Winter Desert Camping with Your Dog: Safety Tips for Pets

Emergency: if your pet is weak, confused or collapses in the cold, is bitten or stung by any wild creature, or becomes drowsy, vomits or has a seizure near a heater, go to a vet immediately. Don't wait to see if it passes [3][5][6].

Winter desert camping is a favourite family outing, and many dogs enjoy it. With a few simple steps, your dog can come along safely. Each tip below says which pets it applies to.

Can I take my dog camping?

Dogs: yes, usually. Dogs are commonly taken on outdoor trips and tend to handle travel, leash walks and new places well [1][4].

Cats: usually safer at home. This is our general advice, not a veterinary rule. Cats are territorial and like routine, so travel and unfamiliar outdoor places often stress them. If a cat does come, keep it secured in a carrier or on a harness, supervised, and never let it roam the campsite.

How cold do desert nights get?

It depends on where you camp. Desert nights can drop well below daytime temperatures, especially in the north and the inland desert [9]. Check the forecast for your area before you go.

Can dogs and cats get too cold?

Dogs and cats: yes. Fur doesn't fully protect them, and both can get hypothermia and frostbite. Thick or long coats cope better, but no pet should be left out for long in near-freezing weather [1].

Signs of getting too cold include [1][5]:

• Shivering, weakness or pale gums.
• Confusion, slow breathing, or collapse.
• No shivering doesn't mean your pet is fine.

Frostbite most often affects the ears, tail and paws. The skin may feel cold, hurt, or change colour [1].

If you see these signs (dogs and cats): move your pet somewhere warm, warm it up gently, and head to a vet. Don't rub cold-damaged skin [5].

How do I keep my dog warm at night?

• Dogs (and cats, if brought): sleep them in the tent or car with you, sheltered from wind and damp [1].
• Dogs: a dry coat or sweater can help short-haired dogs. A wet one makes the cold worse [1].
• Dogs: check paw pads often for cracks from cold ground [1].
• Dogs and cats: keep fresh water available. Cold weather doesn't remove the need to drink [1].

Are heaters and campfires safe near pets?

• Dogs and cats: never use a fuel-burning heater, stove, charcoal, lantern or generator inside a closed tent. It can make carbon monoxide, a gas you can't see or smell [3].
• Dogs and cats: this gas gathers low down in a tent, right where a resting pet lies [3].
• Dogs and cats: an electric heater is the safer choice inside a tent [3].
• Dogs and cats: keep pets well away from the campfire, stoves and grills, to avoid burns from embers, hot equipment or spilled fuel.

What about the daytime sun?

Dogs: winter sun in the desert can still be strong. Give shade and water, and skip hard exercise in the hottest part of the day. Cats, if brought: keep them in a shaded, airy spot. Our heatstroke article covers the warning signs.

What if my pet is bitten or stung?

Dogs and cats: treat any snake bite or scorpion sting as an emergency and go to a vet. Don't assume a sting is mild [2][6].

Signs can include a visible wound, swelling, pain, drooling, pawing at the spot, weakness or vomiting. They often appear quickly, but can be delayed [2][6].

Dogs: check paws and coat for thorns after each walk.

Stray dogs, foxes and rabies

Stray dogs and foxes are known carriers of rabies in Saudi Arabia [7]. Camping and contact with wild animals are known rabies risks [8].

• Dogs (and cats, if brought): keep them on a lead or under close control at all times [7][8].
• Dogs and cats: don't let them approach or touch stray dogs, foxes or other wild animals [8].
• Dogs and cats: before the trip, check with your vet that rabies vaccination is up to date [7][8].

How do I stop my dog getting lost?

• Dogs and cats: a collar with a clear ID tag showing your contact details, worn at all times [4].
• Dogs and cats: a microchip as well. It's permanent and still works if the collar comes off [4].
• Cats: never let a cat off its harness or out of its carrier in an unfamiliar outdoor place [4].

Before you leave: a short checklist

• Dogs and cats: know where the nearest vet is, and how to get there, before you set off [5].
• Dogs and cats: secure your pet in a crate or harness for the drive [5].
• Dogs and cats: pack water, a lead, ID, and warm, dry shelter for the night [1][4].
• Dogs and cats: make sure vaccinations are up to date with your vet [7][8].

FAQ

Can I take my cat on a desert camping trip?

As general advice, cats are usually safer at home. If one comes, keep it secured and supervised the whole time [4].

Does my dog need a coat in the cold?

A dry coat can help short-haired dogs. Thick-coated breeds cope better with cold. Remove a coat if it gets wet [1].

Can I use a gas heater in the tent with my dog?

No. Fuel-burning heaters can make carbon monoxide in a closed tent. Use an electric heater instead [3].

My dog was stung by a scorpion. Should I wait?

No. Treat any sting or bite as an emergency and go to a vet straight away [6].