How Do I Go Hammock Camping With My Dog?
Sleeping in hammocks has grown in popularity in recent years, especially while camping but if you like to bring along your dog you may be wondering how do I go hammock camping with my dog? Bringing your pooch on a camping trip can be lots of fun for both you and your dog, but if you plan on sleeping in a hammock your best friend might be a problem. Typically, most dogs fall into one of two categories dogs that sleep in hammocks and dogs and that sleep in beds.
Sleeping with your dog in a hammock
In our opinion, sharing a hammock with your dog is the best way to spend the night, but it may be difficult for some dogs. If your dog is up for it, curling up in the foot of the hammock, or on your chest if they are a small breed is an excellent way to spend the night.
However, not every dog is comfortable sleeping outside while camping, especially while in a hammock. Hammocks tend to move and sway, with multiple people in them which can make it hard for a dog to stay asleep. This slight movement combined with other distractions can make for a long night of barking and repositioning.
Other things to consider before letting your dog sleeping in your hammock is their nails. A long, sharp nail can easily puncture holes or cause tears in parachute hammocks. Before you go camping make sure to trim and round your pooch’s nails to avoid problems and keep your camping hammock hole in great shape.
Finally, make sure your hammock, lines and mounts are strong enough to support the extra weight. Some large breeds, like Golden Retrievers and Dogo Argentino’s, love to go camping but can weigh as much as a small adult. This extra weight can cause tears, rips, and breaks that will send you and your pet crashing to the ground.
Best Hammock for Camping with a Dog
We recommend the SingleNest Hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters. The SingleNest is great for camping with dogs and can:
Support up to 400 pounds, making it strong enough to hold large breeds- Fits into a 4″ x 5″ stuff sack and weighs only 16 oz.
- Can be set up in minutes
Bring a dog sleeping bag or bed
If your dog can’t sleep in a hammock because of their large size or inability to rest then you might have to bring a dog sleeping bag or bed. The best way to use a bed or dog sleeping bag while hammock camping is to set up a small sleeping area for them under your you using a small tarp. Most dogs prefer to sleep on the same bed and blankets that they use at home but in the winter they may need an extra thick bed, additional blankets or a sleeping bag to stay warm.
Best Camping Bed for Dogs
If you can’t bring your dogs’ normal bed on your trip then you need the Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed. This polyester microfiber bed has suede on top with a tough nylon bottom making it the perfect choice for camping with a dog. The bed is:
Machine Washable- Fits in a 9″ x 15″ stuff sack
- Fits small and large dogs
You may also consider tying your dog to a tree or other large object so they can’t run off in the middle of the night. If you are worried about your dog moving around your campsite while you are asleep you can attach a small bell to their collar so you can always hear them moving.
Best Sleeping Bags for Dogs
When the weather gets cold dogs need a warm place to sleep like the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag. This sleeping bag for dogs features synthetic insulation that acts as insulation as well as padding. The Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag is:
Water resistant- Has a side zipper for easy entry and exit
- Compresses in a stuff sack for easy storage while backpacking