OMAHA, Neb. -- Warmer weather may put your pets at risk of ticks and fleas. But pesticides designed to kill fleas and ticks, when used improperly, could wind up killing your furry friend instead, Omaha television station KETV reported.

May is peak tick season and by July, fleas will be out in full force. To use pesticides successfully on your pet, follow the directions exactly, the station said. The products are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, which approves the directions on the box.

Flea and tick products can be dangerous, especially to cats, if used incorrectly. Caryn Stichler, with Sargeant's Pet Care, said the first rule is to give cats only products made for felines and dogs products made only for canines.

"Some people, I think, are under the misconception they are the same product, and often they aren't," Stichler said.

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Video: Apply Flea Repellant Carefully

A common ingredient in dog treatments is permethrin. That can kill a cat.

Check the weight recommendations on the package before using.

"If you put a product that's for a 60-pound dog and this dog weighs 30, he'll get twice as much active (ingredient) as what's recommended," Stichler said.

Apply squeeze-on products correctly. For cats, start at the head and run it to the shoulder blade. Don't put pesticide where the cat can lick it. For dogs, start and the base of the neck and finish at the tail.

Never double doses. Don't use a pest-controlling shampoo and a spray-on product a couple weeks later.

"A squeeze-on has a higher percentage of pesticide than a shampoo, so that's why you only need to use it once a month," Stichler said.

If you have multiple pets, separate them for the first 24 hours following treatment.