Natural tick protection for your dog in comparison
Table of contents
Natural tick protection
Ticks are not only annoying, but can also transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or TBE. Effective tick protection is therefore particularly important for our pets, especially dogs. There are various options for tick prophylaxis for dogs, including pharmaceutical preparations and natural repellents. In this blog, we take a closer look at natural tick repellents. There are essential oils, Collars and food supplements that are popular.
In this article, we compare the different natural tick repellents to help you choose the best product for your dog, looking at essential oils, coconut oil, EM ceramics, or berstein collars, apple cider vinegar and garlic , and discuss the pros and cons of the different methods.
Natural tick protection
Please discuss with your vet which tick protection you choose for your dog. Not all products are equally suitable for all dogs. Natural tick protection cannot repel ticks on your dog and cannot protect your dog abroad against other serious insects and parasites such as the sand fly. The sand fly, also known as the Phlebotomus mosquito, can cause a dangerous disease called leishmaniasis in dogs. The disease is caused by a single-celled parasite that is transmitted from the sand fly to the dog. Symptoms of leishmaniasis can include: skin changes, weight loss, apathy, muscle weakness and even kidney failure. Leishmaniasis can also be transmitted to humans and is therefore considered a zoonotic disease.
Essential oils as tick protection
Certain essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, black cumin or cedar are used as tick repellents due to their fragrant ingredients. Essential oils work in a natural way by disrupting ticks' sense of smell and thus keeping them away. Although the effect is not as strong as with chemical tick repellents, essential oils can be an effective alternative. However, it should be noted that not all essential oils are suitable for dogs, as some can be toxic. Many dogs experience irritation and rashes. Regular use is also necessary, as the effect does not last as long as with chemical tick repellents. The scientific data on the effectiveness of essential oils is dwindling. In addition, there are no proper dosage and application recommendations.
Advantages:
- Essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, black cumin or cedar can repel ticks
- Available as snacks, sprays or spot-ons
- Natural alternative to chemical tick repellents
- Usually have fewer side effects and put less strain on the dog's organism
Disadvantages:
- Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs or cats and are broken down by the liver
- Skin irritation or allergic reactions may occur
- Pregnant or young dogs should not be given essential oils
- Frequent application required as oils do not last as long as chemical tick repellents
- No sufficient clinical studies available for dogs
- No protection abroad
Coconut oil as tick protection
Coconut oil is used as a tick repellent due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties and the lauric acid it contains. Lauric acid is thought to help strengthen the skin's protective barrier against ticks. The soothing and moisturising effect on the skin can also help reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, there is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of coconut oil as a tick repellent. Allergic reactions can also occur in some dogs.
Advantages:
- Natural alternative to chemical tick repellents
- Initial studies show good protection from lauric acid after approx. 10 minutes
- Antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties
- Soothing and moisturising effect on the skin
- Inexpensive and easy to obtain
Disadvantages:
- Limited scientific evidence of effectiveness against ticks
- Possible allergic reactions in sensitive dogs
- Difficult to use at room temperature
- Regular application required (studies in cattle showed approx. 48-72h effect)
- The dog's coat is greasy
- No protection abroad
EM ceramic half bands & amber chains against ticks
EM ceramic Collars and amber necklaces are used as natural tick repellents. EM stands for "Effective Microorganisms" and refers to a mixture of microorganisms that are said to have a positive effect on the ecosystem and the health of humans and animals. EM ceramic collars are said to repel ticks by harmonising the dog's energy field and thereby reducing the incidence of parasites. Amber necklaces are traditionally used as natural tick repellents as they are said to reduce the dog's static electricity and can therefore keep ticks away. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods is controversial and there are insufficient scientific studies to prove their effectiveness. It is also worth bearing in mind that Collars or necklaces can pose a risk of suffocation or injury and cannot guarantee complete protection against ticks.
Advantages:
- Natural and chemical-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Can be aesthetically pleasing
- Durable
Disadvantages:
- Controversial efficacy (no studies found)
- Many fake amber products on the market
- Effectiveness of EM ceramics questionable as they are heated to high temperatures
- Risk of suffocation or injury due to the thin Collars
- No complete protection against ticks
- No exact duration of action known
- No protection abroad
Apple cider vinegar as tick protection
Apple cider vinegar is used as a natural tick repellent due to its acidic properties. The sour taste and smell of apple cider vinegar is thought to help keep ticks away. It is also thought that the acid in apple cider vinegar helps to keep the dog's skin clean and healthy, which can reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, there is no clear scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar as a tick repellent. It should also be noted that apple cider vinegar has a strong odour and can cause skin irritation in some dogs.
Advantages:
- Natural and chemical-free
- Versatile in use
- Additional health benefits (skin and coat health)
- Can be used internally and externally
Disadvantages:
- Controversial effectiveness (no clear effectiveness as a repellent proven)
- Strong odour
- Potential skin irritation
Garlic as tick protection
Garlic is used as a natural tick repellent due to its sulphur-containing compounds. It is believed that the smell of garlic reduces the incidence of ticks as they do not like the smell. However, there is no clear scientific evidence of the effectiveness of garlic as a tick repellent. It is important to note that garlic can be toxic to dogs and can cause anaemia, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting if ingested in excessive quantities. In fact, garlic can even be life-threatening to dogs in large quantities. Some breeds of dog, such as Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, are particularly susceptible to garlic poisoning due to their genetic predisposition. It is therefore strongly recommended that garlic is not used as a tick repellent for dogs and that other natural or chemical tick repellents are used instead, which are safer and more effective.
As there is no scientific evidence that garlic is effective as a tick repellent, there are no benefits to mention. The disadvantages of garlic as a tick repellent are:
- Controversial, no scientific confirmation.
- Toxic to dogs, can cause anaemia, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting
- Particularly at risk e.g. Akita Inu, Shiba Inu.
- Toxic dose: Dogs 15-30g/kg body weight.
- Symptoms: 12 hours to 5 days after ingestion.
Disadvantages of chemical tick repellents: What you should know
Although natural tick repellents offer a natural alternative to chemical preparations, they also have some disadvantages that should be taken into account:
Limited effectiveness: The effectiveness of natural tick repellents is generally limited and often does not last as long as chemical products.
Frequent use: Natural preparations often require more frequent use as they do not work as long as chemical preparations.
No complete protection: Natural preparations do not offer complete protection against tick bites, which can increase the risk of tick-borne diseases.
Possible side effects: Some natural preparations such as essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. There is also a risk of overdose, especially when using essential oils.
Toxicity: Some natural preparations such as garlic can be toxic to dogs and can lead to anaemia, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting if ingested in excess.
Fake products: There are many fake products on the market, especially amber products, and it is important to ensure that you are buying a high quality product and not falling for counterfeit products.
No protection abroad: Natural tick repellents offer no protection against tick species that occur in other countries and can transmit other diseases.
It is important that dog owners consider these disadvantages and realise that natural products are not always the best option. It is advisable to speak to your vet and make an individual decision about which type of tick repellent is best for your dog.
Conclusion
To summarise, there are a variety of natural alternatives to chemical tick repellents. Essential oils such as lemongrass, lavender, black cumin or cedar can repel ticks and are available as snacks, sprays or spot-ons. Coconut oil and black cumin oil also have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties and can provide some protection against ticks when used regularly. EM ceramic Collars and amber necklaces are also a natural option, although their effectiveness is controversial.
However, there are also some disadvantages of natural tick repellents that should be considered, including limited effectiveness, more frequent use, not complete protection, possible side effects, toxicity in some preparations, the risk of counterfeit products and no protection abroad.
It is important to be aware that natural preparations are not always the best option and that an individual decision should be made as to which type of tick repellent is best for your dog. It is advisable to speak to your vet and find out in detail about the different options to ensure your dog's health.
Are natural tick repellents just as effective as chemical tick repellents?
The effectiveness of natural tick repellents can vary and depends on several factors, such as the type of repellent, the frequency of application and the environment the dog is in. Some studies suggest that certain essential oils and coconut oil may have some effectiveness against ticks, but further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Are natural tick repellents safe for my dog?
Although natural tick repellents are considered safer and less stressful for the dog's organism, you should be aware that some repellents can also have potential side effects. Natural repellents are not nearly as well researched as pharmaceutical tick repellents because they are subject to stricter controls. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and some repellents can be toxic to dogs or cats. It is important to do thorough research before using natural tick repellents and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.
How often do I need to apply natural tick repellents to my dog?
The frequency of application varies depending on the type of preparation and the individual needs of the dog, but natural tick repellents generally need to be applied more frequently than chemical tick repellents as they do not work for as long.
Can I use several natural tick repellents at the same time?
It is recommended to use only one tick repellent preparation at a time to avoid possible side effects. It is also important to read the instructions for use for each preparation carefully, as some preparations are not recommended for simultaneous use.
What is the best natural tick protection for my dog?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for all dogs, as each dog has different needs and sensitivities. It is important to inform yourself thoroughly before using natural tick repellents, consult a vet and decide individually which product is best for your dog.
