Warm weather tips for your pets

Ahhhhh, spring is here finally and we can spend a lot of comfortable time outdoors. For many of you, that means taking your pets with you, so make sure to take the same precautions you would for your children. Parasites.

Fleas and ticks and other critters flourish in warmer temperatures, and you really need to pay attention to make sure your pets don't have them. Fleas and ticks easily can take over your home and be a nightmare for your pets. Check with your veterinarian about which topical treatment is safe to use and don't use one that intended for a dog on cats; because the dosage is stronger, it can kill them.

Chemical Lawn fertilizers These are toxic, so make sure you store them where your dogs, cats and children can't get to them. Check the label to see how long you should safely wait before allowing your dog back on the grass after you've fertilized.

Cleaning products If you find yourself in a spring cleaning tizzy, make sure you pay attention to all product labels, especially if they warn "keep pets and children away from area until dry." No matter the season, keep them stored away from pets and children.

Jet-setters Try for flights early in the morning or at night, when temperatures are the lowest. Pets that are too large to fit in a carrier under your seat must fly as checked luggage in the plane's cargo section, which has no temperature guarantees. Usually, it's better to leave your pets with a sitter at home or safely housed in a quality kennel.

Checkups An annual checkup for a cat or a dog is about the same as going to the doctor once in seven years, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Exams and screenings are great at catching problems in the minor stage; wait too long and it could be fatal for you and your pocketbook.