Many truck owners love taking their dogs on camping trips. Having a truck canopy is great because it protects your pet from rain and bright sun. Whether you are traveling with a big Labrador or taking photos of your white Shiba Inu at a mountain campsite, keeping your furry friend comfortable is the most important thing.
However, the back of a truck can get very hot. If you want your dog to ride safely in the truck bed, you need to prepare. Here are three simple ways to keep your dog cool and happy under a truck canopy.
1. Open the Windows for Airflow
Dogs cannot sweat like humans do. They pant to cool down. If the air inside the canopy is completely still, your dog will get too hot very quickly.
When you buy a camper shell, make sure it has sliding side windows. When you drive, open the windows just enough to let fresh air blow through the truck bed. If your truck cab has a rear sliding window, open that too! This lets the air conditioning from your cab flow directly into the canopy to cool your dog down.
2. Block the Sun's Heat
A metal truck bed can get as hot as a frying pan in the summer. Even with a canopy over it, the floor can burn your dog's paws.
To fix this, never let your dog lie directly on the bare metal or plastic bed liner. Put down a thick rubber mat, a dog bed, or an outdoor rug. You can also read our complete guide on how to stop your truck bed from overheating under a canopy to learn more tricks for blocking the summer heat.
3. Think About Insulation
Insulation works like a thermos. It keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold.
If you are using a heavy-duty canopy, adding a layer of carpet lining to the roof will stop the hot sun from baking the inside of the shell. This is also super helpful in the winter! If you like cold-weather adventures, a good insulated shell is a must. Check out our guide to the best truck canopies for cold climates and winter camping to see how to keep your dog warm in the snow.
The Number One Rule for Dog Safety
Never leave your dog alone in the back of a parked truck.
When the truck is moving, the wind keeps the canopy cool. But the moment you park the truck and turn off the engine, the canopy turns into an oven. Even if the windows are open, the temperature can become deadly for a dog in just ten minutes. If you have to go into a store, take your dog with you or leave the truck running with the AC on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a soft truck topper safe for dogs? Soft toppers provide shade, but they do not offer much protection if you get into a car crash. They also do not hold cool air very well. If you travel with pets often, a hard shell is usually safer. You can read our comparison of soft truck toppers vs steel canopies to learn more.
Should my dog roam free in the truck bed? No. It is much safer to put your dog inside a strong travel kennel (crate). You can strap the kennel tightly to the truck bed so it doesn't slide around when you turn corners or brake suddenly.
Do I need a fan in my truck canopy? A battery-powered fan is a fantastic idea! You can attach a small camping fan to the roof of your canopy to keep the air moving over your dog, especially when driving at slower speeds.