Hot pavement and dogs’ paws
Dear Readers: How hot is the pavement on a summer's day? You probably don't know, because you've got shoes on! But our dogs don't, and it can get blazing hot on the sidewalk and asphalt.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org) has some hints for walking your dog in the summer:
■ Heat-soaked sidewalks and driveways can burn feet. If it's 87 degrees outside, asphalt, driveways and roads can reach 140 degrees or hotter. This will burn the pads of a dog's feet after only 1 minute.
■ Hot pavement can also reflect heat upward onto the dog's body, raising the risk of deadly heat stroke.
■ Touch the pavement with your hand. If it's too hot to touch, your dog cannot walk on it.
■ Walk first thing in the morning, later in the evening, on grass or in shady areas.
■ Carry water with you and take a lot of rest breaks.
■ NEVER muzzle a dog that is walking in the heat of the day. — Heloise
P.S.: Remember PETA's mantra: Hot streets can burn dogs' feet!
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Dan and Sherrie in San Antonio were feeling a bit lonely, so what did they do? They picked up a furry, funny and friendly friend!
Meet Archie. He's a bichon, and all of about 3 pounds. Archie's filled the void of the empty nest, and there's certainly little idle time when you have a puppy to care for.
To see Archie and our other Pet Pals, visit www. Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a pet pic to share?
Email it, along with a description, to Heloise@ Heloise.com! — Heloise
DONATIONS, CALL FIRST
Dear Heloise: Due to the coronavirus, some rescue groups aren't accepting donations of dog beds, crates, toys, collars and leashes right now. I'd advise your readers to call first before dropping off any items. They are probably always accepting monetary donations online, though. — Kara, via email
CAT TALES
Dear Readers: Cats are sweet, fun, clean and generally easy pets to have and care for. Here are some cat facts for all of my cat lovers out there:
■ Their whiskers, which are beautiful and majestic, are used as sensors to navigate tight spaces and to feel the direction of the wind to determine the source of odors. NEVER trim the whiskers.
■ To discourage bad behavior such as scratching and marking, place some coins in an aluminum can and tape it shut. When your cat does something naughty, give the can a firm shake.
■ Toys don't have to be a major expense. Cats will play with just about anything, so get creative. Some of my favorite cat toys are ping-pong balls, bathroom tissue cores and a wad of paper. One thing you should avoid is a ball of yarn.
■ Catnip? Some cats love it; some don't. It's not harmful unless too much is ingested, causing digestive problems. Keep catnip away from kittens and small children.
■ One cat is fun, but two might be even better! Consider adopting siblings. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.