Explore the top trails for dog walking in Lake Metroparks while keeping your pet safe during the dog days of summer

By Mimi Vanderhaven

If you count yourself amongst the 65 million Americans who own dogs you know that summer and fall are peak seasons to hit the trails with your beloved pooch in tow. Since we’re in the middle of particularly hot, humid weather, traditionally known as the dog days of summer, Mimi caught up with Lake Metroparks Ranger Brandy Hanusosky for some tips to keep Fido or Fifi safe.

• Never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows down. The temperature inside a car can rise to more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

• Take fresh water with you and offer it to your dog often.

• When outside for prolonged periods of activity, apply sunscreen to the tips of your dog’s ears, the skin around the lips and the tip of the nose.

Dog park lovers can have a ball at Canine Meadow in Kirtland, a fenced-in 2.5-acre roaming park with large dog and small dog areas, as well as a swimming pond.

Dogs on leash are welcome at all parks in the Lake Metroparks system. Top picks for best parks to walk your dog include:

Chagrin River Park — Woodland Run & Songbird Loop Trails
“Possibly the perfect dog-walking park, and judging by the number of dog walkers here, the public seems to agree,” she says. “From access to the river to let your dog get a drink to cool off, to an ample supply of flat trails and mutt mitts, there is hardly a reason not to take your dog here.”

Veterans Park – Cardinal Loop Trail
“Flat trails, a large lake to get your feet wet and a nice shady forest to walk through means your dog will love a trip to this park,” she says.

Lake Metroparks annually provides more than four million visitors recreational and educational experiences including more than 60 miles of trails and 39 parks. Visit lakemetroparks.com for more information about all the summertime activities available.