January / February

Watch outdoor pets; be on the lookout for signs of frostbite. Cats often seek warmth under car engines. Don't share Valentine sweets with pets: Chocolates can be toxic in large quantities.

March / April

Heartworm season. Have your dog tested for this potentially fatal blood-borne disease.

May / June

Tick season. Watch for signs of Lyme disease, spread by other ticks besides the common deer tick. Symptoms include lethargy, fever, joint swelling, lameness and generalized muscle weakness.

July / August

Flea season. Have your pet checked for fleas. Be careful of leaving pets in cars, closed vehicles get hot quickly. Avoid dehydration. Do not leave for extended periods. Desensitize your pets to loud noises such as thunder, fireworks, etc.

September / October

Annual checkup for family pets. Birds also require annual exams. Instinctively birds do not "act sick" for survival reasons.

November / December

Avoid temptation to share holiday goodies with pets. Leftover turkey or other meat bones are dangerous. Cats, especially, can be victims of "Holiday Stress" with disruption of routine schedules. Take time out to play with your pet.