Tick protection for dogs 🐶🕷️ – natural, chemical or combined?

Der Gemeine Holzbock – gefährlicher Blutsauger auf der Lauer

As soon as temperatures rise above 7°C , they're back – the little bloodsuckers known as ticks . They lurk in tall grass, bushes, or even in your own garden, just waiting for a potential host – like your dog – to come by. Once they've struck, they bite and suck blood. In doing so, they can transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme disease or TBE – even to dogs.

Tick protection is important all year round

Ticks aren't just active in the summer—they're also active in spring and fall . With the right tick repellent and a vigilant eye, your dog will stay healthy and happy!

🕷️ Facts about ticks – what dog owners should know

1. Ticks are arachnids, not insects

They have eight legs and belong to the class of arachnids – more specifically, to the mites .

2. Ticks are active from 7 °C – not only in summer

They become active even on mild spring days or warm autumn weeks . Ticks feel most comfortable at around 20°C and high humidity .

3. Ticks live in meadows, forests – and gardens

They sit on grass or low plants (up to about 1.5 m high) and can be brushed off as you walk by. Ticks are so-called ambush predators .

4. Not all tick species have eyes

The majority, including the common tick (Ixodes ricinus) – the most widespread species in Switzerland – are eyeless . They orient themselves using whiskers and the so-called Haller's organ . The Hyalomma tick, on the other hand, has eyes and can even actively pursue its host – up to 100 meters away .

5. Ticks sting – they don’t bite

Using specialized mouthparts, they pierce the skin and anchor themselves firmly to suck blood—their only source of food. A fully engorged tick can weigh up to 200 times more than when hungry. It remains attached to the host for up to 12 days .

6. Ticks are survivors

In the wild, they survive for up to 3–5 years , and under laboratory conditions even up to 10 years . They can cope with months of food shortages and survive temperatures as low as -10°C . They can survive in water for up to 36 hours .

7. Ticks transmit dangerous diseases:

• Lyme disease : bacterial infection, associated with joint problems, fever and fatigue in dogs

• Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis : Lead to fatigue, loss of appetite and fever

• TBE : viral disease, less dangerous for dogs, but relevant for humans (vaccination available)

  
  

8. The transmission of pathogens takes several hours

That's why it's so important to remove ticks quickly - ideally within 12 to 24 hours .

🔁 The development cycle of the tick – from egg to bloodsucker

Ticks go through four developmental stages in their lives – and need a blood meal at each stage to develop further:

Der Lebenszyklus der Zecke

🥚 Egg / Larva

Tiny larvae with only six legs hatch from the eggs. They usually attack small rodents like mice—their primary food source.

🐾 Nymph

After the first blood meal, the larva molts into an eight-legged nymph , which then seeks out medium-sized hosts —such as hedgehogs or foxes.

🐕 Adult tick

After another molt, the nymph becomes an adult tick and thus ready to mate. During this stage, it infests large hosts such as dogs, deer, or even humans.

♀️ Full-fed female tick

Once a female has fed on a host after mating, she drops to the ground, looks for a protected place and lays several thousand eggs there – the cycle begins again.

So erkennst du eine vollgesogene Zecke

🧠 The Haller's organ – the tick's secret sensory organ

Haller's organ is a highly specialized sensory organ located on the forelegs of ticks – usually on the first pair . It plays a central role in the perception of environmental signals and acts as a "remote sensor" for the tick when hunting for prey.

🔍 What can the Haller organ perceive?

Ticks use this organ to reliably detect potential hosts. It reacts to:

• Odorants – e.g., body odors such as sweat or breath

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – a typical exhaled product

• Ammonia, sulfur and butyric acid – typical components of body odor

• Temperature differences

• humidity

  
  

Thanks to this versatility, ticks can detect their victims from several meters away – even without eyes . Species such as the common tick (Ixodes ricinus), which lacks eyes , are particularly dependent on this organ.

🕷️ The common tick – the most common tick species in Switzerland

In Switzerland, one tick species in particular is particularly widespread: the common tick (Ixodes ricinus) . It is considered the most important native tick species and is active in many regions – from the Central Plateau to the Alpine foothills .

🌱 Lifestyle and activity phases of the wood tick

The common tick is a so-called ambush predator : It sits on blades of grass or in bushes and waits for passing hosts. As soon as temperatures rise above 7°C and the humidity is sufficiently high , it becomes active. This usually occurs from February until late autumn .

In mild winters, it can even remain active year-round – making tick protection necessary all year round.

⚠️ Why is the common tick so dangerous?

Its great importance lies not only in its widespread distribution, but above all in the fact that the tick can transmit dangerous pathogens – to both animals and humans.

The most important pathogens include:

• Lyme disease : A bacterial infection that can cause joint problems, fever, and neurological symptoms in dogs and humans.

• TBE (tick-borne encephalitis): A viral disease that primarily affects humans – there is a vaccination for it.

• Anaplasmosis : Less common, but can also cause serious symptoms in dogs.

These diseases affect not only dogs , but also cats and other pets – and make the tick a relevant issue for pet owners and nature lovers .

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🧲 Why some dogs are real tick magnets

Perhaps you've also wondered: Why does my dog constantly have ticks while others are hardly affected? The explanation often lies in body odor —and this, in turn, is influenced by various organic factors :

🧬 Possible causes of increased tick attraction:

• Hormonal fluctuations

  For example, during heat in bitches, the body odor can change and become more attractive to ticks.

• Liver diseases or metabolic disorders

  The liver influences metabolism and thus also the excretion of odorous substances through the skin and breath.

• Nutrition & Protein Sources

  The quality and type of food significantly influence your dog's body odor. Certain protein sources, additives, or an imbalanced nutrient balance can alter the scent signature —and thus also its attraction to ticks.

🐶🕷️ Where do ticks prefer to bite dogs – and how do you remove them properly?

Ticks choose specific areas on dogs' bodies where they can bite most easily. As a dog owner, you should be familiar with these areas – because knowing where ticks prefer to bite allows you to monitor your dog more precisely and act more quickly.

📍 Popular bite sites in dogs

In dogs, ticks prefer to bite the following areas of the body:

• On the head and neck – especially near the ears, on the jaw or under the collar

• On the stomach – there the skin is thin and particularly easily accessible

• On the legs – especially in the armpits and between the toes

👉 Ticks are less common on the back – the fur here is usually thicker and offers more protection.

🛠️ How to remove ticks correctly!

If you discover a tick on your dog, stay calm and remove it correctly . The correct technique is crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens.

✅ Step-by-step instructions for tick removal:

1. Pull the tick out carefully and straight – do not twist!

   Twisting can irritate the tick's salivary gland and thus increase the risk of pathogen transmission.

2. Place the tool as close to the skin as possible and pull the tick out slowly and carefully.

🧰 Useful tools for tick removal:

• 🛠️ Tick tweezers – ideally made of metal, for a precise grip

• 🧲 Tick comb – for checking and removing multiple ticks

• 🧼 Furminator or grooming tool – good for brushing and visual inspection

• 👕 Clothes roller – surprisingly effective for catching crawling ticks after a walk

👀 Aftercare: Observe the injection site

Even after removal, you should remain vigilant. Observe the puncture site for several days .

If the following signs occur, a visit to the veterinarian may be advisable:

• Redness that spreads (e.g. erythema migrans )

• Swelling or crusting

• General symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite or fatigue

These can be signs of an infection such as Lyme disease – early diagnosis is particularly important here.

🐾 Ectoparasiticides or repellent – which is better for tick control in dogs?

Which remedies really work? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at two approaches: ectoparasiticides , and natural repellents —complemented by tried-and-tested home remedies such as rockrose , brewer's yeast , coconut oil , and others.

🧪 What are ectoparasiticides?

Chemical tick repellents for dogs are called ectoparasiticides and are usually available as spot-ons or tablets – depending on whether they have an external or systemic effect.

💊 Systemic ectoparasiticides (e.g., tick tablets)

• The active ingredient reaches the entire body via the bloodstream

• Ticks absorb the medication when they suck blood and die afterwards

💧 Topical ectoparasitics (e.g. spot-on preparations)

• Applied directly to the skin

• Spreads through the skin and sebum layer

• Works through contact – without the parasite having to suck blood

• Depending on its composition, a topically applied ectoparasiticide (e.g. spot-on) can not only kill but also repellent.

✔️ Benefits of ectoparasiticides

• Long duration of action – often up to 12 weeks

• Reliable effect against ticks and fleas

  
  

❗ Disadvantages of ectoparasiticides:

• With systemic ectoparasiticides, for example, the tick must first bite in order to absorb the active ingredient – therefore, a certain residual risk of disease transmission remains.

• Depending on the ectoparasitic medication, side effects are possible

🌿 What is a repellent?

A repellent is a substance that deters ticks from biting – similar to insect spray for humans. The smell or taste is so unpleasant to ticks that they don't even bother to attack or bite the dog.

✔️ Benefits of repellents:

• Ticks are kept away – ideally, they don’t bite at all

• No strain on organs such as liver or kidneys

• Often also effective against mosquitoes and other parasites

• Flexible application , e.g. only before a walk

  
  

❗ Disadvantages of repellents:

• Must be applied daily, every few days or weekly depending on the product

• Contact with water (e.g. when bathing) can greatly reduce the effect

• The effectiveness varies – not every product works equally well

🌸 Natural support against ticks

🌿 Cistus – Plant power in tick protection

Rockrose (Cistus incanus) is rich in polyphenols , secondary plant substances with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. It is often used as a natural tick repellent.

💡 Benefits of Cistus:

• Antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial & antifungal

• Supports the detoxification of the body

• Influences the dog’s body odor – ticks may find it less attractive

  
  

🛑 Note for cat households: Cistus can be problematic for cats – caution is advised. Consult your veterinarian for sensitive dogs.

🍺 Brewer’s yeast – protection from within?

Brewer's yeast contains high amounts of vitamin B1 (thiamine) , a substance that can affect body odor. This can make dogs less attractive to ticks.

✨ What are the benefits of brewer's yeast?

• Rich in B vitamins

• Change in skin odor

• Conveniently available as powder or tablets

❗ Important: For sensitive dogs, only use after consulting a veterinarian or animal health practitioner.

🔍 Tip: Brewer's yeast is not a miracle in itself, but it can be a good component in the overall concept - especially in combination with other measures.

🥥 Coconut oil – lauric acid against ticks?

Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for tick protection. It contains a high concentration of lauric acid , whose odor repels ticks.

🌿 Application & effect:

• Externally: Massage a small amount into the coat daily in important areas

• Duration of action: approx. 6 hours

• Internally: Small amounts can be taken with food – additionally strengthens skin and coat

🛍️ Buying tip: Look for a lauric acid content > 50% to achieve a noticeable effect.

💡 Conclusion: Ideal as a daily care product with natural tick protection – especially in combination with repellents. Consult your veterinarian for sensitive dogs.

🌸 Geraniol – herbal weapon with deep action

Geraniol , extracted from geranium, has a double effect:

• Destroys the tick's chitin shell

• Blocks their airways

  
  

🐶 Application:

• Apply as a spot-on or care product

• Test on a small area first – may cause skin irritation

  
  

💡 Conclusion: Effective, herbal repellent – well tolerated by many dogs. Consult your veterinarian for sensitive dogs.

🌱 Neem oil & Margosa – herbal classics

Neem oil (from seeds) and margosa extract (from leaves, roots, bark, and fruits) come from the Indian neem tree. They contain over 30 bioactive substances , including azadirachtin , which disrupts the development and reproduction of parasites.

🐾 Application:

• External use only – as a spot-on, oil or shampoo

  
  

💡 Conclusion: Proven herbal substances with powerful effects – ideal in natural care products. Consult your veterinarian for sensitive dogs.

📝 Conclusion: Tick protection for dogs – individual, natural, well thought out

The best tick protection depends on the individual – what works for one dog may not work for the next. While chemical agents such as ectoparasiticides reliably kill ticks, they have potential side effects. Natural remedies offer a gentler alternative – although usually with a shorter duration of action.

💡 The most important tips at a glance:

• 🧪 Chemistry in moderation: Effective, but with side effects – it's worth weighing things up.

• 🌿 Use plant power: Cistus, brewer's yeast, coconut oil & Co. can help.

• 👀 Daily check: Pay particular attention to the head, ears, armpits and paws.

• 🐾 Individually adapt: Every dog reacts differently – observe & test.

• 💪 Strong from within: A healthy dog with a strong immune system is less likely to be infected.

  
  

✨ Tick protection is not a product – but a concept

Whether chemical or natural, tick protection is more than just a remedy. It's a holistic approach that combines care, nutrition, and mindfulness. This way, your four-legged friend stays healthy—and you can enjoy nature together without worry. 🌳🐕

Sources:

• Online seminar on ticks

• https://parasitenportal.de/

visited on May 18, 2025

• https://zecken-stich.ch/

visited on May 18, 2025