Table of contents
Natural tick protection
Ticks are not only annoying, they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or TBE. Effective protection against ticks is therefore particularly important for our pets, especially dogs. There are several ways to prevent ticks for dogs. There are pharmaceutical preparations and natural repellents. In this blog we will go into more detail about natural tick repellents. There are essential oils, collars and feed 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 pros and cons of the different methods.
Natural tick protection
Please discuss with your veterinarian which tick repellent you choose for your dog. Not all remedies are equally suitable for all dogs. Natural tick protection cannot ward off 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 unicellular parasite transmitted to dogs by the sand fly. 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 because of their fragrant ingredients. Essential oils work naturally by disrupting ticks' sense of smell, thereby repelling them. While not as effective as 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, since 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 correct dosage and application recommendations.
Advantages:
- Essential oils like 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 less stress on the dog's organism
Disadvantages:
- Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs or cats and are broken down in 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
- 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 and 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
- First studies show good protection by 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 of anti-tick efficacy
- Possible allergic reactions in sensitive dogs
- Difficult application at room temperature
- Regular use required (studies in cattle showed an effect of 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 human and animal health. EM ceramic collars are designed to repel ticks by harmonizing the dog's energy field, thereby reducing the appearance of parasites. Amber necklaces have traditionally been used as a natural tick repellent as they are said to reduce the dog's static electricity, thereby keeping ticks away. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods is debatable and there are insufficient scientific studies to support their effectiveness. It is also important to remember that collars or chains can pose a choking or injury hazard and full tick protection cannot be guaranteed.
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
- Efficacy of EM ceramic questionable as it is heated to high temperatures
- Choking or injury hazard 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 acidic 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 may reduce the risk of skin irritation. However, there is no clear scientific evidence for the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar as a tick repellent. It's also important to note that apple cider vinegar has a strong odor and can 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 as a repellent proven)
- Strong smell
- Potential skin irritation
Garlic as a tick repellent
Garlic is used as a natural tick repellent due to its sulfur-containing compounds. It is believed that the smell of garlic reduces the appearance of ticks, as they do not like the smell. However, there is no clear scientific evidence that garlic is effective as a tick repellent. It's important to note that garlic can be toxic to dogs and, if ingested in excess, can cause anemia, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In fact, in large amounts, garlic can even be life-threatening for dogs. Some dog breeds, such as Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, are particularly susceptible to garlic poisoning due to their genetic makeup. Because of this, it is strongly recommended not to use garlic as a tick repellent for dogs, and instead use 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 considered:
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 last as long as chemical preparations.
No full protection: Natural supplements do not offer complete protection from 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 supplements like garlic can be toxic to dogs and cause anemia, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting if ingested in excess.
Wrong products: There are many fake products on the market, especially when it comes to amber products. It's important to make sure you're buying a quality product and not falling for counterfeit products.
No protection abroad: Natural tick repellants offer no protection against tick species that are found 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's a good idea to speak to your vet and make an individual decision as to what type of tick repellant 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 seed, 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 offer some protection against ticks if used regularly. EM ceramic collars and amber necklaces are also natural options, although their effectiveness is debatable.
However, there are also some disadvantages of natural tick repellents that should be considered. These include limited effectiveness, more frequent use, no full protection, possible side effects, toxicity with some preparations, the risk of counterfeit products and no protection abroad.
It is important to be aware that natural supplements are not always the best option and that an individual decision should be made as to what type of tick repellent is best for one's dog. It's a good idea to speak to the veterinarian and do a thorough research on the different options to ensure the dog's health.
Are natural tick repellants as effective as chemical tick repellents?
The effectiveness of natural tick repellants can vary and depends on various factors, such as the type of preparation, how often it is used and the environment in which the dog is located. Some studies suggest that certain essential oils and coconut oil may have some anti-tick efficacy, however more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Are natural tick repellents safe for my dog?
Although natural tick repellants are considered safer and less stressful for the dog's organism, you should be aware that some preparations can also have potential side effects. Natural remedies are not nearly as well studied 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 be thoroughly informed before using natural tick repellents and, if necessary, to consult a veterinarian.
How often do I need to use natural tick repellents on my dog?
The frequency of application varies depending on the type of preparation and the individual needs of the dog. As a rule, however, natural tick repellents have 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 use for each supplement, as some supplements are not recommended for use at the same time.
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. Before using any natural tick repellent, it is important to do your research, consult a veterinarian and decide which product is best for your dog.
