HOUND Journal: Practical advice for dogs who camp, travel, swim and compete outdoors.
Practical ways to keep your dog warm and comfortable on camping trips, including bedding, shelter, drying off and choosing the right sleep setup.
Quick Answer
To keep a dog warm while camping, focus on staying dry, getting them off cold or damp ground, using suitable insulated bedding, protecting the sleeping area from wind and planning for the overnight low rather than the daytime temperature.
How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog?
There is no single temperature that is appropriate for every dog. Coat type, size, age, health, body condition, acclimatisation, wind, moisture and whether the dog normally sleeps indoors all affect cold tolerance.
A dog that is comfortable outdoors on a mild evening may struggle when the same temperature is combined with wind and wet bedding.
Start with a dry sleeping area
Cold ground can draw heat away from the body, and damp bedding quickly becomes uncomfortable. A raised or insulated sleeping surface can help separate your dog from wet grass, dirt and cold ground.
A raised cot such as the HOUND Camp Cot is one option, but any sleeping surface that is dry, stable and appropriate for your dog can work.
For a broader comparison, see Dog Camp Cot vs Sleeping on the Ground.
Add insulation, not just padding
A soft bed is not always a warm bed. In cooler conditions, insulation helps reduce heat loss and gives the dog somewhere to burrow or curl up.
Blankets, insulated mats and dog sleeping bags can all work depending on your setup. The HOUND Adventure Sleeping Bag is designed for overnight outdoor use and can be used on its own or on top of a raised cot. The HOUND Camp Kit pairs the two for people who want both elevation and insulation.
Keep your dog dry before bedtime
A wet dog will lose warmth much faster than a dry one. If your trip involves swimming, rain, creek crossings or heavy dew, dry your dog thoroughly before they settle for the night.
Keep a dedicated towel easy to reach rather than buried underneath the rest of your gear. Thick-coated dogs may take longer to dry than they appear to.
Protect the sleeping area from wind
Wind can make a mild evening feel much colder. Position your dog's sleeping area inside your tent, enclosed awning, caravan annex or another protected space where possible.
A sheltered corner can also help a dog settle because it keeps them close to you without placing them in the main traffic path through camp.
Consider your individual dog
Short-coated dogs, smaller dogs, senior dogs and dogs accustomed to sleeping indoors may need more warmth than hardy double-coated breeds.
Watch your dog rather than relying only on the forecast. Persistent shivering, restlessness, repeatedly trying to burrow into bedding or constantly seeking your body heat can indicate they are uncomfortable.
If your dog cannot settle comfortably, move them somewhere warmer and more sheltered.
Pack for the overnight low, not the daytime high
One of the easiest camping mistakes is packing based on the afternoon temperature. Check the expected overnight minimum before you leave and plan your dog's bedding around that.
It is much easier to pack an extra warm layer than to improvise in the middle of the night.
Give your dog a familiar place to switch off
Warmth is only part of good sleep. A familiar bed can also help your dog understand that it is time to settle.
If you are introducing new camping gear, set it up at home first so your dog has time to become comfortable with it before your trip.
A Simple Cold-Weather Dog Camping Setup
- Dry, raised or insulated sleeping surface
- Warm bedding or sleeping bag
- Sheltered sleeping position
- Dry towel
- Fresh drinking water
- Extra layer if the forecast is uncertain
Related Reading
- What to Pack When Camping With Your Dog
- The Best Sleeping Setup for Dogs When Camping
- Camping With Dogs in Australia: The Complete Guide
More practical dog adventure guides.
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