What To Look For In A Travel Dog Bed
Your desired properties may depend on where you are going, your dog’s personality and how they like to sleep so it can be hard finding the right balance. But in general, you should bear the below in mind.
Material
It is a good idea to buy something which is both warm but can stay dry and clean, too. Waterproof materials could stay dry in the rain and be wiped clean if on mud or grass, and will also not get dirty if your dog is muddy itself. This is great for having on one end which you will be putting on the ground.
But a softer, fluffy material may be good for any dogs who get cold, are a bit less active and will mostly be wanting to stay comfortable. Whatever material you opt for, you should check that it is able to keep your dog warm overnight.
Size
There is no point in buying something which is small and space-saving during transportation if your dog can’t fit on it when going to sleep. If you do need a larger bed for your huge breed, look out for portability properties such as it being foldable/rollable or coming in a carry bag with handles.
But don’t get one which is too big for your sake – when space is limited, you don’t want to be struggling.
Transportability
Most will either roll or fold up, with buckles or ties to keep it all together and handles for easier carrying, think about just how you will be carrying it, though. If you’re just going from the car to a campsite or beach, carry handles are fine, but if you are off on a hike with a large rucksack, you may want something which can fasten to this like your human sleeping bag.
Cleaning
This ties in with the material chosen. Most are made from nylon or polyester so can be wiped clean or the dirt can be shaken off. You should check it can be wiped, cleaned or machine washed to get it fully clean again. This is why a normal at-home dog bed usually doesn’t suffice as they can’t stand up to the outdoor conditions.
Elevated Camping Dog Beds
Just as a human may have a camping bed, these are also available for dogs. You may see them referred to as cots or raised beds, too.
You can also buy these for home use, and the elevation can help with dogs who suffer from joint pain or those which chew softer materials. But when looking for one to take camping as opposed to in your house, pick one which can fold up small or collapse yet will still provide a sturdy surface when erect.
Keeping your dog raised can prevent them from getting too warm/cold from the floor, as well as keeping the whole bed aerated to prevent any dampness. Most have a mesh panel insert. You could also store things underneath to save a bit of space.
Dog Shelters
While you may not use these inside a tent, you need to think about your dog during the day. A shelter will protect them from the sun as the rest of you sit outside, so your pet can still be social.
If you were to keep them inside the tent, it could get far too warm and stuffy for them. You may also wish to buy a shelter for those pit-stop breaks when you’re hiking or having a pub lunch on your trip.
Pet Sleeping Bags
If you are an off-grid camper or trekker who likes to slum it ‘the proper way’, a doggy sleeping bag could be the best option. It will cover them up entirely and keep them warm, but as with a human model, rolls up and is lightweight for easy carrying over your shoulder.
Foam Pads
If you need that extra bit of softness or warmth, you should buy a foam pad which can go with your chosen travel bed. Some will come with one, which can be removed and placed as needed depending on the temperatures and your dog’s comfortability.
This could be particularly important if they are just sleeping in a dog bag or on top of a very flat blanket-style bed, and if you are sleeping on top of the rougher, less even ground.