Yes we do have lots of ticks.
Only one this year (so far) - it was early spring, before I started to feed the Bug Off Garlic Tabs (from Springtime, Inc.) - It was a big one crawling into Roxy's ear - GROSS!!!!
I use Frontline Plus too (every month).
P.S. I had a tick on me in July - maybe I should start eating the tabs too

(GROSS)
I will let you know Synovi granules. TJ has a low grade too and I would LOVE so much to have him NOT go through the surgery. That would just be so awesome.