As we begin to enter the warmer summer months, you might be thinking about allowing your dog to tag along on your camping trips. But if you’re considering this, you might be concerned about how to keep your dog warm while camping.

It’s vital that your dog is properly cared for and kept warm during a camping trip, especially during those colder months. Fortunately, ensuring your dog stays warm is easier than you think. There are many things you can do to make sure your dog stays warm, from thinking about where they will sleep to how many layers they need.

In the rest of this article, we cover some of the best things you can do to keep your dog warm and cozy while camping, plus how to tell if your dog is cold and what can happen if your dog gets too cold.

Learn how to tell if your dog is cold

Learning how to tell when your dog is struggling with the cold is one of the best things you can do to ensure they never get too cold. Different dogs will have their own way to tell you if they are too cold, so it’s important to learn how your dog communicates this to you.

Making sure to look out for signs that your dog is suffering from the cold is a great way to make sure they stay warm and comfortable while camping. Some dogs will shiver to tell you they are cold, while others might whimper or bark to let you know. Other dogs will try to make themselves warm by cuddling up and burrowing, so make sure to look out for this behaviour.

It also helps to learn how much cold your dog is capable of tolerating before they begin to feel uncomfortable or it becomes a health concern. This is a great way to ensure they don’t get too cold and you know what to look out for to keep them warm. Once you have identified your dog’s needs, you can begin to help them to get warm and prevent problems.

Consider your sleeping arrangements

The night-time can be a particularly difficult time for dealing with the cold as the temperatures start to drop when it gets dark. So it’s vital that your dog sleeps somewhere where they can remain warm and cozy through the night. 

A great way to keep your dog warm while camping is to allow them to sleep inside the tent with you. While a lot of people likely already do this, it’s extra important to do so during the colder nights when dogs can really suffer. Keeping them in the tent is a great way to make sure they get the benefits of your warmth and aren’t exposed to the outside cold. 

Something else to consider is what your dog is going to sleep on. A thick, fluffy dog bed with plenty of padding is a good option for making sure they stay warm during the night. Take lots of warm blankets and covers with you on your trip so you can add them to your dog’s bed to make sure you can make them even warmer and toastier as the night goes on.

Give your dog added layers

Throwing on an extra blanket or layer of clothing is a quick and easy way to help your dog to stay warm during the night. Taking lots of blankets and clothing items with you on your trip is a good way to cover for all eventualities and make sure your dog is protected from the cold.

Blankets are a great way of adding warmth quickly, particularly if you throw on a chunky blanket while your dog sleeps. But don’t forget that doggy clothing can be a great alternative and can help your dog to stay comfortable and warm. A coat is a great option; look for one that is waterproof and padded, potentially with a fluffy lining to offer even more warmth.

Boots are particularly important to help dogs stay warm while you are camping. Dog’s pads can get very cold quickly, so it’s important to keep their paws as warm as possible. Boots are ideal for when your dog is outside to stop their paws getting cold or uncomfortable, but they can also be worn inside the tent to stop heat escaping through their pads while they sleep.

Allow your dog to snuggle

Cuddling your dog is a great way to help them to stay warm while they sleep, so consider allowing them to snuggle in with you if they get cold. Not only will it keep your dog warm, but you also get to share some of their warmth too. 

If your dog is experiencing the cold during the night, you might notice they begin to shiver or shake while they sleep. A great way to stop this and keep them warm is by sharing your own body heat with them, which you can do by letting them cuddle up with you during the night. Consider sharing a sleeping bag and piling on the blankets to help you both stay warm.

If the idea of sharing a bed with your dog doesn’t appeal to you or isn’t possible, allow plenty of time before bed to snuggle up near the fire instead. Allowing your dog some time before bed to cuddle with you by the fire is a great way to let them warm up before bed, which is likely to make them warmer and more comfortable during the night.

Know the dangers of your dog being too cold

Learning about what can go wrong if your dog gets too cold can be a fantastic incentive to keeping your dog warm. It’s also a good way to learn more about what you can do to protect your dog and how to save them from discomfort or health concerns.

Dogs can suffer badly in cold weather, which is why it is so important to understand how to properly care for your dog in the cold. They can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite, both of which can be fatal if they are left untreated. Learning more about the things that can affect your dog is one of the best things you can do to keep them warm while camping.

Most dogs will not do well in temperatures of 40° and under, although the exact temperatures your dog can withstand will depend on breed, age, and whether they are used to the cold or not. Fur is another indicator; some dogs with thicker fur might be more comfortable as they have more protection. A dog who is healthy is also likely to be better suited to the cold.

Conclusion

Taking your dog on a camping trip can be great fun for everyone, but it’s important that you learn how to keep your dog warm while camping.

Dogs can suffer from the cold, so it’s vital that you know how to protect your dog and keep them warm. First and foremost, keep your dog dry. Use hot water bottles, as water bottles are a cheap way to tackle the cold for your dog.

Learning how to keep your dog warm in the cold is a sure-fire way to protect your dog and have a great camping trip you all enjoy.