to locate them and dressing them in bright, reflective clothing will help with that.
Watch Out for Hypothermia
When it comes to keeping your dog warm while camping, you should know some of the basic, telltale signs of hypothermia beforehand. Knowing these signs will help you take immediate action and handle the situation as quickly as possible.
- Shivering
- Slow breathing
- Lethargy
- Stiff muscles
- Gray or pale gums
- Stumbling
- Lack of coordination
- Dilated and fixed pupils
- Low heart rate
If you notice any of these signs, then you should take immediate action to reverse the onset of symptoms. In addition, you should seek the care and help of a veterinarian to ensure the health and safety of your dog.
Cuddle With Your Dog
Perhaps the easiest, and definitely the cutest, way to warm up your dog during a camping trip is to simply cuddle with them. Cuddling with your dog not only helps to warm them but can also be a great way to bond and connect with them.
While cuddling with you dog may be a great way to warm them, you can add an additional layer of warmth by wrapping both yourself and your dog in a warm, fleece blanket. This will help to retain the heat from both your bodies and bring you two closer.
Purchase Dog Booties
Dog booties are not only adorable, but they will also help your dog protect their paws from the rough, cold terrain. While a dog’s paws can better handle rough conditions than our bare feet, they may still be susceptible to the cold and rough terrain.
However, before purchasing a pair of dog booties, be sure to purchase and test out multiple pairs on your dog at home. Many dogs may find the booties uncomfortable in the beginning, leading to difficult walking poses. However, with time and trial, you dog will become more accustomed to the booties and will have no difficulty with them on.
There are a plethora of dog booties available online and can be purchased based on your dog’s size. Be sure to purchase ones that not only fit correctly, but also provide additional covering and security on their paws.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
While we, naturally, assume that hydration is important during warmer weather, it is also important during colder temperatures as well. The effort it takes for both you and your pup to trek through cold terrains can lead to dehydration and you should pack additional bottles of water for your dog.
We personally love the portable dog water bottle dispensers. These dispensers allow you to disperse water to a small, secure bowl, allowing your dog to drink easily and conveniently.
In addition, you should ensure the water you give your dog is nice and cold. Be sure to follow our guide on how to keep the contents of your cooler cold for doing so!
Up Their Caloric Intake
As with any cardiovascular activity, both you and your four-legged friend will need to up their caloric intake. You should bring along nutrient-rich, high-energy foods and snacks for your dog, as well as yourself. Not only will these snacks help keep your dog warm, but they will also help to keep them sustained through long hikes and treks.
A Dog Jacket
If you really want to keep your dog warm while camping and hiking, then consider investing in a dog jacket. These jackets provide an additional layer of warmth for your dog and help to keep them warm from the cold weather. Be sure to purchase and trial these jackets beforehand, as they come in a variety of sizes and designs.
In addition, many dogs may not take to the jacket in the beginning and may need additional time to acquaint themselves with it on.
A Doggy Bed, Sleeping Bag, or Large Blanket
While you may not need to bring all three options, you should definitely invest in one of them. Dogs, like humans, can get cold on hard, wet surfaces, even in a tent. So, as you wouldn’t consider sleeping directly on a tent bed, neither should your dog.
There are a ton of dog beds which are built specifically for camping, but we highly recommend the Furhaven pet bed. This pet bed is perfect for travel and comes with a sack for easy travel. In addition, it is extremely comfortable and will help your pet to sleep quickly while camping.
An Absorbent Towel
Your dog will likely get wet on your camping trip. And, when they do, you will need a quick and easy way to dry them off to prevent hypothermia and keep them warm. This can be done easily by bringing along an absorbent towel to dry them off with.
The Warm Bottle Technique
If your dog is cold or shivering, then the warm bottle technique is a great option to help keep them warm. For starters, you never want to use artificial warmers on your dog as doing so may lead to burns. Rather, bring some water to a light boil and place in a water bottle.
Wrapping the water bottle in a blanket or shirt, place it next to your dog. Your dog will likely curl up close to the water bottle, helping to warm them up. If your dog is extremely cold, then place multiple warm bottles near them to help them warm-up faster.
Invest in a Portable Heater
Another great option is to utilize a portable heater within your tent. Doing so will help to warm the overall temperature in the tent, allowing your dog’s temperature to rise as well. There are a ton of options online, however we recommend you trial a few to ensure it works correctly and that it is not set to the highest level as that can cause distress to both you and your dog.
Don’t Keep Your Dog Outside
Lastly, when it comes to keeping your dog warm while camping, be sure to not let your dog outside when they are cold or when it is raining. Your dog should stay with you and should stay inside the tent, particularly during inclement weather or when temperatures outside begin to drop.