You can find the sleeping bag in the photos on amazon here
Camping trips with man’s best friend can be tons of fun if you come prepared for all of his needs. You know that you will need a sleeping bag to keep warm and cozy at night, but you may find yourself wondering if your dog needs a sleeping bag, too.
Your dog will need a sleeping bag if temperatures are low. A dog sleeping bag is made to be more wear-resistant than a blanket and will keep your dog warm during cold temperatures. If you do not have a dog sleeping bag, make sure your dog has warm comfortable bedding during cold temperatures.
The truth is that whether or not your pup needs a cozy bag to bed down depends on several factors, including his weight, breed, and size. What is more comfortable for one dog may be unbearable to another.
Making the right decision for your furry friend can be tricky; that’s why we are going to give you everything you need in this article to make an informed choice and hit the road for a camping trip that neither of you will ever forget. Stick around!
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Determining Need
Because not every dog needs a sleeping bag of their own, it’s important to determine for yourself the answer based on several factors.
- Breed
There are hundreds of dog breeds in existence and each type grants a dog special traits. Breed often determines fur length and thickness, general size, and cold tolerance.
For example, huskies are better built for cold weather and don’t need much protection from the elements at night, barring extreme climates. Some dogs have double coats which act as an extra layer of protection as well.
Short-haired breeds like chihuahuas are not typically cold tolerant and will fare better with a sleeping bag to take refuge in when the temperatures drop after the sun goes down.
- Size
The size of your dog may make a difference when it comes to sleeping accommodations. This is because they hold in body heat for longer on average than small dogs do. This is only one factor to consider, but being larger already gives your pup an advantage against the cold.
- Weight
All mammals have a layer of fat that acts as an insulator against lower temperatures, and the higher the fat content, the more body heat that is generally held in. Smaller dogs and thinner dogs tend to get cold quickly while larger and heavier dogs do not.
- Age
Puppies and older dogs are more likely to be in need of a sleeping bag than others. This is because they lack the insulation that adolescents and adult dogs do and as a result, they will lose body heat more quickly.
- Conditioning
How well your dog adjusts to colder weather depends on the climate that they are used to. If you live in warmer climates and don’t often expose your pet to chilly weather, they will not have the tools needed to adapt. In this case, your dog is better off curling up in a sleeping bag at bedtime.
Signs that My Dog is Cold?
Sometimes, it may be difficult for owners to tell if their dog is too cold and needs a sleeping bag or other sleeping accommodations. However, there are several warning signs that you may observe that will give you a definite answer.
- shivering/trembling
- cold ears, nose, and paws
- tail tucked close to body
- seeking shelter
- huddling close to you or to a blanket for warmth
These are sure signs that your pup is in need of extra protection at night and will be happier with a sleeping bag.
Cold Tolerance in Small Dogs and Large Dogs
How cold is too cold for a dog without a sleeping bag? This is an excellent question because, depending on a dog’s size, the temperatures that they can endure before being in danger varies.
- Small Dogs
Smaller dogs are generally okay in climates at or above 45 degrees Fahrenheit for shorter periods of time, but any temperature below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) warrants a dog sleeping bag.
- Large Dogs
Larger dogs can withstand the cold slightly better. Still, at temps below freezing, you should still pack a sleeping bag just in case they need one. It is always better to be prepared to protect them from hypothermia, even if you don’t think they’ll need it.
Benefits of Dog Sleeping Bags
Buying a sleeping bag for your dog is beneficial in many ways, not only for him but for yourself as well.
- You won’t have to share. Sharing a sleeping bag with a pet, while it may seem like a good idea at first, can get uncomfortable quickly. Dogs tend to reposition themselves many times throughout the night, drool, snore, and even kick during a particularly exciting dream. In addition to this, their body heat compounds with yours and may become too hot for comfort.
- Your dog feels calm and safe. Dogs need to feel safe in order to keep calm and happy. The outside world is a scary place for domesticated animals. They rely on routine, and camping trips take them outside of this comfort zone. A sleeping bag provides a barrier between your dog and this uncertain new environment.
- Sleeping bags provide protection. You carry a sleeping bag not only for comfort but also for survival in colder climates. If you get too cold, your health declines. The same principle applies to your dog. If you are camping in a very cold environment where temperatures reach below freezing, that sleeping bag becomes a survival tool and not just a luxury.
- It provides more warmth than a blanket. Because sleeping bags are made to completely envelop a body and are insulating, your dog will be much warmer in a sleeping bag than a blanket alone.
Types of Dog Sleeping Bags
Once you have determined that your dog may need a sleeping bag for your trip, the next step is to buy the right type to keep him comfy and cozy all night long.
- The Cup
Does your four-legged pal like sleeping in a dog bed at home? “Cup” sleeping bags are very similar and will provide familiarity and comfort.
The Cup is a circular shaped bag with high sides, creating a “nest” of sorts for your dog to curl up in. Many of these beds have a removable top cover so that on warmer nights, your dog won’t get too hot but will still have a nice place to bed down.
- The Flat
The Flat dog sleeping bags are similar to human bags. They allow your dog to fully layout while enjoying the warmth the bags provide. These are better than circular sleeping bags for large dogs typically.
- Den/Cave
The Den or Cave dog sleeping bags are more like burrows for dogs who enjoy curling up and feel like they need a safe space to go in an unfamiliar environment. They are shaped like igloos, providing warmth and protection not with a blanket, but instead with a roof and walls.
- How to Pick the Perfect Sleeping Bag
Picking the perfect sleeping bag for your dog is simple. All you have to do is a factor in his size, how cold your destination will be, and what type of bed may make him more comfortable. Measure your dog before buying a bag and choose from the different size options that most sellers offer.
If you will be setting up camp somewhere extra cold and your dog isn’t equipped with that handy double coat, you will need a bag that is more insulating for his protection and warmth.
Most importantly, take into account how your dog sleeps. Does he tend to curl up into a ball, or does he prefer to stretch out? If he’s a stretcher, cup and cave sleeping bags would be ineffective and you will likely end up sharing your bag with him. Avoid this by paying attention to your pup’s preferences.
Sleeping Bags and Dogs: Getting Acquainted
Hunkering down into a sleeping bag will be a new experience for your dog, and as such, they may not understand how to or even want to use their new bag. It is best to get him acquainted with it before you start your journey.
You should treat this new experience similarly to crate training. Encourage your dog to sleep in his bag at night in his usual sleeping place. If he’s reluctant to do so at first, you can use treats and positive or soothing verbal reinforcement to make him more comfortable.
If your dog associates his sleeping bag with home, a place where he feels safe, getting him to lie down and sleep during your trip should be easy! Just be sure to bring along more treats, just in case.
Does your dog need a sleeping bag? Answer this question by considering his genetic traits and needs. Plan ahead of time and if you are camping in freezing temperatures, it may be better to bring a sleeping bag no matter his breed or size.
Dog sleeping bags can be the perfect compromise that leads to a happy trip for both of you.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. As a pet owner, you know how to gauge your dog’s needs better than anyone else. All you want is to keep your dog healthy, happy, and comfortable without losing sleep sharing a bag on your camping trip.
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