Giving your dog a regular bath and other grooming tasks can help exponentially in preventing the spread of fleas and ticks.

In the advent of soaring summer temperatures and the increased amount of time that your pooch will be spending outdoors, he is far more susceptible to flea and tick issues at this time of year. With the previous winter's mild temperatures and damp spring weather, this is expected to be one of the worst parasite seasons in years, so pet parents will have to take extra precautions to protect their furry friends. While using a bevy of Hartz products and other flea preventatives is a great step in the right direction, staying on top of your pooch's grooming is one of the most effective means of preventing a flea infestation and tick-borne illness. Here are a few ways to get started at home.

1. Get on a bathing schedule. Whether you're taking trips to the dog park or the beach, your pooch can get extremely filthy and can come in contact with some particularly stubborn insects. To help avoid these critters coming into your home and staying there, be sure to get on a regular bathing schedule or simply give him a bath after each summer excursion. This will help keep your companion clean and give you a chance to keep an eye on his skin for traces of bugs or the filth they leave behind.

2. Regular trimming. If your dog's fur is allowed to devolve into a mess of tangles or mats, this will increase the chances that he will pick up a parasite during his outdoor travels. Make an effort to give him a trim to lessen the chances that a flea or tick will catch a ride on your canine's fur.

3. Invest in new brushes. Brushing your dog's coat before he comes indoors after a long day outside is always a wise decision, and it can help remove any bugs that may have become caught on your dog's coat. DrFostersSmith.com suggests starting with a wire-pin brush to penetrate a bit deeper and then finish with a bristle brush to give your companion's coat a smooth finish.

The parasite problem is certainly a daunting one this year, but by practicing responsible pet care and staying on top of your dog's grooming, you can dramatically improve his health and well-being in the coming season.