Before you take your pet outside, read this immediately to keep it safe

As the weather turns warm, it is believed that spending time outdoors with your pets is the best way to enjoy a sunny day. Unfortunately, we aren't the only ones waking up with the changing seasons.

Ticks thrive in warmer months and love nothing more than latching onto an unsuspecting dog or cat. These tiny pests are more than just an annoying feeling for the pets, as they can pass on serious illnesses like Lyme disease, which can quickly make your pet very sick. However, protecting your dog or cat doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. By following a few straightforward, everyday habits, you can easily shield your pets from danger and keep your home tick-free all year long.Seek expert adviceThe absolute best line of defense against ticks is a reliable preventative treatment from your veterinarian. Modern vet medicine offers incredibly effective options, including monthly chewable treats, topical liquids you drop onto their skin, and special collars. These treatments work by killing ticks quickly after they jump onto your pet, stopping them before they have time to pass dangerous bacteria into the bloodstream.

Every pet is entirely different, so what works perfectly for your neighbor's dog might not be the best fit for your cat. Your vet can look at your lifestyle, where you live, and your pet’s health history to give you the exact right option. Staying consistent with these treatments all year round is the easiest way to keep that shield of protection up.

Always inspect post-walkEven if your pet is on a great preventative, you should still get into the habit of doing a quick check every single time they come back inside from a walk.

Ticks love to hide in tall grasses and bushes, waiting to hitch a ride on a passing animal. If you catch them early, you can brush them off before they ever manage to bite or make their way onto your couch. When checking your pet, pay close attention to their favorite hiding spots.

Look inside and behind the ears, under the collar, between their toes, around the tail, and underneath their armpits. Run your fingers firmly through their fur to feel for any small, unusual bumps on the skin.

If you do find an attached tick, use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight up with steady pressure so you don't leave the mouthparts behind.Clean up your backyard Ticks absolutely hate the hot sun and dry areas, which means they flock to shady, overgrown patches of grass, piles of old leaves, and dense brush lines. By making a few simple adjustments to your yard, you can make your property a place where ticks simply cannot survive. Keep your lawn mowed short and clear away any piles of grass clippings or dead leaves where moisture gets trapped. If your yard borders a wooded area or a wild field, consider putting down a three-foot-wide barrier of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and the trees.