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Dogs tend to get pretty dirty during camping trips, so you may not want them in your tent with you at night. At home, your dogs may sleep outside in your yard; however, it’s not safe for your dogs to sleep outside when you’re camping because they may encounter wild animals. The solution for people who don’t want dogs in their tent is to get your dog its own tent.
Please note: This guide reviews tents that are made specifically for dogs. These tents are not for humans.
Quick Picks: The Best Dog Camping Tents (read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top-Rated Dog Tent: Alcott Pup Tent
What I love about this tent is its traditional dome tent design. It’s also extremely lightweight. The total packed weight is 1.5 pounds making this tent a great option for backpacking with dogs as well. It has five mesh windows that aid in air circulation, and it’s large enough for most dogs.
Best Tent for Small Dogs: MyDeal Pop Up Pet House in a Bag
This pop-up tent is the best camping tent for small dogs. Set up and break down this dog tent in seconds with the pop-up design. It also includes stakes to secure it to the ground when you are camping. It’s good for small-to-medium dogs up to 30 pounds.
How to Choose the Right Dog Tent
Factors you may want to consider when shopping for a dog tent include the size of your dog and the type of tent style that you want. Dog tent styles range from traditional dome-style tents to crate-style and more.
Your Dog’s Behavior and Temperament
Before you start shopping for a dog tent, you may want to consider if a separate tent is right for your dog. This is an ideal option if your dog usually sleeps in a crate in another room in your home because the small, separate tent will feel similar to its sleeping space at home.
If your dog always sleeps in your room at home, it may not be a good idea for it to sleep in a separate tent when camping. Your dog may get anxious or scared causing it to bark or try to get out of the tent.
A dog that is left alone in its own tent overnight should be calm and well-trained so that it doesn’t damage the tent or try to escape. If your dog has separation anxiety or is an escape artist, it may be better to keep the dog in your tent at night. Consider a large tent or one with a separate room.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tent for dogs is the size of the tent. The dog should be able to turn around comfortably in its tent, but it doesn’t need a lot of extra space to move around.
| Dog Size | Dog Weight | Example Dog Breeds | Recommended Tent Size |
| Small | Under 30 pounds | Chihuahua Boston Terrier Cocker spaniel | 21 by 27 inches |
| Medium | 30 to 60 pounds | Siberian Husky Border Collie Blue Heeler | 27 by 33 inches |
| Large | 60 pounds and up | Boxer German Sheperd Golden Retriever | 33 by 40 inches |
Design
Avoid tents that are not fully enclosed. There are many dog shelters on the market that provide shade for your pup but are not fully enclosed. It is not safe to leave your dog in one of these shelters alone at night. They could run away or get attacked by wild animals.
A dog tent should be designed for maximum air circulation because dogs can get overheated very easily. Big mesh windows made of durable material are great for keeping dogs cool and safe.
Weather
Most dog tents on the market are 3-season tents which means they are good for camping in spring, summer, and fall. It is not recommended for a dog to sleep in a separate tent when camping in the winter because they may get too cold. When camping in cold weather, your dog should sleep in your tent as this will help keep you both warm.
You will also want a tent that is water-resistant. Keep in mind that most dog tents are not completely waterproof and will not keep your dog dry in heavy rains. Consider purchasing a tarp to set up over your dog’s tent if there is a chance of rain. Click here to shop for a waterproof tarp.
Frequently Asked Question About Dog Tents
Will My Dog Be Safe in Its Tent?
Dog tents are specifically designed for dogs to be left unsupervised, so you should feel comfortable leaving your dog alone in the tent. To avoid dogs getting out of their tent at night, its important to make sure the tent is securely closed. It’s also important for your dog to be well trained. This is the best way to ensure its safety.
Can Multiple Dogs Share a Tent?
If the dogs live in the same household or know each other and get along well, it’s fine for them to share a dog tent. Keep in the mind that the tent should be large enough for all the dogs to turn around comfortably. For dogs who do not know each other well, it is not recommended to leave them in a tent together without supervision.
What Other Camping Gear Does My Dog Need?
There is an assortment of dog camping gear on the market including sleeping bags that will fit nicely in your dog’s tent. Of course, if you’re on a tight budget, a regular blanket you have at home will work just fine in most weather. Here’s a list of the essential pieces of dog camping gear:
- A tent
- A sleeping bag or blanket
- Water and food bowls
- Rope to tether the dog at the campsite
- A light that attaches to the dog’s collar
Top 5 Camping Tents for Dogs
To help you choose the right tent for your dog, we have reviewed the top five dog tents currently available on the market.
Alcott Pup Tent
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Alcott Pup Tent is the top-rated dog tent on the market. It’s a no-frills tent with a traditional dome shape. It only comes in one size and one color, but it’s large enough for most dogs. The interior dimensions are 32 inches by 42 inches, and it’s 30 inches tall in the center.
It sets up just like a human-sized dome tent, so if you are familiar with how to set up a tent at all, this tent should be easy for you to set up. It comes with poles and four stakes for stability. It’s also made with a waterproof base.
The most impressive feature of this tent is its weight. The total packed weight is 1.5 pounds making it great for backpacking. It may be the lightest dog tent available on the market and is lighter than many human-sized tents.
Pros:
- Only weighs 1.5 pounds
- Five mesh windows for maximum air circulation
- Fits almost all sizes of dogs
- Good value
Cons:
- Not waterproof in heavy rain
- Only comes in one color: green
- Only comes in one size
MyDeal Pop Up Pet House in a Bag
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the best tent for small dogs. Its 24 inches by 24 inches with a height of 26 inches in the center. It has a mesh door that zips securely closed, so you can leave your little pup in it alone at night. It’s even small enough to use as a dog house in your tent if you want.
The MyDeal Pop Up Pet House is very convenient. The pop-up style allows you to assemble this tent in just a few seconds, and it folds up flat for easy storage and transport.
It’s also multifunctional. It can be flattened and used in your car as a barrier between the front and back seats. If your dogs are anything like mine, they love to be in the front of the car with their humans which can be dangerous for everyone. The barrier will keep your dogs safe in the backseat on the way to your camping trip.
Pros:
- Pop up style makes set up fast and easy
- Weighs less than one pound
- Three mesh windows and mesh door for air circulation
- Good value
Cons:
- Only comes in one size for small dogs
- Only comes in one color: blue
- May be difficult to refold after use
Petego Umbra Portable Pet House
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Petego Umbra Portable Pet House is a high-quality dog tent. It comes in three sizes, so this tent is a good option no matter what size dog you have.
It has an umbrella design that makes set up and takedown quick and easy. It folds up similar to a canvas camping chair and comes with an over-the-shoulder carrying bag.
This tent is made of durable material and has a cute front porch when the door is open. The mesh windows are claw-proof, so you don’t have to worry about your dog damaging the tent.
Pros:
- Set up and take down in seconds
- Easy to transport
- Three sizes available
Cons:
- More expensive than many other dog tents on the market
- Rain cover does not cover the mesh windows
- Too heavy for backpacking
Lifeunion Waterproof Pet Dog Tent House
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Lifeunion Waterproof Pet Dog Tent is unique because it’s completely waterproof and UV protected. The tent floor and walls are made of 600D polyester and the poles are made of fiberglass, so this tent is very durable. It’s a great choice if you plan to camp with your dog in rainy or windy weather.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Fiberglass poles for durability
- Umbrella design for easy setup and takedown
Cons:
- Only comes in one size suitable for small and medium dogs
- No windows
- Too heavy for backpacking
Yolafe Portable Pet Tent Cave
Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Yolafe Portable Pet Tent is another great umbrella-style tent. What I love most about these tents is that all the pieces are attached, so you don’t have to worry about losing any small pieces.
This tent has a single-sided zipper and is made out of damage-proof material. You can leave your dog alone in this tent at night without worrying about it hurting itself or the tent.
Pros:
- Four mesh windows for good air circulation
- Umbrella design for easy setup and takedown
Cons:
- Only comes in one size suitable for small and medium dogs
- Too heavy for backpacking
Conclusion
For an affordable, lightweight dog tent, the Alcott Pup Tent is an ideal option. It’s a traditional dome-style, no-frills tent that’s made to last. For small dogs, the MyDeal Pop Up Pet House is a great choice. It’s extremely easy to set up, take down, and transport which makes it the most convenient dog tent as well.
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