Many people like to experience the great outdoors and take a short camping break. That way, you can commune with nature, see many things you would otherwise miss out on and relax and recharge your batteries. Camping trips are also great family bonding times. Often, though, one member of the family is missing from these camping trips: your beloved pet dog. This doesn't have to be the case. You can save yourself kennel fees and take your pet with you with outdoor dog beds.

Camping is a great way to relax and unwind. What could be better on a warm summer night than to lie back and sleep under the stars? But a camping trip just wouldn't be the same without your beloved dog, would it? So, where is he going to sleep under this star-spangled sky? On one of the comfortable and waterproof outdoor beds that are available, of course.

If you are out camping with your dog, as well as taking a comfortable, padded bed bag for yourself, you need to spare a thought for your pet. He needs to be comfortable too. Outdoor dog beds are as great for taking camping as they are for lying out on your porch or in your backyard. They can be easily packed into the trunk when you set off on your camping adventure.

It can be somewhat difficult to find outdoor dog beds and they can cost a little more than other beds, but they are worth it. You can find them discounted too, in some places, so they are good to look out for. They come in all manner of shapes and sizes, so they can be found for even the largest or smallest dogs, and even in luxury options, if you wish to camp out in style! Some outdoor dog beds are even orthopedic which are not only useful for any unexpected cold snap on a camping trip, but also great for if you need your dog to sleep outside at home.

So, if you are planning on going camping or want your dog to sleep outdoors, look out your options in outdoor dog beds. There are several things you need to bear in mind, of course:

What makes good outdoor dog beds?

First, they need to be waterproof. Even the best of climates gets some unexpected rain and you don't want your dog bed ruined by a sudden shower. Also, with an outdoor bed, it is more likely to get dirtier quite quickly. Stain resistance is important, as is the ability to wash both the cover and the cushions, so look for outdoor dog beds with removable covers and if possible, cushions which can also be machine laundered.

Apart from these factors specific to out dog beds, all the old rules still apply, so that your dog is comfortable and will get maximum benefit from the bed. It must be large enough for your dog and it also must be sturdy so your dog will not break it by circling before sleep, padding at the sides or even chewing at it. This is probably more important if you have a large dog. Also still important is the look of the outdoor dog beds. Make sure you get one that blends in well with the look of the area you want to keep it at home so you will not resent it being there and your dog will feel comfortable using it. That way, it won't only come out for use on your occasional camping trips!