Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. For outdoor lovers, nothing comes close to spending time away from the day-to-day activities of modern life and just recharging. It is common practice to carry our pets along because, believe it or not, they also love nature and, in fact, prefer spending more time outside. Camping is an activity that allows pets, especially dogs, to bond more with their owners or caregivers. Camping during the winter with a dog might look challenging, but with a few tools, the experience can turn out to be fun for everyone, including the dog.
Considerations For taking dogs to winter camping
The most logical question a dog owner might ask is how one can go winter camping with a dog and how will the experience be during winter camping. To ensure the best experience for the dog, a few considerations must be factored in, as discussed below.
Warmth
The winter season is harsh, and extreme cold weather is bound to negatively affect dogs. In extreme cases, this can lead to sickness, hypothermia, and even death, which is not what we want for our dogs. Thus, the dog's warmth should be the top consideration when going camping with a dog. Dogs are known to withstand cold temperatures of up to 7°C (45°F), beyond which they start getting uncomfortable. Should the temperatures drop further, a dog may go into hypothermia and die.
It is especially important to note that a sleeping dog doesn’t generate as much heat, and thus it is important to know how much cold your dog can handle before embarking on winter camping.
Nutrition
It is often said that warmth comes from the stomach, and a well-fed dog will not only stay warm but also have the capacity to fight off any illnesses that might attack it during camping in the winter season. During winter, a dog will burn extra calories due to the extreme cold weather as the body struggles to stay within the normal temperatures. The food and snacks need to be nutritionally dense and of high energy so as to achieve this purpose.
Safety
The winter weather is harsh on many levels, and safety should be among the key things considered when planning for winter camping with a dog. During winter, vision is not clear due to fog; the day is generally darker, while nighttime darkness seems to come earlier than during other seasons.
Dogs are naturally playful and may wander away in the snow and get lost. While camping with a dog, it is important to look for ways to keep track of your dog at all times so they do not get lost or attacked by other predators that may be lurking nearby.
Winter Camping with a Dog Must-Haves
Sleeping Tent
The dog should sleep inside a tent to be protected from the wetness of the snow as well as the cold winds. The dog can share a tent with its owner or alternatively sleep in special dog tents that are readily available on different websites or even at pet stores.
Sleeping bag
When camping with a dog in the winter, always ensure the dog sleeps inside a sleeping bag that is designed for dogs. This will not only keep him warm but will also ensure the dog is not wet. Such sleeping bags are not bulky, and the dog is able to stay comfortable and warm at any time when the cold bites. As earlier discussed, dogs do not generate much heat when they are in a resting position and may be overwhelmed by the cold when they sleep. The sleeping bag will take care of this problem.
Dog attire
Dog coats are another essential when winter camping with a dog. The coats have very soft and warm fabric and are a great addition to the camping gear for added warmth. They are lightweight to allow easy movement but warm enough to take care of the dog’s needs. A dog needs freedom to move around and wiggle, and thus having a functional outfit that is not too restricting will make the camping experience more enjoyable.
All attire should be brightly colored and reflective since vision can be compromised by the winter conditions, making it hard to trace the dog.
Power station
A portable power station is another must-have as part of the camping gear when going for winter camping. The power station ensures a great outdoor experience by providing power on the go to fire up any appliances or devices while camping. To ensure effectiveness, the power station should be lightweight, and rechargeable through different ways, such as solar, AC, generator, and lead battery. Additionally, the power station should be quiet, unlike the traditional generators that are loud and a nuisance to the environment. It should be fast to recharge the power station and as well as have a range of different ports for multiple devices. For campers who are keen on renewable energy sources, having a solar power station is a great alternative.
A good example of a portable power station is the Bluetti AC180 portable power station. It offers all of the above solutions, and you can monitor it via the Bluetti app.
Charger
To charge the portable power station while on the go, you'll need an alternator charger, which uses the car’s AC generator to quickly charge the power station during long drives. This ensures the power station doesn’t run out of battery, no matter where you are. Consider the Bluetti Charger 1, available here.
Food and Snacks
While winter camping with a dog, one must carry plenty of food and snacks to ensure the dog does not starve at any point. One sure way to ensure the dog’s nutritional needs are taken care of is to get protein-rich meals and snacks for the dog. If unsure of the exact quantities, it is always a wise idea to consult with a local veterinarian just to be on the safe side.
The food should be well sealed for various reasons including to preserve freshness and extend the shelf life. Sealing the food will also ensure the food does not attract other wild animals who have a sharp sense of smell. Such predators could pose a threat to both the dog and its owner.
There should also be plenty of water to keep the dog hydrated, as it is easy to underestimate the water intake in winter conditions.
LED Dog collar
Having a dog collar that lights up for easy spotting of the dog is helpful since it gets very dark earlier in the daytime during winter.
Information tag
Having a tag on the dog that contains all relevant information, such as the name and contacts of the owner, as well as other emergency contacts in case the dog wanders off from the camping site, should also be considered.
GPS Tracker
Having a GPS tracker on the dog at all times will help to monitor their movement and know the exact location at all times. This is especially important if they wander off the campsite and get lost in the thick snow.
Monitoring the Dog
After ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to keep your dog safe and comfortable, it’s important to monitor for signs that the dog might be too cold or in danger. Look out for the following warning signs:
- Change in breathing pattern: If the dog shows signs of slowed breathing, it could be a sign of hypothermia, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Becoming lethargic: A once-active dog that suddenly shows little interest in activity or slows down significantly may be cold. Measures to increase warmth should be prioritized.
- Trembling: If the dog is physically trembling, this is the most obvious sign that the dog is cold and struggling to generate enough heat to stay warm. A warm blanket and food can help in this situation.
- Seeking warmth: A dog that is showing signs of weakness and is looking for a warm place is likely cold and needs attention.
Bonus note: Not all dogs are comfortable with winter camping, and this is largely dependent on the fur type and density as well as their personality. It is thus important to check on that before embarking on winter camping with your beloved dog.
Conclusion
Taking a dog to winter camping can be challenging, but that should not deter any serious camper. With great products such as a portable power station, one is able to experience the outdoors while keeping warm and ensuring there are no health risks for the dog since warmth is guaranteed. We have seen that warm, nutritious meals and plenty of water go a long way in enhancing the camping experience for the dog.
