My family and I are driving through the Blue Ridge and Smokeys next week and we'll be taking along our dog. Are there high numbers of ticks and fleas in these wooded hillsides? Any info or advice is welcome.

Fleas and ticks are most definitely part of the indigenous population. Advice? If you aren't already, treat your dog with one of flea/tick control products (Frontline, Advantage, Bio Spot).

Ticks are in issue for you all too so make sure everyone gets a once over if you walk or hike in the woods or grass.

I'd put the pup on Frontline if its old enough.

Ditto the onceover advice for humans. The ticks have been especially bad in my area this year - I think because it's rained so much.

I went in for something else and the dermatologist excised a spot on my lower back and sent it off for biopsy. Evidently, I left part of a tick in there - the lab results came back fine - but it made it nervous for a week or so. A young girl died of Rocky Mtn spotted fever in NW GA last month. Use insect repellent with DEET for humans - and do a body check when you come back in.

When hiking in the woods, wear long lightweight pants and hiking shoes, and pull up white socks over your cuffs - that way you'll notice any ticks that try to jump on you. I have a great pair of polyester or nylon pants with zippered mesh vents that run down the length of the legs - very comfortable for hiking in the woods on a hot day, and good for keeping away ticks.

Your Veterinarian is the best possible person to help you with the proper medicine for your dog. Depending on where you live year round, ALL dogs should have some sort of Heartworm protection, plus flea and tick protection.

I use Revolution on our 11 year old Lab for protection against Heartworm, fleas, ticks, and ear mites. Our 4 month old Lab is on Heartguard and Frontline (a little easier to use on a wiggling pup).

You should have made sure your dog has had ALL of the shots they need, especially rabies. Also, make sure that you have ALL the licenses and name tags on your dog, just in case you and it get separated. We are having a microchip put in our puppy when she gets spayed next month...just another protection.

Mamajo said it well. I would go through your vet for flea and tick products. Over the counter products are not well-tested and have been known to cause problems. Flea collars are worthless. I don't know the incidence of heartworm disease in the mountains. Here in the Tidewater there are locations where a dog will always contract heartworms if he is not on preventative.

I have used Frontline on my dog since he was a puppy and he has never had a tick or flea on him. Before Frontline came along my dogs were covered with ticks in the spring. It was really discusting. Talk to your vet.