Upgrading to a rooftop tent can completely change the way you camp, saving you time and making your adventures more comfortable. However, if you camp with your dog, there are some additional things you will have to consider and plan for.
Here’s what you need to know about using a rooftop tent with a dog, including sleeping arrangements, how to get your dog up the ladder, safety, and other tips.
Deciding Where Your Dog Will Sleep
If you will camp with a rooftop tent, the first thing to decide is where your dog will sleep during the trip. There are a few options inside and outside of the rooftop tent. The decision is important because your dog will get used to whatever you decide. If you try to change things up later—such as moving your dog out of the tent into a crate outside—your dog might not be happy about it.
Pro Tip
Wherever your dog ends up sleeping, make sure they have a designated spot, such as a doggie bed that already has their scent on it. They will know where their place is and feel calmer when it is time for bed.
In the Rooftop Tent with You
Assuming that you can get the dog up the ladder (more on that later), having your dog sleep with you in the tent is often the best option. Not only are dogs great for keeping your feet warm at night, having the dog with you in the tent ensures they won’t have interactions with wild animals. Your dog will likely be calmer sleeping with you and, if they do start barking, you can easily calm them without having to leave the tent.
Under a Shelter or Awning
You can set up your dog’s bed underneath an awning or shelter. They will be able to sleep outside but are still protected from the elements.
Ideally, you will keep your dog crated under the shelter. The crate keeps them from running off, and also protects small dogs from becoming prey to wild animals such as coyotes. If you don’t want to crate your dog, then you can put them on a very long lead so they can still walk around at night.
Keep in mind that this option only works if your dog is used to sleeping alone outside. Otherwise, they will whimper through the night or bark at every single noise. Not only will this bother camping neighbors, but it’s really annoying to climb down from your rooftop tent a zillion times in the night to calm your dog.
In Separate Tent
A lot of rooftop tent campers consider getting a separate tent for their dog to sleep in. This can work if your dog is very obedient and used to sleeping in a tent by themselves. The tent provides shelter from the elements, and some dogs are calmer and bark less when in a tent than outside.
However, be warned that dogs can easily open tent zippers with their noses and get loose at night. If they can’t get out that way, they might try to chew through the tent if they hear squirrels or other wildlife outside. To play it safe, have your dog sleep in a crate inside the tent or lock the zippers with a carabiner.
In Your Vehicle
If you can’t get your dog up the ladder or would rather not share your tent with Fido, then having them sleep in your vehicle may be a good option. They will be safe from wild animals and, if they do bark, the sound will be a bit muffled so won’t bother other campers (as much).
Obviously, this is not an option if you are camping in very hot weather. While the temperatures may be cool at night, if you sleep later than expected (rooftop tent mattresses are comfy!), your dog could be suffering heatstroke below you.
As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns, a vehicle can quickly heat up, and cracking the windows makes almost no difference for temperature. Because of this, the AVMA actually says to never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle.
Pro Tip
When your dog is alone in the vehicle, put a note on your window saying that you are sleeping above or that you’ve briefly left camp (such as to go to the bathroom). Otherwise, a Good Samaritan might break your window to “rescue” your dog.
Getting the Dog Up Rooftop Tent Steps
If you’ve decided that your dog will sleep in the rooftop tent with you, then you need to figure out how to get the dog up the ladder. There are four main ways to get them up the ladder safely.
1. Carry the Dog Up the Ladder
If your dog is small or you are in good shape, then carrying your dog up the ladder into the rooftop tent is doable. Carrying the dog down is usually trickier, especially when they are excited and squirmy in the morning, but still doable.
However, carrying your dog up and down a ladder—especially when you are alone in the remote wilderness—might not be the smartest idea.
To make the process safer, don’t do the “fireman’s carry.” Instead, get a harness for your dog and carry them like a suitcase. Practice this a few times at home before the trip so you and your dog are ready.
2. Use a Ladder “Shelf” Attachment
You can find special shelves that attach to the rungs of a ladder. Attach this to one of the higher rungs on your rooftop tent ladder. Then lift your dog onto the shelf and have them jump the remaining foot or so to get into the tent. If you have a large dog, be mindful of the shelf’s weight limit and remember to lift with your legs!
3. Make a Dog Ramp
There are special retractable dog ramps for dogs who can’t climb up stairs. These can also work for getting a dog into a rooftop tent. The trick is making the angle as low as possible, so you’ll need to prop the lower end of the ramp on something like a picnic table or stack of coolers.
The downside is that you need to buy and pack a separate ramp. So, some campers improvise a ramp out of their rooftop tent ladder. For example, one woman bought a long carpet runner and securely attached it to both ends of the ladder. She then propped the ladder up and had her dog walk up the ladder on the carpet ramp.
4. Have Your Dog Go Up/Down the Windshield
If your rooftop tent has a door or window towards the windshield, this is a great solution. You just teach your dog to walk up the windshield to get into the tent.
Windshields are slippery and your dog’s claws might scratch your vehicle, so you will need to make a “runway” out of something with traction. A carpet runner or yoga mat works great.
Dog Safety in a Rooftop Tent
Rooftop tents are very safe (safer than ground tents in many ways!), but there are still some potential safety concerns when you bring a dog into one.
Other Tips for Sleeping with a Dog in a Rooftop Tent
Size Up the Tent
As a general rule, you should size up your tent by one child size to accommodate your dog. So, if you are solo camping with your dog, you’d need a tent sized for 1 adult and 1 child.
Small dogs can sleep at your feet, so you may not need to size up. However, it’s still recommended: If your dog is very dirty or wet, you’ll be glad you have the extra space for a doggie bed in the tent so they don’t muck up your sleeping bag.
Brush and Clean Your Dog before Bed
Dogs can get really dirty when camping. To keep it out of your sleeping area, give your dog a thorough brushing before bed and wipe their paws down too. In wet conditions, you’ll want to have lots of towels for drying off your dog before bed. Remember, a wet sleeping bag won’t insulate effectively!
Check for Ticks
Always check your dog (and yourself) for ticks before going in the tent. You can also get “tick wipes” for your dog to help keep ticks off.
If in a heavily tick-infested area, choose a high-density foam mattress for your rooftop tent. These are smoother and tighter than standard foam mattresses, so there will be fewer nooks and crannies for ticks to hide in after they drop off their host.
Protect Your Mattress
High-density foam mattresses generally won’t absorb smells and can be spot-cleaned. However, it’s still best to protect the mattress in case your dog vomits, has an accident, or just is really dirty. Put a cover over the entire mattress or have a dedicated doggie bed in the rooftop tent for them to sleep on.
Want to Improve Your Overlanding Experience?
James Baroud makes comfortable rooftop tents and enclosed awnings that are perfect for camping with a dog. See the options here or fill the form below with your details and one of our experts will contact you.