No one needs a reminder that it's hot outside, but it's never a bad idea to get a refresher on keeping pets safe in the heat.

Here they are, thanks to the Meridian Humane Society:

1. Never leave a pet in a car in hot weather. On an 85 degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 102 degrees even when the windows have been left open an inch or two.

Within 30 minutes, a car’s interior can reach 120 degrees. When the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of ar car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter. Shade offers little protection on a hot day and moves with the sun. Pets most at risk for hyperthermia (overheating): young animals, elderly animals, overweight animals, those with short muzzles and those with thick or dark-colored coats.

2. Let pets ride inside. Besides the dangers from falls and flying foreign objects of allowing a dog to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck, this practice has additional risks in hot weather. The hot metal of the bed can burn their paws.

3. Keep pets cool. Make sure pets have a cool place to be in the heat of the day. If they are outside, make sure they have access to plenty of shade and plenty of water. If they are inside, make sure they have a cool place to stay. Some dogs enjoy lying in a children's wading pool filled with water.

4. Be alert for coolant leaks. The ASPCA reports that animals are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant that may leak from vehicles. Ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. They suggest trying animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

5. Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat. Don’t take your dog jogging or on long walks in the heat. Choose cool mornings or evenings, rest frequently, and bring plenty of water. Remember that hot asphalt can burn dogs’ paws. If possible, choose shady, grassy routes. Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, glazed eyes, vomiting, or lack of coordination. If your pet becomes overheated, the Humane Society of the United States recommends moving them into the shade, applying cool (not cold) water all over their body to gradually lower temperature, and letting them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, take them to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic as soon as possible.