Use these helpful yard tips to keep your pooch safe outdoors all summer long.

As the temperatures rise all over the country, dog owners and their companions will be enjoying the great outdoors with a variety of gardening and home improvement projects. With your pooch spending a majority of his time outside, there is a heightened risk for seasonal parasites like fleas and ticks. In the wake of a warm winter and damp spring, insect populations are expected to reach record levels this year, which is why many veterinarians and pet wellness experts are advising owners to ramp up their yard care.

Ticks flourish in long grasses and other unmowed parts of your yard, so pet parents should be vigilant about their lawn care throughout the season, reports the Tahlequah Daily Press.

"The best way to affect flea and tick populations in a yard is to keep the grass, trees, and shrubs trimmed," Oklahoma State University Extension Office Agriculture Educator Roger Williams told the news outlet. "For the tick situation, you've got to keep your yard mowed."

In addition to keeping a close eye on the condition of your landscape, treating various areas of your yard where your dog most frequents is a good step to prevent a parasite problem. Hartz UltraGuard Yard and Kennel Spray is an excellent option during any point of the summer to kill fleas and ticks around your outdoor space. This solution attaches directly to your hose and will treat an area up to 8,000 square feet. Ideally, it's best to do this before a rainstorm so the active ingredients can do their job effectively, and your dog can get back to enjoying his favorite spot as quickly as possible.

Just as important as proper lawn care, the right flea and tick preventative can go a long way toward protecting your pooch this summer. Topical drops like Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and tick Treatment for Dogs and Puppies will protect your canine from myriad seasonal risks. This treatment will kill fleas, flea eggs and larvae, ticks and repel mosquitoes for up to 30 days. The drops are placed at the skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and along the length of his back to the tail. This quick and easy monthly treatment coupled with other outdoor preparations will ensure that your dog is safe and sound when spending time in the yard this summer.