Even on not-so-hot summer days, the temperature in your car can rise very quickly. When traveling with your pets, never leave them in your car, even for a few minutes with the windows open. The Humane Society of the United States says even on "an 85-degree Fahrenheit day, the temperature can rise to 102 degrees Fahrenheit with the windows opened slightly within 10 minutes." Also, pavement can be too hot for your dog's paws, so place your hand on the road to test it before a walk.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We drag our suitcases, carry-on bags and backpacks all over the country (or world) when we travel, and when we get home, we wash all of our clothes -- but we don't think twice about the bag all of that clothing was carried in. One of the easiest ways to give bedbugs a free ride into your home is through your luggage. Try this simple trick to see if your bags have bedbugs: Blow hot air from a hair dryer all over them. Use slow and steady motions over the edges and corners of the bag. Bedbugs hate heat, and they will reveal themselves. If you see them, take steps to fully disinfect your bag outside of the home before bringing it back indoors.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Despite the ecological lessons we've learned about the drawbacks of plastic bottles, packaged water is still growing in popularity all over the world. But not only is it a very small percentage of plastic bottles that actually get recycled, it's not necessarily better for you to drink it. If you're on the fence about making the switch to filtered tap water, maybe this other green fact will make your decision easier: You could save about $1,400 a year by ditching bottled water if you drink eight bottles of water a day -- which is what would be required to meet the Food and Nutrition Board's recommendation. Going to the tap means you'll spend less than $1 per year.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION