Q: My pets spend a lot of time in the backyard where we have lots of mosquitoes and other flying insects this time of year. I see plenty of insect bites, especially on my dog's ears and belly. Besides giving them monthly heartworm, flea and tick medication, is there something I can do to minimize their insect exposure and still let them be outdoors?

A: As you mention, heartworm, flea and tick preventatives are the first line of defense against basic bugs. Unfortunately, they don't fully protect against a summer bounty of flying insects that poses hazards beyond West Niles virus and heartworms.

Some pets are especially sensitive to insect bites, experiencing not only uncomfortable local reactions but systemic reactions that lead to hives, facial swelling and generalized itching.

So what's a pet owner to do? Here are a few tips:• Keep pets inside at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active.

• Minimize standing water by turning over pots and other insect-breeding receptacles. • Consider using bug zappers and other area-specific tactics.

• Use fans to keep the air moving and trap flying bugs (check out SkeeterBag.com for box fan-based insect trapping). • Some flea and tick products, including Advantix, do double-duty against mosquitoes. Its stronger medicine also means it's not for cats, however.• There are a few safe, pet-only flying insect repellents on the market including gels (PetGuard) and one interesting, wearable product (the Ex-Officio bandana). Neither is safe for cats, though. • Clothing works for you, so why not for them? T-shirts are helpful for insects that won't be repelled by any other means.

• Natural sprays and oils may help humans (lemon-eucalyptus oil works great for me), but they should never be applied directly to pets. Apply them to leashes and bandanas instead.

• Avon Skin-So-Soft has a following among some pet people. Diluted well, it seems safe for dogs.• Finally, never use DEET-based repellents for pets. Its liver toxicity has been well documented.

Dr. Patty Khuly practices in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

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