Ticks and Tick Protection: Finding the Best for Your Dog
The tiny creatures emerge in spring and don't leave until freezing temperatures arrive. Ticks! They pose a threat to our dogs' well-being and carry diseases you want to protect your dog from. The options of remedies are vast, each with their pros and cons. Let us provide you with comprehensive information on the subject, so that you can make an informed and wise choice.
Tick-borne diseases: Risks for your dog
These little creatures carry diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), making them a threat to your furry friend. Common symptoms of anaplasmosis and Lyme disease include lethargy, fever, decreased appetite, stiffness, shifting lameness, and pain. TBE is more severe, causing high fever, disorientation, seizures, and in the worst cases, paralysis symptoms. Unfortunately, dogs cannot be vaccinated against this viral disease.
How to prevent tick bites on your dog
Ticks can be harmful to your dog's health, so it's important to prevent tick bites as much as possible. After walks in forests, fields, or meadows, thoroughly check your dog for ticks. Comb through their fur or use a lint roller if their coat allows. Don't forget to check behind the ears, in the groin, armpits, and around the neck.
How to remove ticks safely
If you find a tick crawling on your dog, remove it immediately. If it's already attached, carefully grasp it as close to your dog's skin as possible, either with your nails or a tick removal tool. If you see the tick's head, make sure to pull it out in a way that the head is bent backward, as this helps them release more easily. Avoid pressing, twisting, or smearing the tick with something to force it off, as it will only prompt the tick to inject its pathogens. Many dogs develop a small lump where the tick was, which usually swells over time. If it doesn't get better and you're concerned about your dog's well-being, contact a veterinarian.
Effective tick protection for your dog
If you live in an area with many ticks and tick-borne diseases, it's advisable to provide your dog with suitable tick protection. Here are a few options and their pros and cons:
Tick collars: how they work
There are over-the-counter tick collars (Seresto and Scalibor) containing a substance absorbed by the dog's skin, causing ticks to die when they attach. If your dog experiences side effects or often swims or takes baths, you can easily remove the collar. If you have children, they should avoid contact with the collar, as it contains toxic substances.
Spot-on solutions: Drops against ticks
You can buy pipettes, also known as spot-on solutions (Effipro, Frontec, Frontline, Ex-Spot, Bravecto), containing substances you apply directly to the dog's neck. The active ingredient spreads through the dog's body via the skin and effectively repels ticks; otherwise, attached ticks die. However, the effectiveness of the treatment diminishes if the dog swims a lot or is shampooed.
Precautions for spot-on treatment
If you live with children, they should not cuddle with a dog carrying spot-on solution, nor should the dog lick the substance. Also, refrain from booking vaccinations or similar in the days following treatment. One disadvantage is that you cannot remove the product completely if side effects occur, you can shampoo the dog a couple of times but you will not be able to access what has been absorbed.
Tick tablets: Long-term protection
Oral tablets (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica) provide good protection for 1-3 months. You don't need to worry about the effect being washed away. But... just like with spot-on solutions, you can't remove the treatment if side effects occur.
When you need a prescription for tick repellent
Some treatments (Bravecto, Simparica, Credelio, Nexgard) may require a prescription, which a veterinarian needs to provide. Your dog needs a clinical examination before a vet can determine if these medications are safe for your specific dog. Factors such as your dog's health, other medications, or medical history need to be considered. Veterinarians can't prescribe these medications without caution.
Common side effects of tick repellents
Possible side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and trembling. These usually subside within a couple of days, but if you have children, it's an advantage that you don't have to worry about them coming into contact with the toxic substance. Read more about vomiting and diarrhea.
Home remedies for ticks: what really works?
There are some home remedies and supplements recommended against ticks, but most lack scientific confirmation. While supplements may seem safer, relying solely on them increases the risk of tick-borne diseases if protection isn't comprehensive. There are naturally toxin-free alternatives with varying levels of effectiveness. You'll need to experiment to find what works for you. However, there are certain tips you should avoid. Garlic as a solution should be completely avoided, as it's toxic to dogs and has no recognized effect against ticks.
Choose the right tick repellent for your dog
The best choice for you and your dog depends on your dog's individual response to different remedies. If your dog has underlying health conditions, some methods may not be suitable. If your dog has a long or dense coat, the effectiveness of collars may decrease. If you have children, some methods may need to be avoided for safety reasons. Additionally, if your dog loves swimming during the summer, spot-on solutions may lose their effectiveness quickly.
Do you suspect your dog is infected?
If your dog has had ticks and you suspect a tick-borne disease, always contact a veterinarian. Treatment is available, and tests should be conducted. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
Fact-checked by: Sofia Nälgård
Sofia Nälgård is a licensed veterinarian with degrees from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the University of Copenhagen. She runs Smådjursdepån in Växjö, where she offers professional and personalized care.
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