Dangers of Taking Pets Hiking in Heat

PHOENIX - You'd have to be a hardcore hiker to hit the trails on days this hot. But what's worse is taking your dog with you. Phoenix Firefighters say some pet owners are pushing their dogs too far, even to death.

If you think it's hot, imagine putting on a fur coat and hiking up a mountain. Firefighters say that's what it's like for dogs that are forced to go hiking with their owners.

"I wouldn't do it myself," says dog lover Katie Hernandez. "You hear all the time about people being rescued and its worse on the dogs. They can't tell you when they're hurting, they can't tell you when they're thirsty and their paws burn."

Not all dog owners are as thoughtful. Phoenix Fire Capt. Jonathan Jacobs says at least two dogs have died on the trails this season.

"There was a gentleman who was hiking with a larger dog, we think it was a golden retriever type of animal, heavy shaggy coat on it, and somewhere on the trail the dog had an episode. The owner actually carried the dog back down and he was fatigued by doing it."

David Metzler hikes Camelback Mountain every day.

"It's frustrating to see their dogs panting, we've actually seen dogs that look like they're having a stroke, we've seen dogs die right here at the fountain," says Metzler.

In the summer, dogs and their owners are urged to stick with the dog park, where water and shade is plentiful.