Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You’ve packed your camping tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and of course, your dog’s camping gear as well. You’re now very excited to get out into the wilderness, go hiking and enjoy nature together with your furry camper.
But one thing you probably haven’t thought of yet is “where should your dog sleep?” And “can dogs sleep in camping tents?”
In this blog post, I’ll answer those questions and share with you the different options for your dog’s sleeping arrangements. This way, you’ll be sure that your dog will have a comfortable sleep on your camping trip.
Can Dogs Sleep in a Camping Tent?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it’s better off to let dogs sleep inside a camping tent. There are many reasons for this.
For one, your dog will feel secure sleeping inside. Being able to curl up inside a tent is much better than sleeping outside, where your dog could be exposed to the elements and get cold. Your pup is also likely to sleep better when not exposed to pesky mosquitoes, bugs, critters, and other insects that could bite them at night time.
More importantly, you know for sure that your canine is safe under your watchful eyes! Letting your dog sleep inside a camping tent will minimize the chances of them being stolen or attacked by strangers, encounters with wild animals, getting lost, and running off and getting into troubles around the campsite area, like digging, chewing up things, etc.
However, there is more to consider when it comes to letting them share a tent with you.
For instance, will the tent floor be comfortable enough for your dog to sleep on? Would they be able to find a nice position laying down? Will they get too cold inside the tent?
All these are valid concerns, so let’s take a look at how you can resolve them.
1. Getting a Right Size Tent
You might think that it doesn’t really matter if you get a bigger or smaller one because there’s still space for both you and your dog inside, but this is not true at all!
An appropriate-sized tent will make sure that your pup can move around freely without feeling cramped up in an awkward position.
When it comes to picking the size of your tent, always consider your dog as an extra occupant. Unless you have a toy size breed, you may be able to get away with a one-person tent.
2. Bring a Camping Bed or Sleeping Bag for Your Dog
A comfortable surface is an absolute must for a good night’s sleep! And your dog will surely appreciate being able to lay down on something soft and cozy. So, make sure to bring along a camping bed or sleeping bag for your canine.
There are many different types of dog beds on the market, for instance, memory foam beds, sleeping bags, and inflatable beds. And I personally prefer sleeping bags over the other two options.
The reason is that sleeping bags are compact and take up less space in my backpack when folded. They are also lightweight, waterproof, and can help keep my dog warm on chilly nights.
Memory foam beds are a good choice if you have a senior dog who needs extra support for its joints. However, they can be bulky and heavy, so they probably aren’t the one you should go for if going backpacking or wild camping with your pup.
What about inflatable beds? Well, they are also an excellent choice since they can be compressed down to fit in your backpack and take up very little space. But keep in mind that they don’t offer the most comfortable surface for your dog to sleep on, plus they don’t provide much insulation at all, so I wouldn’t recommend using them for winter camping.
3. Use Dog Blankets
If you are going on an overnight camping trip during winter, you might find that your pup will need more than just a bed to stay warm. This is why you should consider bringing a nice, warm blanket to use as an extra layer of insulation.
This isn’t something that will be necessary if you are camping during the summertime or in warmer climates where nights aren’t cold at all. But I would definitely bring it along with me on winter trips!
Where Else Can Dogs Sleep When Camping?
Let’s be honest. Not everyone wants to share the same tent with dogs. It could be due to space restrictions, fear of their dogs triggering allergies, or simply because their canines snore too loud.
If this is your case and you prefer not to sleep with your pup, here are some other options for sheltering them during overnight trips.
1. Doggy Tent
This is perhaps the most popular choice among dog owners for camping with their canine companions.
A doggy tent is an excellent alternative to sharing the same space with your pup, as it provides them with their own little sleeping quarter while offering them protection against the elements, wild animals, and other types of dangers.
There are many different models on the market, so you won’t have any problem finding one that meets your needs best. Just make sure to pick a tent with enough space inside! And if it has mesh panels along the sides or top of it, even better since they can help keep out bugs while still allowing fresh air to circulate through the interior.
2. Hammock
Another option is to use a hammock. In fact, some campers even use a hammock to sleep in with their dogs.
Hammocks are lightweight, so you won’t have any trouble packing them into your backpack. Plus, it can be hung up between two trees or posts at the campsite very easily! And as long as it’s tied to something sturdy, there shouldn’t be any problem accommodating even extra-large breeds!
However, keep in mind that dogs might find it difficult at first to get used to staying inside it. And make sure to trim your dog’s nails to prevent them from tearing up the fabric of your hammock!
3. Outdoor Elevated Beds
Otherwise, you can consider bringing along an elevated outdoor bed for your dog to sleep on.
A raised design means it can help keep bugs, insects, and other pests away from your pup. Also, elevated beds can be a great choice for dogs since they provide an extra level of support and comfort while keeping your canine cool in warm weather conditions.
However, raised beds can be bulky, so it’s probably only suitable if you plan to go car or RV camping instead of backpacking or wild camping with your dog.
Inside or Outside? That is The Question
Well, I personally would let my dog sleep inside regardless of the season or weather conditions since it’s a lot safer and comfortable for my canine. But it depends on you. In fact, I know many people prefer to let their dogs sleep outside!
However, make sure you know the risks in letting your fido sleep out in the open! Just because they can handle a bit of cold doesn’t mean that other factors don’t need to be considered.
For instance, your four-legged friend could run away if spooked by another animal or person. Also, they can pick up fleas and ticks pretty easily when sleeping outdoors, and these pests can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. Plus, some canines will get nervous if they sleep outside alone, although you can use calming aids for dogs to help them relax. What’s worse, some predators like cougars and coyotes may see your dog as prey.
All in all, it’s best not to let your pooch sleep outside unless absolutely necessary since their safety is more important than anything else.
That about sums everything up! Hopefully, I was able to help you decide where your furry best friend will sleep on your next camping trip!
