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Leave Dogs Home when Hiking in the Heat; It’s the Law!
Beat the Heat with Cool Summer Treats for Your Dog
Check Concrete before Walking Your Dog in Hot Temps

Leave Dogs Home when Hiking in the Heat; It’s the Law!

For years there have been countless news stories of owners taking dogs hiking in the excessive heat. Many dogs suffered from terrible heat exhaustion and some died. Owners continued to do the wrong thing

A ban is now in effect on taking dogs hiking in the Valley when temperatures exceed 100 degrees. It is long overdue.

According to the article “Dogs banned from all Phoenix mountain hiking trails on 100+-degree days” at 12news.com, “The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board implemented the ban in June last year. The board refused to ban people from hiking mountain trails when the temperature is over 110 degrees; instead, they directed park personnel to do more research on the number of rescues and how many are a result of hikers going out not prepared for the heat.”

While many dog owners love to take their canines hiking, it is imperative to take the temperature into consideration. It’s simply best to err on the side of caution.

The article “Keeping your dogs safe while hiking in the Phoenix heat” at fox10phoenix.com, discussed how reminders about heat stress are placed at trailheads so that hikers are aware of the dangers of hiking with dogs in the heat.

“If you’re caught hiking with your dog, park rangers could issue a warning and educate you on the dangers, but you can also be cited for failure to comply — a class one misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail,” according to the fox10phoenix.com article.

It’s always best to be safe. If you want to hike, run to the store or take a walk on the pavement, leave Fido at home. He’s happy, healthy and safe indoors with the air conditioning while waiting your return.

Beat the Heat with Cool Summer Treats for Your Dog

Face it, if you get all the great summertime frozen treats and your dog gets nothing, it’s just not fair. There are some wonderful frozen treat ideas for your dog. They are easy to make right at home, and your dog will be thrilled!

Got Peanut Butter?

You’ve probably heard of Pupsicles — popsicles for canines — so why not whip up your pup’s favorite by making some Peanut Butter Pupsicles. According to “Cool Summer Treats For Your Dog,” at Dog Food Insider, not only do dogs love peanut butter, it’s “a great source of protein and heart healthy fats.” Make sure the peanut butter is xylitol free. Here’s the recipe:

You’ll need:
• 5 ounces plain yogurt
• ½ banana
• 2 TBSP peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 12 pretzel sticks

Create:
1. Puree yogurt, banana, and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Pour into ice cube tray.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Insert a pretzel stick in center of each ice cube compartment to act like a Popsicle stick.
5. Place in freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen.
6. Serve deliciously.

The article offers up some even easier cool treats. Freeze up some favorites:
• Biscuits: Freeze your dog’s yummy biscuits in a container with water. “Your dog will enjoy licking and chewing the water to get their biscuits.”
• Watermelon: Freeze up some cube chunks of the delicious fruit and freeze for a healthy treat.
• Toys: “Place their favorite chew toys in a container, cover with broth, and freeze,” the article said. “Your dog will be entertained for hours licking the broth and finding their toys.”

Another great idea, according to Puppyleaks.com, is to stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter and freeze. It “will make the challenge of getting those treats out last much longer.”

Check Concrete before Walking Your Dog in Hot Temps

Summertime can be challenging when taking your dog for a walk, especially in Arizona and other places where temperatures can get well into the upper 90s and 100s.

It’s hard to tell how the asphalt feels when you have shoes or sneakers on, but imagine if you were walking on your bare feet. It would be hot and your feet would burn. That’s what happens to your dog’s paws on hot pavement.

In the summer months, “Pavement, asphalt, wood, metal, sand and car or truck surfaces can become very hot,” according to “Summer Heat Can Be Murder On Your Dog’s Paws,” an article at Banfield.com. The sun can have an adverse effect on these materials, which “can stay hot for hours even after the sun has gone down. Temperatures on these surfaces can exceed 145° F!”

In order to ensure your pet’s paws are protected, the article offers some great advice:

• Check pavement by using your hand or bare foot and leave on the ground or surface for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your pet.
• If you have to walk your dog when it’s hot outside, make sure to stay in the grassy areas.
• Don’t walk your pet during the hottest hours of the day. The best times are early morning or late evening “after the pavement has cooled down,” the article said.

Your dogs’ paws are very sensitive and delicate. Remember, “The pads of a dogs feet are not any thicker than our feet so if it feels hot to your bare feet then it’s just as hot to your dog,” according to the article “Summer Pet Tips: Hot Asphalt and Your Dog at PoochandClaws.com.

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