How to Keep Your Pet Safe During The Humid Maine Summer

Hot Weather

Maine has seen unusually high temperatures for this time of year. Technically it's not even summer yet but temperatures have reached the upper 80s and into the 90s as of late and Mainers are feeling it.

It's not just the Maine humans though, pets are going through it too. And most of them have full fur coats!

So, how does one make sure their furry family members are safe and happy this summer?

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Just like us, pets need to keep up on water intake. Of course, they can't walk over the faucet or open the refrigerator for a bottle of Gatorade so as a pet owner make sure Fido has plenty of fresh, clean water.

This also means taking a bowl with you if Fido joins you for a car ride somewhere. Purina suggests that if you notice your dog panting excessively you must get the dog out of the sun and drinking immediately.

Be Smart About Walks

Asphalt gets incredibly hot in the sun so before heading out on a walk feel it with the back of your hand. Paws are very sensitive and if you wouldn't want to walk barefoot neither would they. ASPCA adds that since dogs are closer to the hot ground their body can heat up much faster.

Never Leave Your Dog in The Car

In short, don't. Period. The temperature inside of a vehicle is much hotter than outside on a hot humid day. Just think how hot it is when you get into your car after it's been sitting. It's not pleasant, is it?

Home Environment

While you're gone make sure your home is comfortable for your pets. WebMD recommends leaving an air conditioner on if possible, or at the very least a fan, and keep the drapes closed.

Purina recommends keeping your pet out of a dog house. Due to their small enclosed nature, they don't offer much airflow making it an even hotter space.

Food Safety

Did you know a lot of our favorite cookout foods are dangerous to dogs?

KEEP READING: Here are 6 foods from your cookout that could harm your dog

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.