You love your pets, but could you be putting their health in jeopardy without knowing it? Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward is back to highlight some basic steps he suggests you take for your pet's health, including pointing out a hidden danger that could be putting your dog or cat's health at risk right in your home!

• Non-toxic flea and tick prevention. Dr. Ernie says you have to weigh the benefits of flea protection from your pet's flea collar against the chemicals that are on the flea collars to repel pests. For an alternative, he suggests combing your dog or cat regularly with a flea comb to rid them of the pests. A bath once or twice a week is also a preventative measure for your pet. "Soaps will kill these fleas," he explains, adding, "make sure you clean their bedding, because that's where those eggs are going to reside."

• Hidden danger for dogs. While diet gum and mints are fine for you and your calorie counting, if they contain the sugar substitute xylitol, Dr. Ernie says you must keep them out of your dog's reach because when ingested, "It is lethal to dogs, highly toxic."

• Pet sunburn prevention. Dogs and cats may love to sit in the sun, but all of those rays can also give them sunburns, Dr. Ernie says, or even cause skin cancer. Apply sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, especially on a dog's ears or belly where there is less fur. "A lot of the baby sunscreens are great for dogs," he says, however not all products are safe for cats. "Many times these sunscreens will have what we call salicylates ... if [the ingredient] sounds like 'salivate' don't use it on your cat, because it can be toxic." And, if your pet gets a sunburn, he suggests applying Aloe or Vitamin E to soothe the affected areas.