The desert for a pup can be one of the most exciting experiences of their lives. Vast, seemingly unending space for little legs to sprint, clouds of sand and dust showcasing their incredible speed as they race along the hot ground…I can see it now! And I have seen it! Pups cannot help but wiggle as you pull up to an area to off load them for a romp or walk – just remember a couple important things!
For starters, it is HOT. We usually tested the pavement by touching it with your palm to see how truly hot the pavement or asphalt was before letting the dogs touch it with their paws. Because of this, we always traveled with little dog booties. I’m not saying you need to buy them – I know people have strong opinions about clothes on dogs! -so the alternative is finding a grassy spot or shaded spot to let them out on. Pack water and then double it! Between you and your dog, you’ll be happy you did so! Remember to also pack something salty and this includes for your dog. We usually pack treats that are very basic so that they don’t get overheated by the treats themself on our trip. If you are hot, there is a good chance that your dog is hot. They do not sweat the way we do as human so pay attention to their panting. If you are driving with them in the car, you might need to take a bit longer getting from one place to the other. Heat exhaustion can creep up very quickly by just sitting in a hot car or in a hot environment. Make sure that you are looking out for your furry friend!
Kiraly loved running around on the sand and enjoyed playing with us as we strolled the trails in Nevada. We usually would walk in the early morning or late afternoon when it was a bit cooler. What we really loved about Nevada was the number of open spaces and unpopulated areas that we could freely roam with the dogs as well as experience the state without intervention. The state parks and national parks usually have BARK Ranger programs that encourage your pet to visit the park while following the rules. It is engaging and nice to have a cute badge given to your dog while they are sworn in as BARK rangers! Ask a ranger at the front desk when you are visiting to see if they participate in the nationwide program and reward your little one for a job well done. 🙂
Talley Your Adventure - The Blog 
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