Will a dog fall through the bottom on a Hennessy?

**muledog19** · 06-16-2011, 21:52

Hello to the hanging community!

I'm not new to hammocks (I practically lived in one for the two years I was in the Peace Corps) but I am new to backpacking with a hammock. I haven't purchased a setup yet, but I've seen a few deals out there for used bottom-entry hammocks. The thing is I often like to take my dog out with me, and she would have to sleep in the hammock with me. Would a bottom-entry hammock work with a dog?

FYI- mosquito mesh is mandatory for summer treks where I live. My dog is 35 lbs and grew up sleeping in a hammock in Honduras. I'm 5'4" 125 lbs, so I think I will fit in most hammocks out there with room to spare.

**chickenwing** · 06-16-2011, 22:09

In short answer - Yes. I went camping with a friend at Mt. Mitchell in N.C. and he woke in the night feeling a little chill - as if his uq were no longer snug against his back. After looking around in the dark for a minute he finally realized his dog was hanging half in/half out of the bottom-entry slit and pushing down on the uq. the dog is a small-ish one about 30# or so.

**muledog19** · 06-16-2011, 22:30

Yeah, I was picturing myself waking up in the middle of the night with a half-in half-out dog situation. Your post makes it all the more clear, thanks!

So I won't be picking up any used bottom-entry hammocks, no matter how tempting.

Is there a particular type of hammock recommended for use with 4-footed friends?

(preferably on the light end of the scale and with attached mosquito netting)

**shumway** · 06-16-2011, 22:33

I'd think a double layer and maybe heavy fabric would defend against the claws fairly well. If I can convince my dog to climb in my hammock I'll probably make her go on a fleece blanket at the foot end.

**Shug** · 06-16-2011, 22:33

Be sure to give the dog a pedicure and a mint!

Let us know how it works out.....
Shug

**shumway** · 06-16-2011, 22:36

Lol Shug. Ew dog breath.

**chickenwing** · 06-16-2011, 22:39

My 13# Dachshund sleeps in my 1.1 double layer every time I get in. I hang it btn 12 and 18" and she just jumps right in. My bug net is the type that hangs over the edges so i just lift it up for her to get in and when she is ready to get out she just pushes on the net with her nose and she gets out. So far I have not seen an issue with dog nails on the nylon.

**Eliteoomph** · 06-16-2011, 23:40

Originally Posted by chickenwing

My 13# Dachshund sleeps in my 1.1 double layer every time I get in. I hang it btn 12 and 18" and she just jumps right in. My bug net is the type that hangs over the edges so i just lift it up for her to get in and when she is ready to get out she just pushes on the net with her nose and she gets out. So far I have not seen an issue with dog nails on the nylon.

really? cuz I was wanting to put my dog in the hammock but I was afraid she would poke holes in the ripstop

**muledog19** · 06-16-2011, 23:46

The part of Honduras I used to live in got crazy hot during the dry season. At night I slept on a thin fabric cot with a rectangular mosquito net draped over it. My dog, Tazi, usually started off the night with me, but when I woke up she was often in the hammock. I didn't have spreader bars or anything on the hammock, so you know she really had to work to get in there! I do remember waking up a few times to tick-tick-tick slide... tick-tick-tick slide... That was Tazi with her front paws on the hammock rocking and walking back and forth on the tile floor trying to hop in the hammock! She got in there eventually!!!

Anyway, back to thinking about a good backpacking dog-worthy hammock. So a double layer sounds smart, and maybe I should think about how high up the solid sides of the hammock go too? Higher = better to keep paws & claws away from the mesh?

And, yes, doggie mints and a pedicure always help when cuddling with the pooch. The worst is when your beloved K9 finds something dead & greasy to roll in, and then wants to cuddle up to you. Ick!!! At home the dog gets a bath. In the woods you're not so lucky.

**chickenwing** · 06-16-2011, 23:47

Originally Posted by Eliteoomph

really? cuz I was wanting to put my dog in the hammock but I was afraid she would poke holes in the ripstop

I would have more damage from not letting the dog in the hammock. Once she is situated she stays put and I manage entry and exits so there is minimal nail to nylon contact. If I ignore the dog when i get in the hammock she stands on her back legs and paws at the side/underside of the hammocks = not good for me or the hammock.

On a side note - I DIY most of my gear and all of my hammocks so I have less $$$ per hammock than someone who buys one.