Do you want to bring your dog camping but you know you can’t bring him everywhere?
Are you wondering if you should leave your dog behind and if that’s even OK?
I get it; I love bringing my dog along when I go camping. But sometimes there are some activities you want to do that you can’t bring your dog along.
So you may find yourself wondering if leaving your dog in a tent while camping is a good idea.
You can leave your dog in a tent while camping if the campground allows it, the weather is nice, and your dog can handle it. Some tricks to help your dog stay behind in the tent without issues are:
- Temperature Moderation
- Bring A Kennel
- Keep Someone Near
- Ventilation
- Keep It Dark
- Provide Water
Read on for more details about leaving your dog in a tent while camping and other related questions.
Table of Contents
Can I Leave My Dog In A Tent While Camping?
In this section, we’ll look at the reasons you may not want to leave your dog in a tent while you go off. You’ll want to make sure your pet is safe before you go.
Campground Rules
First, you have to make sure you know the rules of the place you’re camping at. Some campgrounds don’t even allow dogs in the camping areas.
Even ones that do allow dogs may have a rule about the pets staying with their owners at all times.
Before you even think about leaving your dog in the tent, you need to check the rules or you could be liable for some fines.
How Long Are You Gone?
Another thing to think about is how long you’re planning to be gone. While dogs may be able to chill out at home for long periods by themselves, camping is a whole new environment.
If you’re going to be gone a couple of hours, it probably won’t be a big deal. But if you’re planning an all-day hike or fishing trip, then your dog may be in trouble.
Leaving a dog alone and unattended for that long may be dangerous. The pet won’t be able to go to the bathroom, you won’t know the exact temperature, and your furry friend could start to get anxious.
Think about your trip way ahead of time and what you plan to do. If you’re going to be doing this you can’t bring your dog along with all the time, maybe it’s a better idea to find a sitter or take him to a kennel.
Another alternative would be to go camping with trusted friends and ask them to check on and play with your pup while you and your family are gone.
Weather Awareness
Another consideration for you to think about before leaving your dog is the weather. The weather may play a huge role in your camping trip in general let alone what you decide to do with your dog.
Hot weather is a worrisome situation for dogs. Usually, staying in a shaded area like a tent would be good for dogs, but sometimes they also need to move and drink to calm down.
You won’t know the state of their temperature if you’re not around.
Storms and rain are also concerning for dogs when they’re left behind. Even if the tent provides good shelter, we all know that dogs don’t like bad weather and can panic in thunder.
Who wants to put their pet through suffering in a storm or rain alone? I know I don’t.
Take a look at the weather well ahead of time to see if there is going to be an issue.
Anxious Dogs
Honestly, we know that not all dogs are alike. My dog, Remy, is pretty chill when by himself.
He doesn’t get anxious when others are around, and we’re not. But my sister’s dogs, they panic when she’s not around.
Their anxiety levels make them a poor choice for leaving behind in a tent.
Sometimes it just comes down to your dog’s personality and whether they can handle it or not. As the pet’s owner, you know best if this is the case or isn’t.
Campsite Considerations
You need to take a good, honest look at what your campsite consists of and how it may affect your dog while you’re gone.
If there are critters and wildlife around (such as when you’re camping out in the exposed wilderness), your dog may be stressed by this and problems will be had.
These critters will mostly leave your dog alone but not in every case. Do you want to risk your pet’s safety?
The same thing could happen too if there are cramped sites with tons of people and other dogs. Make sure your pet is microchipped just in case someone steals your pet.
If you’re camping in a high snake area, you need to check your tent’s security. Before you leave to go camping, make sure you get your dog vaccinated against certain snakes and ask for the vet’s general advice.
This reason alone is why I usually never leave my dog alone in a tent while camping. If I can’t bring him with me, one of my friends or family stays back to keep an eye on him and the other dogs family brings.
Age Of Dog
Another big reason against leaving your pet is the age of the dog. Puppies already have a hard time controlling themselves and staying calm.
Make sure your dog is an adult and follows directions well before you try to bring him camping.
Check out the best tents for family and dog.
6 Tricks For Leaving Your Dog In A Tent While Camping
All the above reasons may scare you off from leaving your dog. While we recommend against keeping the dog alone in the tent, there are ways you can do it if you prepare.
Here are 6 tricks that may help you out.
#1 Temperature Moderation
One of the ways to help your dog when staying in a tent is with temperature moderation. Most likely, you’re going camping during the summer months.
This means your dog is going to get hot. Dogs can’t really tell you if they’re hot, especially if you’ve gone off doing something and leave them in the tent.
But you can help the temperature stay moderate in high heat and keep them safe while they stay in the tent.
Try these quick tips:
- Put the tent under shade if possible
- Don’t use a heavy rain fly
- Crack open windows or vents
- Pitch the tent on grass over rock or sand
- Use a battery-powered fan
Read more about how to keep a dog cool while camping.
#2 Bring A Kennel
Kennels or crates aren’t just home, and they’re not tools to torture dogs.
Instinctually, dogs desire a shelter, a place to feel safe. This is why crate-training dogs is usually so easy.
My dog loves his crate. Even though we rarely lock him in there anymore, he still goes in there to relax and rest, especially when he feels overwhelmed.
Bringing your kennel or crate on a camping trip may seem like a hassle, but your dog will actually appreciate it. And if you have to be gone for a time, a crate is a safe place inside the tent for your pup.
This crate by Veeho is the one I use when camping. I like this one because it’s easier to maneuver and isn’t as hard on the bottom of the tent.
#3 Keep Someone Near
Even if you have to leave your campsite without your dog, this doesn’t mean your dog needs to be alone. If you’re camping with other people, they may be hanging back and can at least check on your dog for you.
As long as the temperature is fine, your dog will usually be just fine in a tent. But if something goes wrong and you’re not there, your pet can’t help itself.
But having someone check on him occasionally (or better yet, play with him) will help avoid almost any problems that may arise.
#4 Ventilation
It gets stuffy and stifling in tents even if the temperature is mild. Everyone wants fresh and moving air, especially your dog.
Most tents come with some vents for moving around inside the tent. Sometimes these are at the bottom of the tent while some are at the top.
Either way, open these up some to get the air moving and help your dog stay comfortable.
Pro-tip: Even without vents, your windows will probably have screens in them. Crack the top parts of the windows where possible to help increase ventilation as well.
#5 Keep It Dark
Where possible, it’s best to keep the inside of the tent as dark as possible for your pet. This helps keep the temperature down, but it also helps keep your dog calm.
One of the tips you’re given for dogs when fireworks are going off is to cover their crate with a dark fabric or blanket to get the inside as pitch-black as possible. This helps calm the dogs and reminds them of their instinctive habitats.
We can do the same thing for them to help them when camping in a tent.
Warning! Only get the kennel or tent as dark as possible without compromising the temperature or ventilation in the tent. Light fabrics, shade, and dark-colored walls will be helpful.
#6 Provide Water
Water, water, water. No matter what you do, your dog may get a little warm inside the tent.
Drinking water will help their bodies regulate their temperatures and stay cool and hydrated.
Conclusion
Now you know all about leaving your dog in a tent while camping. While there are some important things to think about before you try it, the above tricks may be just enough to help you have an even better experience.
Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air!