When you’re packing for a camping trip, one of the most important things on your list is a sleeping bag. It keeps you warm, gives you somewhere cozy to sleep, and makes you feel safer during the night. So if you take your Frenchie camping, why wouldn’t they want all those same things?
Whether you’re the outdoorsy sort or not, it can be a great idea to get a dog sleeping bag for your French bulldog. For one thing, it can stop them from trying to crawl into your bed or sleeping bag, but for another, it can make their nights more comfortable. Read on to learn more about the best dog sleeping bags to get for your best friend.
In A Hurry To See My Best Dog Sleeping Bag Recommendations?
Here They Are:
1. Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag
2. Hurtta Outback Dreamer
3. Best Friends Sheri Cozy Cuddler
Why Get a Dog Sleeping Bag?
If you go camping with your best friend, having a dog sleeping bag can help both you and your Frenchie sleep better. If they feel safe and cozy, they’ll be less likely to try to crawl into bed with you. A sleeping bag can also keep them warm so they don’t spend the whole night shivering on a cold tent floor.
Taking your dog camping can be a lot of fun, but being in an unfamiliar environment can stress your Frenchie out. If they have a sleeping bag, it can provide them a place that’s safe, protected, and their own to retreat to when they get stressed out. This works even better to calm them down if they usually sleep in this sleeping bag when you’re at home.
Warmth
When you’re shopping for dog sleeping bags, you want to make sure they’re going to keep your furry friend warm enough. This is especially important if you live somewhere up north where the nights get frigid. But by the same token, if you live somewhere warmer, you don’t want a sleeping bag that will cause your Frenchie to overheat.
Make sure you look at the insulation your dog sleeping bag provides. If you’re camping in Florida in July, you want a sleeping bag with less insulation, but if you’re going skiing in New Hampshire, you want an option with more layers. If you like to travel to a lot of different areas, you may even want a couple of different options.
Versatility
As we mentioned, having a sleeping bag that your dog uses every night with you on a camping trip can help make them feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. So you want a sleeping bag that can go from the home to the woods easily. You may also want something that can go between a day mat and a night sleeping bag so you don’t have to tote multiple beds.
Look for sleeping bags that unzip all the way or have removable hoods on top of them. It’s also a good idea to find an option that you won’t mind displaying in your bedroom when you’re home.
Ease of Cleaning
As Jon Katz wisely points out in his book The Dogs of Bedlam Farm, “Dogs are born knowing exactly what they want to do: eat, scratch, roll in disgusting stuff, sniff and squabble with other dogs, roam, sleep, have sex.” And when you’re camping, there are ample opportunities for your Frenchie to roam, scratch, sniff, and roll in disgusting stuff. This means that no matter how hard you try, you’re going to wind up washing your dog sleeping bag at least once a trip.
You want a bed that’s easy to clean up both on the trail and at home. Your sleeping bag should shake off easily, be able to deal with a little rinsing without getting waterlogged, and not hold onto dirt and stains. And the washing instructions should read “Wash with like colors, tumble dry low.”
Durability
At home in the living room, we know your Frenchie probably has a memory foam bed covered in cotton or fleece. And while these luxuries are great indoors, the outdoors is not kind to fleece. You need a bed that can handle both your Frenchie’s nails (and nesting) and the demands of the trail.
Look for beds that are made of durable materials such as polyester and nylon, as well as those that have compartmentalized stuffing. Check on their descriptions to see if they say how long you can expect them to last. And read reviews to see if other French bulldog owners have found that they lasted long enough with their dogs.
Weatherproofing
When you’re camping and hanging outdoors, your dog sleeping bag is going to get a lot of exposure to the elements. You need to be able to toss the sleeping bag down on the ground wherever you stop without having to look for a dry patch of ground. A sleeping bag that gets soaked and dirty within a few seconds will be more hassle than it’s worth.
You want your sleeping bag to be cozy and soft for your dog on the inside, but the outside should be able to stand up to some weather. This is particularly important if you’re staying somewhere where there’s snow. Make sure, too, that the seams are secured against any sort of seepage so your dog doesn’t wind up wet and miserable.
Ease of Use
Some French bulldogs like to nest naturally and may snuggle into blankets or nest into beds. If your dog does this, teaching them to use a sleeping bag will be no trouble. Their instincts are already there, and it’s just a matter of pointing them in the right direction.
But if your dog isn’t a natural nester, you may need to look for a sleeping bag that’s easy to train them to use. They may be familiar with using a bed, so look for a sleeping bag that can tent up to make it easier for them to cross that boundary. As they get more used to their sleeping bag, you may not have to tent the opening up as much.
Portability
When you’re camping, chances are you’re carrying everything you need for a day or two out to your campsite. You don’t want to have to tote a bulky dog sleeping bag that takes up as much space as your bedroll does. You want something light, compact, and portable.
Look for sleeping bags that can roll up tightly and come with a traveling case. This will make it easier to tuck into a corner of your bag. Then you just have to worry about loading up your Frenchie and hitting the trail.
Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag
One of the best dog sleeping bags for Frenchies is the Ruffwear Highlands Sleeping Bag. The bag is insulated enough to keep your furry little friend warm through the coldest nights. But that insulation also squishes down to an easy-to-carry size that fits into a handy travel pack.
The Highlands Sleeping Bag is made of durable polyester that will stand up against both nesting dogs and nasty weather. Dirt and hair brushes off of it easily, making cleaning it a cinch. If you’re going somewhere really cold, you can also get an additional pad to keep your Frenchie even warmer.
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Hurtta Outback Dreamer
Next time your Frenchie is sleeping somewhere chilly, take a look at how they sleep. When dogs are cold, they like to curl up into a ball and tuck their noses under a paw or tail. The Hurtta Outback Dreamer is designed around this sleeping position to give your dog maximum warmth and comfort.
This round bed has a top opening to help your dog build a nest of warmth while still breathing freely. The inside is lined with a heat-reflecting foil to trap the maximum amount of body heat for your Frenchie. And the Outback Dreamer is easy to clean and rolls up into an included travel case.
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Best Friends Sheri Cozy Cuddler
If you’re looking for a sleeping bag that’s going to see more use in the house than on the trail, the Best Friends Sheri Cozy Cuddler is the perfect option. This bed is lined with upholstery-grade corduroy with an attached blanket to keep your dog cozy and warm. Your Frenchie can nest in as deep as they like or sprawl out on top.
But don’t worry – the Cozy Cuddler can stand up to some camping, too. The bed comes with a durable bottom that’s dirt- and water-resistant and brushes off easily. It’s the perfect house-to-tent option for the casual camping family.
Click Here To See This Dog Sleeping Bag On Amazon
Find the Best Dog Sleeping Bag for Your Furry Friend
Whether you’re on the trail every weekend or only once or twice a year, having a dog sleeping bag for your French bulldog is a great idea. It can help them feel more secure and keep them warm when the nights get cold. Make sure you get a model that’s durable, easy to clean, and small to carry with you.
If you’d like to find more great products for your Frenchie, check out the rest of our site at Frenchie Journey. We have everything you need to know about life with a French bulldog, from taking care of the puppies to nutrition and toy recommendations. Check out our accessories recommendations to give your Frenchie the best life they can have.
