Ticks are far more than a mere nuisance for dogs. As blood-sucking parasites, they transmit a range of serious diseases. Effective, year-round tick protection is therefore one of the most important preventive measures for your dog. In this guide we show you which risks exist, which protection methods are available, and how to remove a tick correctly.
Which Diseases Ticks Transmit
Ticks lurk in grass, bushes and undergrowth, clinging onto passing dogs. While feeding on blood they can transmit various pathogens. The most important include:
- Lyme disease — caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, with fever, lethargy and swollen joints
- Anaplasmosis — with symptoms similar to Lyme disease and, in severe cases, bleeding problems
- Ehrlichiosis — with fever, apathy, weight loss and bleeding
- Babesiosis — which attacks the red blood cells and can cause anaemia, jaundice and dark urine
Because ticks often transmit pathogens only after several hours of feeding, prompt removal is crucial.
The best protection is prevention: regular prophylaxis combined with a daily check of the coat after every walk.
Natural and Chemical Protection
When it comes to tick protection, you can choose between natural and chemical methods. Natural approaches such as essential oils, diatomaceous earth or special collars are considered gentler, but their effect is limited and short-lived. In addition, some essential oils are toxic to dogs. They are therefore better suited as a supplementary measure.
Chemical products generally offer more reliable and longer-lasting protection:
Spot-on treatments are applied to the back of the neck and work for several weeks. Tick collars release active ingredient continuously and protect for up to several months. Oral medications work from the inside and kill ticks as soon as they attach. Sprays provide short-term protection, for example before a trip into the countryside.
Serious side effects are rare; at most, mild and temporary skin reactions may occur at the application site. It is important to choose the product to suit the dog’s size and weight and to follow the instructions precisely.
Never Use Dog Products on Cats
A particularly important note: tick treatments for dogs must never be used on cats. Many dog products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats — they lack the enzyme needed to break the substance down safely. Poisoning can lead to drooling, tremors, seizures and, in the worst case, death, and requires immediate veterinary attention.
How to Remove a Tick Correctly
If you find a tick, remove it as quickly as possible. Grip it right at the skin with fine tick tweezers or a tick card and pull it out slowly and straight — without twisting, jerking or squeezing. Then disinfect the bite site and keep an eye on it over the following weeks.
Avoid home remedies such as oil, glue or heat: they irritate the tick and increase the risk of disease transmission. If redness, swelling, fever or listlessness appear after a bite, please consult your vet. We are happy to advise you individually on the right protection for your dog.