Activities For Dogs In Nevada On Cold Days
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Whether you're on the strip or in the desert, Nevada is more often well-known for being hot than it is cold. But that doesn't mean The Silver State doesn't see its share of chilly days either. While even the coldest days generally hover above freezing, December through January still carry cold winds that drop the temperatures to average in the 40s - cold enough to bundle up! But that also doesn't mean you and your dog need to stay holed up inside. There are plenty of things to do that are even more ideal in cold weather than they are in hot and we're here to help you find them, even if they aren't bathed in neon light.
Go to the Expo
Popular
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Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 4 hrs
Items needed
Dog Bags
Leash
Activity description
Of all the things you can do to escape the cold, staying inside is certainly the easiest, but it can also be the most boring, as there are limits to the amount of things you can your dog can do together. But thanks to the Las Vegas Pet Expo, you won't have to worry about that part. There are tons of things to do, many of which will be brand new and some of which can be prepared for, from training sessions to costume contests. The price of admission is relatively cheap and there is enough to do to keep the pair of you entertained for hours on end.
Step
1
Preparation
If the event is coming up quick, you may not have time to prepare - which is totally okay, because there is still plenty to do for walk-ins. But those that have some advanced knowledge could get some extra enjoyment out of the expo. For instance, there are small dogs races, talent contests, and costume contests, so if you or your dog excel at any of those activities (or you want them to), you can start preparing by getting in some training for the prior two or making or finding the right costume for the latter. Make sure to thoroughly peruse the expo's website to get a full list of all activities so you can properly prepare for anything that might take some practice or foresight. Also, make sure to check registration dates for each one to make sure you get all your paperwork in on time.
Step
2
Execution of the event
Once the day of the event comes, grab your supplies (includes treats, costumes, or anything else that's event-specific that's not included on our list) and head on over. The expo offers a great selection of things to do, see, experience, and learn, some of which are even state-specific. For instance, GetRattled actually does specific training to teach dogs Avoidance Training for moments when they run into potentially dangerous animals in the wild, from rattlesnakes to skunks and porcupines. There's also a chance to have your dog try out luring thanks to the folks at K-9 Allure. The expo will also have some vets on-hand for you to get updated vaccinations and even low-cost micro-chipping. There are games, contests, and even demonstrations throughout, so you should have no problem finding some entertainment for each or both of you during the event.
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Pets and 'Vettes
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 4 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Activity description
Like many events in Nevada, the Vegas Vettes is an event that is better held in fall and winter months than it is in summer. It's usually far too hot to walk around outdoors most other times of the year, let alone for hours at a time, making the event a perfect cold weather activity to do with your dog. It may sound like just another fancy car show, but this one is actually dog-centric. Outside of the Corvettes that are on display, the event features many dog vendors, opportunities for adoption, information on care and new products and many of the proceeds go to the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society, even though it's free admission, making it a perfectly easy and cheap option that can provide hours of entertainment.
Step
1
Park and bark
Unlike the Pet Expo, Vegas Vettes doesn't take any real preparation unless you choose to involve your dog in any of the active demonstrations that go on during the event, which takes registration beforehand. Otherwise, it really just takes showing up (and being a responsible pet owner). There are over 40 exhibitors in attendance showcasing everything from new products to adoptions to general pet care. There is usually food and live music to boot, so you can make a day of it if you so choose. Plus, it provides a great opportunity to network with local businesses and non-profits, in case you want to volunteer to help down the road.
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Rock Red Rock Canyon
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Cold Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 4 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Warm Clothes
Water
Activity description
Like many places in Nevada, the experience of Red Rocks Canyon is largely determined by tourist season. There's a major difference between enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature and having to get stuck behind other groups on the trails, or hearing children's screams of glee echo throughout the park when you're trying to listen for wildlife. That's why cold weather provides some of the most opportune times to take in this park and all of its beauty, as you won't have to battle big crowds nor the relentless heat that often accompanies other seasons. It only takes a little preparation, only costs $15 per car, and is as easy or as hard as the hikes you pick.
Step
1
Plan your trip
If you want to get the most out of the park, planning your trip is the best way to go. Start by heading over to the park's website, where fees, trails, and weather are all regularly updated. You'll first want to take a look at the available hikes, as some offer features that others don't in terms of what you can experience and what's best based on the season. Each hike has details on length, what is highlighted in terms of nature and wildlife, and even the difficulty, so you can pick appropriate trails with criteria that will match both you and your dog. If you like, you can always pick several trails, then grab a map online to see how to navigate them both on the hikes and how to get from one to another inside the park. Once you've got your spots picked out and the right day, grab your supplies and dog and hit the road!
Step
2
Hike it
On the day of the hike, it's best to double check the weather, as it can often change in the more volatile winter months. It's also a good idea to stop in at any park stations to pick up a physical map (in case you can't access your digital one) as well as safety information on what kinds of plants and animals to avoid and how to safely do so. Once you have your basic info you can finally hit the trails. Even in the cold, deserts can still be exceptionally dry, so make sure you bring lots of water for both you and your pet, as well as some basic snacks for energy on longer hikes. Other than that, enjoy!
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More Fun Ideas...
Dog Park Tour
Sometimes hot days are just too hot to jump around from the air conditioned car to the blazing heat of the outdoors. Save yourself some hassle and dress warmly, then check out a series of nearby dog parks to get to know their layouts and features. When it does get hot, you'll then know which are best to frequent due to the availability of shade or water features.
Hit the District
The District at Green Valley Ranch is always beautifully decorated for the holidays, making for a fun and aesthetically pleasing walk with your dog. Many of the shops are dog-friendly as well, so you two can stroll around at your leisure. We recommend going in the evening after the sun starts to set but before shops close, as you'll get the most picturesque experience.
Grab a Cap and Puppachino
If you need to warm up in the cold, head on over to Starbucks (or your local coffee shop if they give you the option), grab yourself a hot latte (or even better, mocha) and a Puppachino for your dog (it's ok, it's really just a small cup of light whipped cream).
Conclusion
While Nevada might not be best known for its cold weather, it certainly still has plenty to do when it inevitably receives some in the heart of winter. But instead of sitting like a sagebrush stuck on a rock, get out there and explore! Use our list for inspiration or come up with a list of your own so when those chilly days finally settle in, you can do the same comfortably with a roster of fun. If nothing else, check out our other lists of Activities for Dogs in Nevada on Hot/Nice/Rainy Days, for some of them overlap and work just as well in the cold as they do in the hot!