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Be careful with pets feet

Dear Readers: On a sizzling summer’s day, reach down and touch the asphalt for 10 seconds. It’s hot, right? Now imagine your dog’s foot pads walking on the hot pavement. Not comfortable, and possibly even dangerous! The pads of a dog’s feet can burn easily; they aren’t protected, like our feet are, with shoes and socks.

You want to be outside on gorgeous days with your furry and funny friend — what are good preventive measures to take? Here are some hints:

≤ Walk on the grass instead of the pavement.

≤ Exercise and play outside in the early morning or late evening.

≤ Try booties for the dog; there may be a comfort adjustment period.

≤ Wetting the dog’s feet before walking on the pavement is a NO — this can soften the pad and make it break open more easily on the hot ground.

≤ If the dog’s feet get burned, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted.

≤ Slip a sock over a burned foot, and don’t allow the dog to chew or lick the area.

Fun in the sun can be had outside — but on the grass, and not the asphalt! — Heloise

Beach hint

Dear Heloise: I stow my cellphone in a zippered plastic sandwich bag to keep it dry and free from sand at the beach. — Tom T. in North Carolina

(Heloise is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. Send money-or time-saving hint to P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.)

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