Camping is fun no matter what, but winter camping with dogs is even more fun! Dogs love to run and play outside, so it just makes sense that they would love camping, and when you take your dog with you, you’re more likely to spend more time in the great outdoors yourself.
That said, winter camping with dogs can pose some challenges. These challenges can be overcome, but they are things you will want to consider so you can be properly prepared before you head out on a winter camping trip with Fido.
Can Dogs Camp Safely in Winter?
Short answer: Yes! Dogs can safely camp in the witner, but you do need to be prepared.
If your dog will be spending significant amounts of time outside in a snowy environment, you may want to invest in protective garments for your dog such as booties and rain jackets. If you’re considering tent camping, an insulated bed to keep your pup off the ice-cold ground is imperative.
You won’t be surprised to learn that our biggest piece of advice when it comes to camping with dogs in the wintertime is to take an RV. RV camping is cozy, warm, and perfectly safe. It allows you to get outside in nature with your doggo while still giving you the option to head inside when things get too chilly. It’s perfect for humans and fuzzy friends alike.
Safe Temperature Guidelines for Dogs in Cold Weather
How cold is too cold? As long as you’re keeping the dog inside the RV with you most of the time, you can probably head outside for a short play session in most temperatures, and you really only need to worry if the temperature is well below freezing. That said, if you plan to spend long periods of time outdoors with your doggo, you will want to keep the numbers below in mind.
For large dogs:
- 45 degrees Fahrenheit and up: Fine for extended play
- 40–45 degrees: Minimal risk; exercise caution
- 20–35 degrees: Limit outdoor exposure and use protective gear
For medium and small dogs:
- 50 degrees Fahrenheit and up: Fine for extended play
- 45–50 degrees: Minimal risk; exercise caution
- 30–45 degrees: Limit outdoor exposure and use protective gear
- Small dogs should not be out in temperatures under 30 degrees for more than a few minutes at a time.
How to Keep Your Dog Warm While Winter RV Camping
These are things you should consider before you head out in order to ensure a successful trip that’s cozy for you and your four-legged friend alike.
Choose the Right Location
Besides the weather forecast, you’ll also want to carefully consider where you go winter camping with dogs. An area where the dog is allowed to run and play is ideal, but staying away from bodies of water is probably best in order to avoid the temptation to dive into the icy cold lake or river. You might want to avoid going up in elevation in order to avoid the coldest temps, and choosing dog-friendly campgrounds for every trip is crucial for obvious reasons.
Gear Up
We’ll talk more in just a second about what kind of gear is the best for keeping your pup warm during wintery weather, but for now, just be aware that it might be a bit of an upfront investment.
Listen to Your Dog
They might not be able to talk, but dogs do communicate with us! When winter camping with your dog, it’s imperative to pay close attention to body language and other cues that your pup can use to help clue you in that they’re feeling a little too chilly, or even too warm.
Best Gear for Winter Camping With Dogs
Once you have an idea of when and where you’d like to camp, you’ll want to ensure you have all the winter dog camping gear you need for a warm, safe, and successful trip.
The list below includes our favorite dog hiking gear and camping gear for use during the cold months. Grab the items below and pack up the items on this other checklist before you leave, and you can rest easy knowing you’re well prepared.
Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Collar
The sun goes down earlier during the winter. Not only that, it’s also easy to lose your pup if the snow is coming down fast. A light-up collar like this Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Collar makes it easier to keep up with Fido or Spot.
Illumiseen Light-Up Leash
A light-up leash can also make things easier when it comes to those dark winter nights. You’ll be able to use this Illumiseen Light-Up Leash when out on walks to see what your dog is up to at all times.
Tractive GPS Pet Tracker
Just in case you do happen to lose track of your pup in the dark or the snow, the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker can be super helpful. This is basically a smart watch for your dog, and it might just save your pup’s life!
Waggle RV Dog Safety Temperature Sensor
Nobody likes to leave their furry friend in the RV alone. However, it isn’t always avoidable. Just in case you need to leave your dog in the rig during the cold winter months, consider a temperature monitor like this one from Waggle to keep the pup safe should the furnace quit working.
Best Friends Calming Shag Donut Cuddler Dog Bed + Pet Throw Blanket
Your dog deserves to have a comfy bed to cuddle up in at the end of a long day of adventure. This Calming Shag Donut Cuddler from Best Friends is just the thing, and the matching blanket is an amazing added bonus!
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Heating Pad
Nobody likes to get into a cold bed. Warm up your pup’s bed by using one of these fantastic Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Heating Pads. Just toss one in the microwave before placing it in your dog’s bed and they will be warm and cozy in no time at all.
Kuoser Warm Dog Coat
You can’t take your pet outside to play without the appropriate attire. That’s where this amazing waterproof dog coat from Kuoser comes into play. Bundle up your doggo in this coat and they’ll stay warm while you play.
PitPet Waterproof Dog Shoes
Of course, your best bud will need some shoes to go along with that coat. These PitPet Waterproof Dog Shoes will keep your dogs paws toasty warm and well protected during your cold weather playtime.
Natural Dog Company PawTection Balm Stick
Have a dog that won’t wear shoes? That’s a shame because booties definitely offer the most protection. That said, this PawTection balm stick does offer some level of protection for your dog’s paws, so you will want to have some of the stuff around if the booties are a no-go.
Choosing a Dog-Friendly Winter Campsite
You’ve got the gear, and you have your destination in mind. But how do you ensure the campsite itself is dog-friendly for your winter adventure?
While choosing a destination with milder winter weather is a great first step, taking a close look at the campsite itself can also help keep Fido from freezing. For instance, full hookup sites mean you’ll get to use your RV’s onboard heat pump and also that you’ll have running water available to ensure your dog’s bowl is always full (and that you can rinse off any dirt, mud, or snow that ends up packed in their paws).
Consider, also, looking for a campsite that offers easy access to a relatively sheltered place for your pup to do their business. Ideally, you don’t want them to have to walk out in the snow every time it’s time to go. A pet-specific part of the campground or even dense tree-cover can keep their feet a little bit warmer.
Winter Hazards to Watch For
It’s tons of fun to play with dogs in snow. In fact, that’s one of the most exciting parts about winter camping with your furry friend. That said, it is very important that you know how to safely play in the snow with the pups in order to ensure no disasters occur.
Here are the biggest hazards to watch out for when you’re bringing your furry family members into the winter weather
Snow-Packed Paws
Dog paws can be damaged by playing in the snow, particularly if there is salt on the ground. Not only that, but their little paws get cold just like your feet do. For this reason, we recommend using booties on your pup’s feet if at all possible. If they won’t tolerate the booties, at least use some balm like the one listed above to help protect those paws.
Also keep an eye out for snow and ice that may “pack” into the grooves and spaces of their paws. Without booties, this can happen fast, and it’s important to clear snow out so it doesn’t cause frostbite.
Hypothermia
Dogs can suffer from frostbite as well as hypothermia. For this reason, it’s important to keep snow play sessions short and sweet. About 30 minutes is probably sufficient to have a good time playing in the snow without allowing your doggo to get too cold.
Additionally, you should never leave your dog out in the snow alone. Instead, you should stay outside, play with your pup, and watch for signs that your furry friend is getting too cold. These could include shivering, becoming quiet and still, whining, and shallow breathing.
Bodies of Water
It’s no secret that most dogs love to play in the water. Unfortunately, playing in the water when it’s cold out could be dangerous. Bodies of water that appear to be frozen may not be solid enough to hold the weight of your dog, causing them to fall in, and allowing your dog to get wet in water that is not yet frozen could lead to frostbite.
Other Emergencies
Lastly, we highly recommend keeping a first aid kit in the RV for your dog (as well as the kit you keep around for your own needs). This will allow you to address most minor injuries and is great to have on hand for both winter and summer camping trips with your pet.
FAQ: Winter RV Travel With Dogs
While specific safe temperatures vary depending on your dog’s size, breed, and more, you should exercise caution when exposing your pups to temperatures below freezing. Even large, hardy breeds can sustain paw damage due to ice and salt. Booties, jackets, and other warm-weather gear for dogs can help.
Like people, dogs can suffer from hypothermia. If you have a small dog, especially, making sure they are not outside for longer than half an hour can help reduce the risk. Even large dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time in wintery weather.
Camping with dogs in the wintertime is tons of fun, and as long as you go in an RV and properly prepare beforehand, we highly recommend it. Don’t have access to an RV of your own? Consider renting one so you can enjoy some cold weather camping with man’s best friend!
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