When warm weather finally arrives, dogs are just as eager to get out and enjoy it as their owners are. But both canines and humans alike face a trade-off: with sunshine and climbing temperatures come pests like fleas and the dreaded mosquito. Those biting little buggers can do more than give you an itch to scratch – they can give your dog heartworm, a potentially fatal parasite.

Traveling with your pet is a great way to spend time together and enjoy some new experiences together, whether you want to hit the hiking trails or explore a pet-friendly city. But when your pooch is along for the ride, there are a number of new factors to consider.

As the days get longer and temperatures start their slow upward climb, dog owners’ minds turn to all the fun they’ll soon be having, together with their four-legged friends, outdoors. But along with that anticipation comes an annual concern: fleas. Protecting your pet from infestations of these disease-carrying parasites can be a tricky business if you use conventional methods. However, taking a natural approach to flea control will help you and your pet rest easy and stay healthy.

If there’s one thing dogs love, it’s being outdoors - and the same can be said of residents and visitors of Missoula, Mont. Nicknamed the “garden city” because it enjoys a milder year-round climate than the rest of the state, Missoula has something to do in every season. And with a population that boasts one dog for every two people, you can bet that plenty of the activities in the area are pup-friendly.