Here’s another good reason to get up early during the hot summer months: It’s the safest time to walk the family dog. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is when temperatures are at their hottest, and the surfaces your dog’s paws walk on are dangerously hot, too. Walking on surfaces like macadam and concrete during those peak-heat hours can cause burns and make your dog very uncomfortable. Try to move their regular walks to morning and early evening hours to protect their paws, or limit them to shaded or grass-covered areas instead during the day.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Dry climates can make life difficult for birds when the soil is parched and there is very little food to be foraged. You can help by putting high-fat seeds or a cup of dry dog food inside your birdfeeder. The rule of thumb, according to the Humane Society, is simple: Never give human food; but dog food is totally fine. It contains ingredients birds crave, and if it gets a little wet, it becomes mushy enough for them to eat. Of course, never leave too much food out in a feeder for too long. Replace, wash and keep clean.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Wooden plates and small serving boards are a popular way to serve food at home. They are durable and made from all-natural materials, which makes them a sustainable choice, but scratches and small cracks can harbor germs over time. To clean them, never put them in the dishwasher; lengthy exposure to water and heat can make the cracks worse, since it can expand the wood. Instead, hand wash them thoroughly in warm soapy water, then use a little hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to sanitize. Rinse, and you’re good to go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION