A comparison of natural tick protection for your dog
Table of contents
Natural tick protection
Ticks are not only annoying, but can also transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or TBE. Therefore, effective tick protection is particularly important for our pets, especially dogs. There are various options for tick prevention for dogs. On the one hand, there are pharmaceutical preparations and natural repellents. In this blog we will take a closer look at natural tick repellents. There are essential oils, collars and food additives that are often used.
In this article, we compare the different natural tick repellents to help you choose the best product for your dog. We examine essential oils, coconut oil, EM ceramics, or amber collars, apple cider vinegar and garlic and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.
Natural tick protection
Please discuss with your veterinarian which tick protection you should choose for your dog. Not all remedies 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 sand flies. The sandfly, 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 sand flies to dogs. 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 referred to as 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 naturally by disrupting ticks' sense of smell, thereby keeping them away. Although the effect is not as strong as chemical tick repellents, essential oils can be an effective alternative. However, it is important to note 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 chemical tick repellents. The scientific data on the effectiveness of essential oils is dwindling. In addition, there are no correct 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 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 use required as oils do not last as long as chemical tick repellents
- Insufficient clinical studies in dogs available
- No protection abroad
Coconut oil as a tick repellent
Coconut oil is used as a tick repellent due to its antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties as well as the lauric acid it contains. Lauric acid is said to help strengthen the skin's protective barrier against ticks. The soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin can also help reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting 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 about 10 minutes
- Antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties
- Soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin
- Cheap and easy to get
Disadvantages:
- Limited scientific evidence for effectiveness against ticks
- Possible allergic reactions in sensitive dogs
- Difficult application at room temperature
- Regular use required (studies in cattle showed effects for approx. 48-72 hours)
- Dog's fur is greasy
- No protection abroad
EM ceramic half bands & amber necklaces 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 designed to repel ticks by harmonizing the dog's energy field and thereby reducing the appearance of parasites. Amber necklaces are traditionally used as natural tick repellents because they are said to reduce the dog's static electricity and thereby keep ticks away. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods is controversial and there are insufficient scientific studies to support their effectiveness. It is also important to remember that collars or chains can pose a risk of suffocation or injury and cannot guarantee complete protection from ticks.
Advantages:
- Natural and chemical free
- Hypoallergenic
- Can be aesthetically pleasing
- Durable
Disadvantages:
- Disputed effectiveness (no studies found)
- Lots of fake amber products on the market
- The effectiveness of EM ceramic is questionable because it is heated to high temperatures
- Risk of suffocation or injury due to the thin chains/collars
- No complete protection against ticks
- No exact duration of action known
- No protection abroad
Apple cider vinegar as a tick repellent
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 said to keep ticks away. The acid in apple cider vinegar is also believed to help keep the dog's skin clean and healthy, which can reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, there is no clear scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar as a tick repellent. It should also be noted that apple cider vinegar has a strong odor and may cause skin irritation in some dogs.
Advantages:
- Natural and chemical free
- Versatile
- Additional health benefits (skin and coat health)
- Internally and externally applicable
Disadvantages:
- Controversial effectiveness (no clear effectiveness proven as a repellent)
- Strong smell
- Potential skin irritation
Garlic as a tick repellent
Garlic is used as a natural tick repellent due to its sulfur-containing compounds. The smell of garlic is believed to reduce the appearance of ticks as they do not like the smell. However, there is no clear scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of garlic as a tick repellent. It is important to note that garlic can be toxic to dogs and can cause anemia, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting if consumed in excess. In fact, garlic can even be life-threatening for dogs in large quantities. Some dog breeds, such as Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, are particularly susceptible to garlic poisoning due to their genetic predisposition. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to use garlic as a tick repellent for dogs and instead resort to other natural or chemical tick repellents that are safer and more effective.
Since 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, may cause anemia, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
- Particularly endangered e.g. Akita Inu, Shiba Inu.
- Toxic Dose: Dogs 15-30g/kg body weight.
- Symptoms: 12 hours to 5 days after admission.
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 Efficacy: The effectiveness of natural tick protection preparations is usually limited and often does not last as long as chemical preparations.
Common application: Natural preparations often require more frequent use because they do not work as long as chemical preparations.
No full protection: Natural preparations do not provide 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, particularly when using essential oils.
Toxicity: Some natural supplements, such as garlic, can be toxic to dogs and can cause anemia, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting if consumed in excess.
Wrong products: There are many fake products on the market, especially amber products. It is important to ensure that you buy a quality product and not fall for counterfeit products.
No protection abroad: Natural tick repellents do not provide protection against tick species that occur in other countries and can transmit other diseases.
It is important that dog owners consider these disadvantages and realize that natural supplements are not always the best option. It is advisable to speak to your veterinarian and make an individual decision about which type of tick repellent is best for your dog.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of natural alternatives to chemical tick repellents. Essential oils like 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 taken into account. These include limited effectiveness, more frequent use, no complete protection, possible side effects, toxicity of 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 preparation is best for one's dog. It is advisable to speak to the veterinarian and learn more about the different options to ensure the dog's health.
Are natural tick repellents as effective as chemical tick repellents?
The effectiveness of natural tick repellent preparations can vary and depends on various factors, such as the type of preparation, frequency of use and the environment in which the dog is located. Some studies suggest that certain essential oils and coconut oil may have some effectiveness against ticks, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Are natural tick repellents safe for my dog?
Although natural tick repellent preparations are considered safer and less stressful for the dog's system, you should be aware that some preparations can also have potential side effects. Natural remedies have not been studied nearly as closely as pharmaceutical tick repellents because they are subject to stricter controls. Some essential oils can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, and some preparations can be toxic to dogs or cats. It is important to do your research before using natural tick repellents and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian.
How often do I need to use natural tick repellents on my dog?
The frequency of use varies depending on the type of preparation and the individual needs of the dog. However, natural tick repellents generally need to be used more frequently than chemical tick repellents because 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 at a time to avoid possible side effects. It is also important to carefully read the instructions for each preparation as some preparations are not recommended for simultaneous use.
What is the best natural tick repellent 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 do your research before using natural tick repellents, consult a veterinarian and decide individually which preparation is best for your dog.
