Make an early summer veterinary appointment to go over your flea and tick options.

If you haven't already done so, making your spring and summer veterinary appointment is a vital step in ensuring your dog's good health and protecting him from a full range of seasonal parasite problems. Over the course of the past several months, the warm winter temperatures and damp spring weather have made this the optimal condition for insects like fleas and ticks, which can certainly put your companion at risk. According to Fox23.com, veterinarians in Green Country, New York, have already begun to see advanced cases of flea infestations at their clinics.

"[The warm winter temperatures] didn't kill off the larva in the adults so we're getting a lot of them," veterinarian Dr. Rodney Robards, told the news source. "One thing we use is the flea comb which is a fine toothed comb and we'll just run it through and look for black powder (flea droppings), and after that people should move toward preventative treatments given every 30 days."

Thankfully, there are many Hartz products on the market that are more than capable of preventing parasite problems all season long. All dog owners should start off with topical drops like Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs and Puppies. These drops will kill and repel fleas and ticks on contact for up to 30 days, and prevent flea eggs and flea larvae from developing. The drops are placed at skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail. This simple process will safeguard your pooch throughout the season and give you peace of mind when enjoying the great outdoors.

Flea shampoo is another important product to have in your household, especially during a trying flea season like this one. Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo is always a good thing to have around, as it can kill fleas, ticks and their eggs and keep them from coming back for up to a month. Its soothing formula is also formulated with coconut extract, so you won't have to worry about any harsh ingredients harming your canine's skin. With a bit of extra preparation, pet parents should be more than able to protect their furry friends and reap the benefits of the summer weather.