The sun and the heat have finally arrived! And mild weather means more frequent trips outside with your pet, but it's also the favorite period for fleas and ticks.

These unwanted critters that feed on the blood of our animals are present throughout the year, but more from spring to fall. They can cause itching and also transmit serious illnesses to your companions. Prevention is therefore essential. This task may seem painful, but with the right products, it will be done like a charm.

Vet's Best Flea and Tick Spray kills fleas, flea eggs, ticks and mosquitoes on contact. The Flea + Tick Spray uses a unique blend of natural essential oils, including peppermint and eugenol (clove) oil to soothe dog's skin. These ingredients provide ease and comfort once the product is applied in addition to leaving a fresh scent. It is safe for the whole family, dogs and puppies aged 12 weeks or older. It is essential to treat all 4-legged members of your family.

Vet's Best Flea Shampoo is a quick and easy way to kill fleas on your dog while bathing. The formula also cleans and deodorizes your dog's coat! A unique blend of peppermint oil and eugenol (from cloves) is used to kill fleas hiding in your dog's coat.

Did you know that the Vet's Best brand is recommended by veterinarians and is only made up of safe and natural products? We want the best for your pets!

A complement to this essential product for your dog's health is the Hot Spot Spray against itching. The Hot Spot Spray is obviously made from natural ingredients. It's the painless answer to skin misery. This alcohol-free spray quickly calms and relieves sore spots, soothing itchy, raw and irritated skin, without affecting flea and tick products. Your companion will thank you for having this product on hand when needed!

We also have a new Quebec product, the B-Beat mosquito repellent, for your outdoor activities. The latter is made with natural ingredients.

It is good to know that fleas are insects and are generally not very visible on your pets. Ticks are part of the mite family and are more easily spotted.

Check your dog every time he returns from outside, especially if you have gone for a walk in the woods or tall grass with him.

We're talking about the exterior, but don't neglect the interior! Take special care in maintaining your dog's favorite places in the house and regularly wash his cushion(s) and blanket(s).

Keep in mind that just because your dog doesn't scratch doesn't mean he doesn't have fleas or ticks. Obviously, unusual scratching can still be a good indicator that it is affected.

If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

For more information on fleas, see this article from Health Canada, click here .

For more information on ticks, see this article from Health Canada, click here .

As they say, prevention is better than cure!