We don't use any chemicals due to our dog having Lyme and not wanting to put any more strain on his organs. Lyme tends to inhibit the body's ability to detox. It really isn't fair to even begin to expect a healthy liver to be able to handle toxins that burn humans hands upon touching it. The majority of animals that have Lyme were on a preventative. -- nothing stops these bugs.
Also, for anyone who removes ticks, ALWAYS keep the tick so if your dog comes down sick witin 2-4 weeks you will have the tick to make testing easier. And just become a dog is bitten, or a human, by a lyme carrier doesn't mean they'll show symptoms. A healthy dog with a good immune system should be able to keep the spirochetes under control. This is why you see many animals testing positive at routine check ups. It doesn't mean you need to treat, it means you're dogs immune system is working and to make sure you keep supporting it!
But we use a lot of things natural things for ticks/fleas and haven't had fleas in three years. We have brought fosters in several times with fleas and our dog and cat never catch them so my methods work for us rather well.
Like mentioned Diatamacious Earth for the yard, and if a current infestation we will apply it. We use lots of essential oils from tea tree oil to citronella and the oils combat ticks/fleas. We make all our own sprays just Googling and Keep the grass cut short helps. Brushing every night and taking the time to look through their fur is helpful. Adding Apple Cider vinegar to their water helps tremendously. We mix in fermented garlic juice for their immune system and they claim garlic helps too.
If you want to go the natural route, it just takes more time and trying out the things that work best for your dog and your area, but in the end, your animal will fair much better without those horrible poisons! Best of luck!
