A dog owner has been cited for animal cruelty after her pit bull died Wednesday afternoon while hiking on a Scottsdale mountain.

Officer Kevin Watts said officers responded to the Lost Dog Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve just before 1 p.m. after reports of a deceased dog.

The 4-year-old pit bull had been taken on a hike by its owner and two other hikers.

According to Watts, at some point during the hike, the 50-pound dog began experiencing heat-related complications and died on the trail despite life-saving efforts by the owner.

Resuscitation efforts by fire personnel, as well as the use of a Fido bag, were also unsuccessful.

The Scottsdale Fire Department rescued the three hikers from the trail as they were also suffering from heat-related issues. The group refused medical treatment from staff and were released to Scottsdale police.

The 27-year-old owner of the dog was issued a citation for animal cruelty, Watts said.

Firefighters warned it's important to know your dog's limitations. Immediately cool your dog with water and cooling packs if you start to see any signs of heat exhaustion.