Dogs: Backpacking in the Winter

J

jlouis976

Joined
Feb 25, 2008
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396
So my dog is skinny as heck and I'm wondering if you guys had any suggestions for keeping her warm while we are sleeping. She is fine all day when she is running around but I'm guessing she is going to get pretty cold when it gets below 35 this weekend. I'm bringing my tent so I think it might just be warm enough for her in there but I'm wondering if I should bring a blanket or something so she has a layer between her and the ground. Do you guys ever bring anything for the dog other than food?

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Yeah I would bring a blankie for her .... nice looking dog you got there.
 
Thank you sir. She is a blast. I've owned quite a few dogs and she is the best out of all of them. I've never had a dog that wanted to please more than this one.
 
Beautiful dog and nice pics :thumbup:

I usually bring an extra thermarest pad for my pooch. If he's cold he curls up next to me in my sleeping bag and if he's really cold I open my bag and he curls up inside, which even though I have to leave the bag partially unzipped, still makes for a warmer night.
 
Beautiful dog! I would check Fido Fleece and see if there is a coat that would fit her. Their design is better because the velcro is up the back and a solid fleece panel covers the belly. It would weigh less to carry and probably be enough for her to sleep in. She will let you know if she is uncomfortable otherwise.
 
Dogs body temp is around 102, a good idea if you have enough room is to let the dog into your bag.
It will keep you warm.
 
I didn't think of the extra therma rest pad......


I'll look into the Fido Fleece and a blanket won't be too bad to pack. Thanks for the tips.
 
I have a Vizsla to, his name is Jaeger, he shivers standing still day or night in the fall, winter and early spring, when outside. Thats is just how short hair dogs stay warm during the cold days. When we go into colder country he either gets his sleeping pad or a small raised cot to get him off the ground. Sense your backpacking, you may want to consider a larger sleeping pad for yourself and a large cold weather sleeping bag with a full size feet space. Then you can let your dog ( 4 legged heat bag) lay on one corner of the bag. Feed your Vizsla well during the winter as they burn more energy, and in a new environment or in the excitement of new surroundings, they don’t eat for a day or two. But a treat like wet food now and then, will keep up the fat layer if you can call it that, under his coat. And bring a towel or blanket to dry your Vizsla off and throw over your dog at night. At least you won’t hear that licking all night long.
 
Jeff Pelz said:
I have a Vizsla to, his name is Jaeger, he shivers standing still day or night in the fall, winter and early spring, when outside. Thats is just how short hair dogs stay warm during the cold days. When we go into colder country he either gets his sleeping pad or a small raised cot to get him off the ground. Sense your backpacking, you may want to consider a larger sleeping pad for yourself and a large cold weather sleeping bag with a full size feet space. Then you can let your dog ( 4 legged heat bag) lay on one corner of the bag. Feed your Vizsla well during the winter as they burn more energy, and in a new environment or in the excitement of new surroundings, they don’t eat for a day or two. But a treat like wet food now and then, will keep up the fat layer if you can call it that, under his coat. And bring a towel or blanket to dry your Vizsla off and throw over your dog at night. At least you won’t hear that licking all night long.
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You're dead on about the not eating when they are in a new environment or excited. The wet food is a great idea. Vizslas are great dogs but they have got some weird quirks.
 
There are a number of companies that make dog sleeping bags (including Coleman). Not a bad idea if your dog will stay in one. Our two dogs will stay on their own foam mats with a down blanket.
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Good looking dog.

I use all sorts of things. In extreme weather he gets his own poncho kennel. I made the below. True, is is ugly but there are no seems and it is waterproof. Stops the rain beating down on his back nicely. I sewed up a three ply fleece liner. It also doubles as his bit of floor when he is under a roof.

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My woman said she was going to buy him one of these if the winter looks bad this year:

Hurtta Pro Black Winter Jacket
 
baldtaco-II said:
Good looking dog.

I use all sorts of things. In extreme weather he gets his own poncho kennel. I made the below. True, is is ugly but there are no seems and it is waterproof. Stops the rain beating down on his back nicely. I sewed up a three ply fleece liner. It also doubles as his bit of floor when he is under a roof.

wrmhnd88443882-1-1488.jpg

My woman said she was going to buy him one of these if the winter looks bad this year:

Hurtta Pro Black Winter Jacket
Click to expand...



I dig your dogs duds! I could make up one of those easy enough. I'll have to talk to the lady of the house.
 
Well,your dog has quite short fur,right?Is it used to cold temperatures?Bring a couple of blankets for her!

My Dog lives in our yard and in the winter he likes to lay on the snow.He's a German Shepherd and has quite big fur,but a blanket is a must have for him!Especially when it's cold outside.But since he became four,he sleeps in the garage every day.It's nice and warm there in the winter and it's cooler tahn outside in the summer :)
 
Get her a packpack, and she'll carry some additional supplies, like a blanket and her food/water. I use a Ruff Wear Palisades for my dog.
Also, a dog's paw also get cold like our feet. So maybe a set of good booties will keep her warmer, especially if the ground will be cold.
Great outdoor pics of her!!!
 
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First let me say, what a great looking dog you have!:thumbup:
My dog wears a vest made by Doxie Delights. It has a fleece liner and a nylon outer. It seems to keep her warm. She has been wearing one for several years now and has never seemed to mind it.
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They have velcro fasteners around the chest and neck and they are custom made to your dogs measurements. I assume you can have one made for a dog that size.
 
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