Best Tents For Dog Owners
Camping is often fun for all the family – including our furry friends! One of the best things about choosing a camping holiday is that there is no need to pay for a pet sitter for your pooch. It’s very easy to accommodate dogs while camping, providing you have the correct tent and equipment to do so.
Some tents fare better than others when it comes to bringing a dog along on a camping trip, and there are certain things that need to be considered when choosing your tent or checking if the one you already own is suitable.
What Makes a Tent Dog-Friendly?
A dog friendly tent is a tent which can handle a dog’s presence without becoming damaged or worn out. You’ll know your dog better than anyone else, so it’s important to take their own needs and personality into consideration when choosing a tent. Some dogs are bouncier than others, and the size and disposition of dogs needs to be taken into consideration when looking at tent options.
Size
The size of your tent should be able to suitably accommodate the amount of people and animals staying in it. When looking at tents, consider the size above all else. This means taking into consideration the actual dimensions of the tent, rather than just the amount of people that can fit inside. For instance, a three-man tent is usually a very tight squeeze for three people. Just because it can fit three people, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s comfortable for them. Dogs can take up a lot of space, regardless of their size. Some dogs especially need their own space to sleep and live in or else they’ll become agitated. These are all things which need to be considered when looking for a tent that is the right size for your trip.
The best tents for dogs are ones which contain either multiple rooms or ones with enough space in the main body of the tent for a dog to relax and sleep inside.
Material
The material which makes up the tent is also worth considering when bringing a dog into it. As discussed in Best Waterproof Tent Material, each type of material has its own benefits to suit different situations. While a dog isn’t likely to damage the tent’s walls, the floor is definitely more so at risk. There are several things you can do to help protect the flooring of your tent. Some of these methods have been previously discussed in How To Waterproof A Tent Floor. The best possible solution to strengthening your tent floor when camping with your dog is to use a floor covering.
Using a floor covering is the easiest way to add a little more protection to the inside of your tent. Whilst they may not seem like it, dog’s nails can cause damage to the surfaces they walk on. Ensuring your tent is waterproof can be a chore sometimes, but the last thing you need is hundreds of preventable little holes appearing in the floor where your dog’s been walking. A second sheet to cover the tent’s flooring would be more than enough protection against your dog’s nails. This can be achieved using a variety of materials. Fitted tarpaulin, towels, blankets or any other comfortable, durable material should do the trick.
Ventilation
Whilst keeping a tent cool on a warm day helps us stay comfortable, it’s even more important to ensure your dog’s temperature is controlled. Dogs can struggle to cool down due to their fur, and each dog’s temperature control is different depending on their breed, size, and fur.
A well-ventilated tent with solutions to improve airflow is much more desirable than a tent in which air gets strapped and can heat the structure up. This, of course, depends on the time of year you’re camping during, as a tent with less ventilation may be better for cold climate camping.
The Best Dog-Friendly Tents
Whilst any tent with enough room and comfort should be able to house a dog fairly safely, there are certain tents available on the market which are better suited for these needs.
#1 ALPS Mountaineering Lynx
- Polyester tent fly resists water and UV damage while adding one vestibule for extra storage space
- Fully equipped with #8 zippers, storage pockets, gear loft, stakes, guy ropes and one doorway
- The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx Tent is on our best sellers list; its a must-have for your next adventure
- Base Size: 2'8 x 7'6, Center Height: 36", Total Weight: 4 lbs. 4 oz., Minimum Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx can be bought in different sizes, to fit one person to three. However, lots of people find that the one person tent is large enough to accommodate a dog (depending on your dog’s size of course). This leaves the ALPS mountaineering lynx tent a viable option for any dog owner.
The ventilation system that the ALPS mountaineering lynx boasts is effective and very good for keeping your tent cool during the hot months. In fact, this tent has been discussed previously in Best Tents for Hot Weather.
#2 Big Agnes Copper Hotel
The Big Agnes Copper Hotel is a tent made with space in mind. It has a unique ventilation system, which enables its campers to stay cool in warm weather, and features a porch-like structure, perfect for your dog to sleep inside or shelter from the heat. The Big Agnes Hotel is lightweight and perfect for carrying long distances if need be. It can easily fit two people, with room for a dog.
#3 Coleman Red Canyon Tent
- Family camping tent can accommodate eight campers; measures 17 by 10 feet with a 72-inch center height
- Included room dividers allow you to create three separate rooms
- Coleman's exclusive Weathertec System is guaranteed to keep you dry from unexpected wet weather on your camping trip
- Tent setup is easy with its shock-corded poles and easy-to-follow assembly instructions
- Cool-Air port and Variflo adjustable venting system allows you to adjust airflow and access gear
Coleman are a leading manufacturer of tents, and their tents are often very safe and durable options for camping, regardless of experience. The Coleman Red Canyon Tent is built for up to eight sleepers, meaning it is incredibly spacious. Whilst this tent is ideal for large groups, it’s also incredibly useful for those who are camping with dogs due to the space that it offers. The Red Canyon tent provides adequate ventilation, is durable and easy to assemble.
Final Thoughts
Camping with your pooch can be an exciting experience for the both of you – and luckily you won’t need to make too many adjustments to your tent providing it’s spacious enough for the both of you to sleep comfortably. Some tents, however, are much more suited for taking dogs along with you, but most tents will do the job equally as well. Knowing what your dog needs to be comfortable and having a tent that will accommodate them is important when camping with your dog.
