Dog life in the desert?

Get your dog a rattle snake shot. One shot, second a few weeks later then booster once a year.

You could stay in a park that has grass runs for the dog. Lots of those around.
Either way you should clean up after the dogs scat. If boondocking so the coyotes have a harder time finding your pet and I do not step in it. And do not leave the dog out away from you for their safety. There are predators out there that will snack on your pet.
Depending on when you leave and where you go either order or try to pick up a big can of bear spray the one with the 30 foot spray. It will deter most animals not just bears. Another alternative is wasp spray it sprays 10-15 feet and if sprayed in face will turn around most animals

The picture of the sand burrs looks like what we call goat heads or puncture vine.

Dogs aren't like us. They don't obsess about these things. If all they see is dirt, they're just fine using dirt.

We live in Mexico, all sand. Our 2 year old dog is a Mexican rescue, never saw green anything til this summer when we went to Minnesota. She loves grass, can't get enough of it. I'm curious if she'll be in withdrawal when she gets home.

pennysmom09 wrote:

BCSnob wrote:
They should be fine without the green grass. Be aware of foxtails and sandburs.

How will I recognize these?

Search internet for info on these.

sandbur/grassbur


foxtails (plant version of porcupine quill)

Snakes, scorpions, Gila monsters and coyotes also! I think dogs adapt better then we do on some issues.

BCSnob wrote:
They should be fine without the green grass. Be aware of foxtails and sandburs.

How will I recognize these?

They should be fine without the green grass. Be aware of foxtails and sandburs.

Our current dogs adjusted just fine from the green grass to the brown dirt when we had to stop watering due to water restrictions. It was the same as when stationed in IL they adapted from the green grass to the white snow just fine, they just went a little quicker. If they have to go they will is my opinion.