COEUR d’ALENE — A local dog rescue group doesn’t want to see any pooches at the Downtown Street Fair in Coeur d’Alene.

Power of the Paw volunteers are advising pet owners to avoid bringing pups onto the 120-degree asphalt on Sherman Avenue, but for those who don’t heed the warning, the pet rescue team has set up a cooling station to help keep dogs hydrated and their paws from burning.

The cooling station offers shade, drinking water and a pool for dogs. The station also has Musher’s Secret, a wax designed to protect paws from extreme temperatures.

Katie Schmidlkofer, Power of the Paw’s volunteer coordinator, said she and her colleagues plan to be there all weekend.

“We will be here every minute of the street fair,” Schmidlkofer said.

The station is located across the street from Crafted at the corner of Sixth and Sherman. Erin Sackmann, Power of the Paw’s social media director, said there are also raffle tickets available: one for $1 or six for $5.

To demonstrate the need for paw protection, Sackmann pulled out a heat gun Friday and measured the temperature of the asphalt in the shade and sunlight. Around 3 p.m., the pavement was 88 degrees in the shade and 124 degrees in the sun.

Dr. Tonia Gable, veterinarian and co-owner of Rathdrum Animal Clinic, said while dogs’ paws are tough, they’re still vulnerable to injury walking on hot surfaces.

“While they’re accustomed to walking on rough surfaces and somewhat heated surfaces, they definitely can be burned if the temperature exceeds what their paws can handle and a blacktop, even cement can get to be quite warm in the summer heat,” Gable said.

Gable explained there isn’t an exact temperature to look out for, but there are ways to tell if the pavement is too hot for dogs.

“A good rule of thumb is if you put your flat hand against the pavement and you can’t hold it there, then your dog should not be walking on it,” Gable said.

Paws can blister and pads can peel when burned and often require medical attention to keep an infection from setting in.

It’s better to keep paws on grass, dirt and shaded areas, but Dr. Aprill Sherman, veterinarian and co-owner of Rathdrum Animal Clinic, said she’s seen dirt too hot for dogs, even at 85 degrees. Booties are a viable option, but the best course of action is to keep your pooch at home.