Hot dogs at Strawberry Festival?

Hot pavement will burn your dog’s feet.

Many people like to take their dogs to Strawberry Festival and many businesses put out water bowls for them. But many people do not realize how hot the pavement may be, and that their dog’s feet may be scorching.

I have witnessed dogs dancing and prancing and unable to stand and drink because the pavement is too hot. When the temperature is 77 degrees, the asphalt is 125 degrees. At 125 degrees, a dog’s paws will scorch in 60 seconds.

I would encourage businesses that put out water bowls, to also put down a rug or carpet piece or piece of cardboard for the dogs to stand on, and dog owners to check the pavement… Put the back of your hand on the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it burns your hand, it will also burn your dog’s feet.

—Hazel Wilding