Does a Dog-Proof Air Mattress Exist?

There is one topic we are often asked about when it comes to tent camping with dogs. We get questions like:

What do we sleep on?

Is there a dog-proof air mattress that dog owners should be purchasing, or do you have to choose an alternative for a good night’s sleep?

Do you have to give up using an air mattress if you plan to camp with pets?

While we would LOVE to come to you and share the secret to a dog-proof air mattress, the truth is that it doesn’t exist.

The very nature of an air mattress makes it susceptible to developing holes or punctures, leaving you sleeping on the hard ground.

Despite this, we have used an air mattress on many of our past tent camping adventures.

It is possible! We’re here to help you get set for your next adventure…

Before you start packing, check out this article with our top tips for protecting your gear and successfully using an air mattress with dogs (without waking up on the ground).

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Can Dogs Be on An Air Mattress?

For many dog parents (ourselves included), camping is about enjoying quality time together.

There’s nothing better than cuddling up together in the tent at the end of the day.

While our older dogs prefer to sleep on their own beds during warmer weather trips, Lucifer loves to snuggle all night. He’s a professional snuggler.

And when the temperatures drop in the late fall or winter? We all curl up together for the added body heat through the night.

But how do you navigate an air mattress and dogs?

I would be lying if I said that we have never woken up on the ground. The hard truth is that even campers without a dog will experience a popped air mattress at some point.

Especially those who use cheaper or ‘budget’ air mattresses.

All it takes is a sharp rock or a stick, even something hiding under the tent floor in some cases, to pierce the bottom.

But that shouldn’t stop you from curling up at night with your best friend.

With a little preparation, you can still set up a dog-friendly air mattress (although not dog-proof) to keep everyone comfortable.

How Can I Protect My Air Mattress from My Dog?

While there is no dog-proof air mattress on the market, there are ways to protect your gear from damage.

This includes steps you can take at home to prepare for your next camping adventure, as well as precautions to take while at the campsite.

Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed

The most important thing you can do leading up to your next trip is to keep your dog’s nails trimmed and maintained.

Sharp nails could be enough to puncture an air mattress or a tent floor just by walking across it. Just imagine the damage that can happen when camping with a puppy!

Experts recommend trimming your dog’s nails approximately 2-3 days before your trip. This allows any sharp, freshly cut edges to wear down and round off naturally.

If your dog dislikes the clippers, there are other solutions.

We started Lucifer with a DIY nail board until he was comfortable having his paws handled. Meanwhile, Willow still gets her nails done with a Dremel.

Invest in a Quality Mattress

Budget air mattresses may look tempting due to their low price tags, but this is a perfect example of “you get what you pay for.”

These cheap options often have weak seams (leaking without even being punctured) or are made from thin, brittle PVC that punctures far too easily.

Instead, you should invest in a mattress made from a more durable material, like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), or one specifically branded as “puncture-resistant,” which uses a thicker, reinforced construction.  

Add a Layer of Protection

One of the best ways to protect your mattress from your dog’s nails is to never let their paws actually touch the material.

This means adding layers to the mattress with protection in mind.

When front country camping (or “car camping”), our standard setup includes:

• A moving blanket, quilt, or foam tiles under the mattress to protect it from sharp objects on the ground.
• A quilted mattress protector or heavy blanket directly on top of the air mattress.
• A fitted sheet to hold the former protective layer in place.

For backcountry camping, we obviously aren’t going to carry that much extra gear.

However, we still pack an extra blanket to put under our sleeping bags, both to add insulation and to protect the sleeping pads from our pups.

Train Your Dog to Stay Calm in the Tent

This can be a challenging one for a high-energy dog. Trust us, Lucifer is a herding dog mix we affectionately call our Chaos Demon.

However, training should always be part of preparing for any trip.

We train our dogs to recognize that the tent is a space for quiet time, not rambunctious play. This means they can enjoy chew toys (like Lucifer’s BetterBone) or cuddle with us, but no roughhousing.

Not only does this protect our gear, but it also helps teach them to be quiet and respectful of other campers.

Use Dog Booties

If you are still concerned about the safety of your air mattress, booties or socks can be a lifesaver.

We don’t use socks in the tent with our current pups. However, we have used RC Pets Sporty PAWks with Daviana in the past.

Not only did they protect the air mattress when she was digging in the bedding, but they also offer a little added traction when she’s on slippery surfaces like our hardwood floors.

Introduce them at home with plenty of treats and/or praise before expecting them to be okay wearing them on your next adventure.

Best Air Mattress for Camping with Dogs

All this information really comes down to one important question: What is the best air mattress for camping with dogs?

We don’t believe that there is one stand-out option that will work for everyone. But there are 3 options that we have used personally that stood up to our crew:

• Coleman All-Terrain Plus Double High Airbed: This extra-tall air mattress is not only comfortable and easy to get in/out of, but it also claims to be 47% more puncture-resistant, a claim that it has lived up to on our trips! (Currently unavailable in double-high, but the single-high version is available)
• Coleman Quickbed Airbed: While it is a budget-friendly option (which we previously warned you against), this mattress held up well both as a standalone bed and when used with the Coleman Camping Cot.
• Coleman Inflatable Airbed with Zip-On Insulated Mattress Topper: Our favourite of the three, especially for colder-weather trips, this mattress features a thick, machine-washable insulated topper that zips on to stay in place and provides an extra layer of protection against puppy nails and muddy paws.

Why We Switched to Camp Cots

Since originally writing this article, we moved away from air mattresses entirely.

Recently, we have been using REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots, and they have been a game-changer for camping with the pups.

Most cots are made of heavy-duty canvas or polyester over a metal frame. This means they are virtually indestructible against puppy paws, as there is no air to leak.

Beyond being more durable, cots keep you elevated off the cold, uneven ground.

You can use the space underneath the cot to store gear, creating more room within your tent.

If you still crave the feel of an air mattress, consider a “hybrid” approach: use a sleeping pad, similar to what you would use in the backcountry, on top of the cot.

Because it is off the ground, the risk of damage that could cause a leak is much lower.

Of course, the size of your cot can affect your ability to enjoy those nighttime snuggles. While Lucifer fits with me on my cot, it’s a little too small for Willow.

However, there are double-sized models you could use if there is enough room in your tent.

What is your solution when it comes to selecting or setting up a dog-proof air mattress for camping? We invite you to share your tips and tricks in the comments!