Dog sleeping quarters in cold(er) weather

[Dog days]

Hi all -- I'm trying to get a consensus on what folks do with their dogs when their camping during the winter months (and it's not an option to be 'inside' the camper/tent/rv/etc). Do people have insulated dog houses/crates? I've seen insulated 'covers' that go around crates? Is anyone using those? We have a larger (lab-ish) sized dog and want to make sure he is well taken care of. Are there any versatile options that people use in any climate? Thanks in advance!!!

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


Even dogs that live and thrive in cold country have their own dog houses. I would certainly hope that other dogs would be properly housed during colder weather, also.

[Lamebeaver]

We used to have a 1/4 wolf 1/4 husky 1/2 shepherd. He slept on top of his dog coop in all but the coldest weather. Wind and snow didn't seem to bother him a bit. When Duke went inside, you knew it was really bad outside.

[DMan]

We have a fifth wheel with a garage area. That's where our dog sleeps. If it's bitter out, we leave the connecting door cracked open a bit.

[Dog days]

Thanks for the responses so far -- Our dog, while at home, has access to the indoors (via doggie door) but chooses to be outside >95% of the time. While camping (and not in subzero temperatures) he will not have that luxury. Aside from 'plastic' crates I have not found any other options and am seeking any alternatives. If there are any? Thanks again!

[Grandpa]

My old dog is a house dog so even in the summer I have to take precautions to keep him warm. When backpacking, he carries his own food and a small blanket and I carry a small self inflating insulated pad for him. Ever had a 110 lb lab decide to share a mummy sleeping bag with you? I still laugh thinking about it but it wasn't fun at the time. When it is really cold or winter camping I put my pack rain cover over him as well as his blanket. He has been through it enough to know not to let the blanket slide off too. Okay, yeah, go ahead and say it, he is spoiled.

[bsmit212]

We have a little doggie jacket for out pup. It coveres her back and then has straps that come around her neck and stomach to keep it in place

[ppine]

I believe dogs are part of our family pack and let all three of them sleep in our 22 foot trailer. They want to be with their people and smell my shoes. It keeps them warm and gives them security which is one thing all animals crave.

On the other hand dogs can endure low temperatures. I will be taking two dogs to Elko in early Feb and the daytime temps are usually 20-40 degrees. The small Corgi gets a jacket because she doesn't have much fur. The bigger Corgi is fine. They will sleep in the motel because temps are often below zero at night.

I worked with a guy in Laramie, WY that kept his Lab outside in an insultated dog house with straw bedding. He let the dog in the house if it was colder than 10 below. I thought that guy was a fool.

Try the suppliers of equipment for huntiing dogs. Duck hunters for instance often have their dogs in insulated crates in the back of open pick-ups going down the highway in winter conditions.

Sled dogs have trouble at temperatures much over 35 degrees because they overheat. What dogs can endure and what they like are much different. Sleeping with dogs is one of the great treasures of my life. When backpacking in the cold, I zip them into a jacket and they will stay there all night.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


I think the insulated dog house mentioned by ppine is the best...and proper...way to go. Don't be afraid of having to build it especially for your dog if one is not commercially available. And, dont for get the straw...and some kind of door covering (carpet remnant, etc.).

[campclose]

We have always let our dogs sleep in the camper. I can't imagine them sleeping outside in a crate or dog house when we were inside a camper. I'm sure they would bark and keep other people awake.