I agree that it is so important for dogs to get fresh air! One of the main reasons I love for Levi to be outdoor potty-trained -- I am certain that he gets outside several times a day, every day. Even if he were pad-trained, I'd still get him outside for a good walk or playtime every day. He loves walking around the neighborhood, going to parks, dog parks, etc. Yes he gets dirty, but he is a dog. And the best thing is that he is so small he can take a quick little bath in my sink and be sparkling clean in just a few minutes.
We use Sentinel and Frontline, and they work well in our area for heartworm/flea/tick control. Ask your vet for a recommendation on what works well in your area for fleas and ticks.