With the warmer months of summer approaching, many pet owners are eager to spend more time outdoors with their furry friends. And while there's plenty of fun to be had outside, there are also some potential dangers that pet owners must recognize to keep their canine companions, feline friends, and other pets safe.

Never Leave Your Pet in a Car Unattended

Even on a mild summer day without sweltering temperatures, leaving your pet in a vehicle can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. According to the National Weather Service, "The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in an hour - even when outside air temperatures are in the 70s!"

Keep in mind, too, that many states have laws against leaving unattended animals in cars. If you can't bring your pet with you, it's better to leave them at home.

Protect Your Pet's Paws on Sunny Walks

When you go for a walk, you wear shoes to protect your feet. However, the pads on the bottom of a dog's paws aren't enough to protect them from a scorching hot sidewalk. According to the American Kennel Club, if the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, there's a risk that the pavement could be too hot for a pet to walk on. The best way to find out? Place your own hand on the pavement for about 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's also too hot for your pet's paws.

Be Mindful at Summer Barbecues

Summer is a common time for pets to consume foods that they aren't supposed to eat. This is especially common during summertime barbecues. A well-meaning guest may allow a pet to sample food off their plate, or the animal might steal scraps out of an open trash can.

When hosting or attending gatherings with your pet, be sure to keep food and beverages well out of their reach. Some examples of popular summer foods that can be toxic to dogs and other pets include:

• Raisins and Grapes
• Chocolate
• Onions and Garlic
• Alcohol
• Sugar substitutes (such as xylitol)

If you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, it's better to be safe than sorry. Give ASPCA's Animal Poison Control hotline a call at 888-426-4435 to request expert guidance.

Summer can be an exciting time for both you and your pet but excessive heat, sun exposure, and even your favorite summer foods could pose a serious danger to your pet's health and safety. With these tips in mind, you can boost the odds of enjoying a safe, healthy summer.