Five Items For Winter Camping With Your Dog

Winter is an excellent time for camping, especially when you’ve got a cozy camper van to keep you warm and dry during your adventures. And it gets even better when you bring along your furry friends for the trip.

That’s right, with a little preparation and advanced planning, winter camping with your pup can be a safe and comfortable experience for the whole family. Dog booties, jackets, and sleeping bags are just what you need to keep your pup warm this winter camping season.

So get ready to pack up your best dog camping gear and have an adventure you’ll both cherish long after the snow melts. Whether you’re new to cold weather camping in a van or an old pro, you’ll need to include a few provisions to keep you and your dog warm and happy on the road. Here are some must-haves for winter camping with dogs.

Best Winter Dog Coats

In addition to making sure you have a warm winter coat for yourself, you’ll probably need to pack a doggy winter coat as well.

Plenty of brands provide lightweight and waterproof models to keep your dog comfortable as they romp around in the snow. You also have your pick of design, color, and functionality so your dog can play in style.

With harness holes and easy clip-on designs, you can get ready for making snow angels with them without worrying about frozen fur.

Our top picks:

• Hurtta Midlayer Overall
• Ruffwear Cloud Chaser
• Canada Pooch Waterproof Puffer

Best Dog Booties

It’s not always easy convincing your dog to put them on in the first place, but dog winter boots are essential for cold-weather camping.

Booties keep your dog protected from frozen paws and the drying and cracking nature of cold winter air. For dogs with longer hair, they’ll also help them walk and prevent snow from sticking between their toes.

The same rule applies for rainy days. You can keep your dog’s paws dry with these booties as well.

Just make sure you get your dog used to them before you head out on your camping trip. Without a little practice, some dogs may be tempted to pull them off in the snow, never to be found again.

Our top picks:

• Ruffwear Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots
• Canada Pooch Soft Sheild Boots

Best Paw Wax

Let’s say your dog isn’t into the dog boots. Don’t worry, you’ve got some other options.

You can rub a little pet-friendly paw wax on their feet before you head out for a snowy hike. Even just a small amount can protect your pup from cracking and bleeding paws.

You don’t have to take our word for it either. Paw wax is the standard for professional sled dogs during the famous Iditarod race.

Our top picks:

• Musher’s Secret Paw Wax
• Natural Dog Company Organic Balm

Best Warm Items

Since you’re camping in a van, you already have the benefit of being off the cold ground while sleeping. But that doesn’t mean you and your pup won’t need a little extra warmth on the chilliest winter nights!

Try a dog sleeping bag to keep your dog warm on those especially chilly nights. Another hack: you can also wrap a warm water bottle in a water-proof doggy blanket for your dog to snuggle, or let them sleep in your bed if there’s room.

For an extra special night, give your pup a dog hot water bottle. We like this one shaped like a wiener dog.

To keep your dog calm at night or during a storm, you can also let them pick out their favorite fuzzy stuffed animal to cuddle with.

Our top picks:

• Hurtta Outback Dreamer Eco
• Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag
• MollyMutt Sheepy Wool-filled Bed

Best Items for First Aid Kits

At GoCamp, we like to prepare for the unexpected. And when you’re bringing your beloved dog for the ride, it’s even more important to be ready for an emergency.

While our camper vans come with a first aid kit for humans, not every van is packed with items your dog might need. You’ll want to pack your own canine first aid kit to go camping with your dog in the winter.

This might include:

• Medical dressings
• Bandages
• Tick removal kit
• Syringes
• Antiseptics and antibiotic ointment
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Clean plastic bags
• Medical tape
• Dog-friendly pain medications
• Paw wax
• Water and dog food

Safe Temperature Ranges

While the right cold weather camping gear for dogs can go a long way to keep your dog comfortable and safe, winter can still present its own challenges for your best friend.

Depending on the size and breed of your pup, certain cold weather camping spots might be best avoided, unless you can keep your dog in your camper van most of the time.

Large Dogs

45°F – 60°F: No problems with cold

40°F – 45°F: Minimal risk of problems

20°F – 35°F: Potentially unsafe temperatures

15°F – 20°F: Dangerous temperatures, be careful

0°F – 15°F: Cold could put your dog’s life at risk

Medium Dogs

50°F – 60°F: No problems with cold

45°F – 50°F: Minimal risk of problems

30°F – 45°F: Potentially unsafe temperatures

10°F – 30°F: Dangerous temperatures, be careful

0°F – 10°F: Cold could put your dog’s life at risk

Small Dogs

50°F – 60°F: No problems with cold

45°F – 50°F: Minimal risk of problems

30°F – 45°F: Potentially unsafe temperatures

25°F – 30°F: Dangerous temperatures, be careful

0°F – 25°F: Cold could put your dog’s life at risk