The dog days of summer are just around the corner, and pet owners should be on guard for their furry friends' safety.

Now is the time to think about parasite control, heat stroke and travel arrangements for cats and dogs, said veterinarian Steve Thompson, director of the Pet Wellness Clinic at Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Every summer, veterinarians see animals that have collapsed from heat stroke or that have developed paralysis from an infected tick bite," said Thompson (pictured, left). "Pet owners need to be aware that a few precautionary measures can make summer bearable for cats and dogs."

As pets spend more time outside during the warm weather, they are likely to encounter a disease-transmitting insect such as a tick, mosquito or flea. Thompson said pet owners should take a few minutes daily to run their hands, or a specialized comb, through their pet's fur to look for ticks. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

"Ticks are more of a problem with dogs than cats because felines groom the ticks off," Thompson said.

Another problematic insect is the mosquito, which can carry the West Nile virus.

Last fall, veterinarians in Illinois reported the country's first case of encephalitis stemming from West Nile virus in a dog. Experts believe the dog in question contracted the virus from a mosquito.

University of Illinois veterinary diagnostic lab director John Andrews said he suspects most dogs are safe from the disease, but elderly dogs may be at risk.

Signs of possible infection include unusual head bobbing, lethargy and progressive weakening.

Officials say pet owners should avoid walking at-risk dogs in areas with a lot of mosquitoes and should keep them indoors in the evening.

Pet owners should not use insect spray on dogs because the animals can lick it off and ingest it.

Horses are known to be more susceptible, as well as hundreds of varieties of birds.

Thompson said mosquitoes can also pass heartworm to dogs, cats and ferrets. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to dogs and cats, as well as bartonella -- cat scratch fever -- to cats.

Ants can ruin more than just a picnic. Just as they bite people and cause welts and swelling, fire ants can cause problems for your pet, too.

"If you see a fire ant mound in your yard, get rid of it for your pet's sake," said Dr. John August, a veterinarian at Texas A&M University. "Animals don't like fire ants any more than we do."

There are pet products, such as insect repellents and flea collars, available to help prevent bug bites. Thompson said owners need to closely follow the directions of all medicinal products.

"When pet owners are selecting over-the-counter products to help prevent any of these insects, it is important to consider possible interactions," he said. "For example, if you apply a product to your dog that is not safe for cats, then you need to make sure the cat doesn't continue sleeping with the dog the day it is applied. If you have any questions about any repellent or insecticide, contact your veterinarian."

When it comes to keeping a pet healthy during the summer, experts said owners need to be aware of how heat affects their animals.

"Remember that dogs have padded feet, and the sidewalk can be too hot for them," August said. "It's a good idea to walk them on grass if possible, and preferably in the early morning or evening."

"Dog owners need to be conscious of each breed's cooling system," Thompson said. "Heat stroke is a bigger problem for dogs with shorter noses, such as boxers and bulldogs."

And don't shave your pets, thinking it will keep them cooler, experts say.

"Animals can get sunburns just like humans can," August said. "If you give your pets plenty of fresh water and shade, they should be OK, but we don't recommend shaving them unless they've had skin problems."

The Humane Society of the United States says pets may require sunscreen on their noses and ear tips. The society's site says pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

As your garden starts to grow, be sure you know which plants are harmful to your pet. According to the Animal Care League of Oak Park, Ill., many lovely garden plants -- including avocados, daffodils and marigolds -- can be toxic if your dog or cat eats them. Ask your vet for a list of plants to beware of.

Pets can also get sick from fertilizer and insecticides.

"If you use fertilizer, it's not a bad idea to keep your pet away from that area until it's been washed into the soil," August said. "Also, insecticides and pets don't get along together. They can make a pet ill or even cause death. Be careful applying yard chemicals and always make sure they are not near a water dish where the pet might drink them."

Thompson also reminded pet owners not to leave pets waiting in cars, and to make sure that if a pet is left outside during warm weather, it has access to shade and water. The league also encourages pet owners to check their pet's water bowl often.

And keep your cats inside safely by ensuring your house's window screens are secure. According to the ACL's Web site, many house cats are seriously injured every summer from falling from upper-level windows.

During the summer, some owners will travel with their pets, while others will board them during vacations. Thompson said pets need to have their vaccine records up to date before being boarded or traveling. He also recommended that pet owners have extra copies of the records in case of emergencies.

"Also, make sure kennel reservations are made in advance for the summer holidays," Thompson said.

The friendly skies are not always so friendly to animals.

"Airline travel is tougher on some animals than others," August said. "Dogs such as Pekingese and Pugs and cats such as Persians have shorter noses than most other breeds and they can have difficulty breathing on an airplane. They can also be more susceptible to heat stress."

August advises travelers to try to take a direct flight early in the morning instead of one that has several stops.

Additional Resources:

• Humane Society of the United States
• National Humane Education Society
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Purdue's Pet Wellness Clinic