Tick control for 3 small dogs, already on Advantix.. Any NATURAL suggestions to help kill the ticks?

Question

I have 3 small dogs, one Maltese and one Shih-tzu mix, and a mutty mutt who has very little fur and almost never gets ticks. The 2 long haired dogs are getting them right an left.
This is the second summer that I have been battling the tick issue. My back yard was a mess but alot af the weeds/ over growth of vegetation has been removed. Ideas? I have read DE is good. Anything else?

Answer 1

if your dogs are getting that many ticks it is better to take to the vets & get them removed.
or
http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/information/tick_removal.htm
http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~acarolog/remove.htm
http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BCH/infectiousdise/tickborne/tick1.htm

Answer 2

I have to be honest--there's nothing wrong with putting Frontline, Advantix, or any other "chemical" on your dog (they're not chemicals, by the way--they're drugs that get absorbed through the skin rather than from the stomach; the Comfortis recommended by the above poster is also a drug, it just happens to be taken orally, and it also offers no protection against ticks). Topical products are very safe and very effective. The only flea collar that really works at all is the one that contains Amitraz, another drug. I don't put much stock in any of the "natural" products--there's not much by way of scientific studies showing that they work. They might do a little good in repelling bugs but I don't think they do a very good job of killing them, so they will still be around and reproduce and soon you'll have an infestation. Fleas are EXTREMELY difficult to get rid of in your house, so it's best to prevent them with reliable drugs like Frontline and Advantix. If you live in an area that has very few fleas and ticks, you might get away with just using natural stuff, but given the nuisance that they are and the diseases that they can carry, I wouldn't take the chance.

Answer 3

I use advantix and i live in fla (known for having horrible fleas and ticks) and have never had a problem . also wash them in dawn dish detergent once and rinse very well . then apply the advantix. this has worked for me for yrs and my vet even asked me for my secret seems like i am the only patient whos dogs dont have fleas and ticks. good luck .

Answer 4

de is good for ants etc. i prefer frontline plus,,, seems to work better,,, keep the yard mowed regularly