Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hey Paula,
So, there's "Lyme positive" (a blood test, or titer test), and there's Lyme Disease (multiple inflamed sore joints, etc.). In other words, a bunch of signs that this animal is no longer well.
The first one does NOT demand treatment (no symptoms, but a high titer). You're actually seeing a healthy response to exposure, even though all too often, Dr. WhiteCoat reads that as "Antibiotics, STAT!" Which, if followed for the usual month, pretty much destroys a major part of immune system that resides in the gut bacteria.
As to prevention, it's less about repelling ticks than it is building natural resistance, which is what I'm most focused on. A recent graduate of my course called Natural Rearing Roadmap laughs as she reports seeing the occasional flea, but seeing it jump OFF her very healthy, vital Ridgeback.
All parasites are looking for a weakened "host" -- somewhere to live, often at the expense of your dog. Building that health and natural resistance is what you'll find reference to all over this site.
While you're building that (it takes some time), you may want to try the Wondercide Flea and Tick. Yes, if you're in a tick-infested part oft he world, it's got to be applied before each outing. That's expected but temporary.