HELPFUL HINTS

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.

P.S.: Remember PETA’s mantra: Hot streets can burn dogs’ feet.

DEAR HELOISE: Due to the coronavirus, some animal 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

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. Kitty could get tangled in it or ingest it and have major digestive trouble that could even involve surgery.

■ 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.