Chemischer Zeckenschutz beim Hund

Spot-On, collars and tablets: A comparison of chemical 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 pharmaceutical tick repellents. There are spot-on products, collars and tablets. Choosing the best protection depends on both the animal and the human.

Commonly used active ingredients such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, lotilaner, sarolaner, insecticides and acaricides from the isoxazoline group are particularly suitable for protection against ticks. Fluralaner is a well-studied active ingredient and has been shown to protect dogs for up to 12 weeks after oral administration. No clinical abnormalities were found in the use of fluralaner. It is also suitable for pregnant bitches, puppies and dogs with an MDR-1 gene defect. Since fluralaner is eliminated slowly, it puts less strain on the organs.

In this article, we compare the different chemical tick repellents to help you choose the best product for your dog. We examine spot-on products, tick collars, and tablets and chewable tablets, and discuss the pros and cons of each method.

Chemical tick protection

Ticks can cause various diseases such as Lyme disease or anaplasmosis in dogs and should therefore be avoided. One way to protect the dog from tick bites is to use chemical preparations such as spot-ons or collars that contain insecticides. Although these remedies are often very effective, some people view them critically. Critics complain that they could potentially be harmful to the dog or the environment and that there are alternative, natural methods of tick repellent. However, alternative tick repellent methods have also become increasingly popular, particularly among dog owners who are concerned about the potential ill effects of chemical preparations. This includes natural products such as essential oils or herbs that can be used as repellents against ticks. Although these products are considered natural and harmless alternatives, there is no scientific evidence that they are as effective as chemical supplements. For dog owners who are planning a vacation in southern Europe with their dog, chemical preparations against ticks are the only protection that also protects against the sand fly and the disease leishmaniasis associated with it. 

Chemical tick protection

Please discuss with your veterinarian which tick repellent you choose for your dog. Not all remedies are equally suitable for all dogs.

When choosing a suitable tick repellent, you should consider the following requirements:

  • effectiveness: The product should be proven to repel or kill ticks to reduce the risk of tick bites and communicable diseases.

  • Long-lasting protection: The tick repellent should be effective for a reasonable amount of time to keep your dog protected without constant renewal of the product. Most tick repellents offer protection from 4 weeks to 3 months.

  • Security: The product should be safe for your dog and any other pets in your household. Check the ingredients and possible side effects before using the product.

  • Simple application: An effective tick repellent should be simple and easy to use so that you can use it regularly and correctly.

  • water resistance: A good protection against ticks should remain effective even when it is wet, such as after bathing or swimming.

  • Suitable for puppies and older dogs: The tick repellent should be suitable for dogs of all ages. Some products are not recommended for puppies under a certain age. Read the instructions carefully.

  • Respect for the environment and animal welfare: If possible, choose a product that is both environmentally and animal friendly.

Spot-on preparations as tick protection




Spot-on products are solutions that are applied directly to the animal's skin, usually on the neck area. They contain chemical agents such as fipronil, permethrin or imidacloprid that are absorbed through the skin and kill or repel ticks.


Advantages:

  • Easy to use: the solution is applied directly to the skin and requires no further handling.
  • Rapid effectiveness: the active ingredients are active within a few hours and offer protection against ticks.
  • Long-Lasting Protection: Spot-ons typically offer 4-6 weeks of protection. 
  • Protection from other parasites
  • Different strengths for different dog sizes
  • Good tolerance: Spot-on products are generally well tolerated and rarely cause side effects.

Disadvantages:

  • Toxicity to humans, young children and other animals (especially cats)
  • May not be effective against all tick species
  • Exposure time must be observed
  • Expensive because of frequent use, especially for larger dogs or long-term use
  • Duration of action "only" about 4 weeks
  • Contact with the active substance: Since the solution is applied directly to the skin, there is a risk that people or other animals may come into contact with the active substance.
  • Active ingredients can be washed off: In heavy rain or when the animal goes into the water, the active ingredients can be partially washed off and the protection is reduced.
Spot-On Zeckenschutz beim Hund

Tick collars as tick protection

Tick ​​collars are collars that are impregnated with chemical agents such as flumethrin, imidacloprid or deltamethrin. The active ingredients are released continuously and keep ticks and other parasites away.


Advantages:

  • Easy to use: Tick collars are easy to put on and require no further handling.
  • LONG-LASTING PROTECTION: Tick collars provide protection for up to 8 months.
  • Low active ingredient load: Since the active ingredients are released directly at the collar, there is less risk of people or other animals coming into contact with them.
  • Protection Against Other Parasites: Most tick collars also protect against fleas and other parasites.
  • Waterproof: The active ingredients are water-resistant and remain effective even if it rains or comes into contact with water.
  • Available in different sizes: There are tick collars for dogs of different sizes, so that the right collar can be found for every dog.

Disadvantages:

  • Possible skin irritations or allergic reactions: The collar can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
  • Uncomfortable for some dogs with constant use: Some dogs may find wearing a collar uncomfortable all the time.
  • Can Get Tangled Or Matted With Long Coats: On dogs with long coats, the collar can cause problems by tangling or matting the coat.
  • Can be “unaesthetic” for people: Some people find tick collars visually unappealing.
  • Toxicity to Humans and Other Animals: The active ingredients in tick collars can be toxic to humans and other animals if they come into contact with them or accidentally consume them.
  • It is important that the collar is snug enough, but not too tight: In order to achieve the best effect, the collar must fit snugly around the dog's neck, but without being too tight and restricting breathing or blood flow. This can be difficult for some dogs, especially those with sensitive skin or those who are between sizes.

Zeckenhalsband beim Hund

Oral tick protection (tablets)

Tablets and chewable tablets are oral medications that contain active ingredients such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, lotilaner, or sarolaner. They are swallowed by the animal and distributed throughout the body to kill or repel ticks.


Advantages:

  • Convenient Administration: Tablets and chewable tablets can easily be given with food or as a treat.
  • Long-lasting protection: The active ingredients offer protection for up to 12 weeks, depending on the product used.
  • No external use: Since the tablets are administered orally, there is no risk of humans or other animals coming into contact with the active ingredients.

Disadvantages:

  • Possible side effects: In rare cases, oral medications can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite.
  • Food Intake Required: The animal must ingest the tablet or chewable tablet in its entirety to receive full protection.
  • As soon as the tablet has been taken, it is in the dog's circulation. If the dog does not tolerate the tablet, it cannot be washed off or removed. 
Zeckenschutz Tabletten Hund

Disadvantages of chemical tick repellants: What you should know

Chemical anti-tick preparations are a popular way to protect our dogs from annoying and dangerous parasites. But it is important to know that these remedies can also have some disadvantages. In this article we would like to inform you about possible difficulties and risks associated with the use of chemical tick repellents.


Mild to very strong side effects

One of the main problems with chemical supplements is that they can cause mild to severe side effects in dogs. In some cases, neurological symptoms can even appear. These include, among others:

  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • Tremble
  • coordination disorders
  • seizures

If If you observe such side effects in your dog, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.


Toxic agents

Some of the active ingredients in chemical tick repellents can be toxic to dogs, especially when given in high doses or over long periods of time. This can lead to serious health problems, which in severe cases can even be fatal.


development of resistance in ticks

Excessive use of chemical preparations can lead to the development of resistance in ticks. This means that the parasites become insensitive to the active ingredients used and the protective effect of the preparations decreases. To counteract this problem, it is important to use tick repellents responsibly and according to the manufacturer's or veterinarian's instructions.


Negative environmental impact

Chemical tick repellents can also have negative effects on the environment. The active ingredients contained in the preparations can get into the environment, for example through the dog bathing in water or through contact with other animals and plants. This environmental pollution can lead to other organisms being harmed and ecological balances being disturbed.


Not suitable for all dogs

Some chemical preparations may not be suitable for all dogs. These include certain dog breeds, pregnant bitches or different age groups. Before using any chemical tick repellent, you should therefore always consult a veterinarian to ensure that the chosen preparation is suitable and safe for your dog.

Overall, it's important to be aware of the potential downsides of chemical tick repellants and to weigh up whether they're the best choice for your dog. There are also alternative methods, such as natural tick repellents or preventive measures.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tick repellent for your dog can be challenging, but it's important to understand the pros and cons of each method. Chemical tick repellents like spot-on products, tick collars, and tablets all have their benefits, but they can also have side effects and environmental impacts.

Carefully consider which method best suits your dog and their lifestyle. Discuss the different options with your vet to make an informed decision. Don't forget that there are also natural alternatives to consider if chemical supplements are not suitable for your dog.

Whichever method you choose, it's crucial to regularly check your dog for ticks and act quickly if you spot one. This way you can minimize the risk of tick-borne diseases and ensure that your four-legged friend stays healthy and happy.

Does chemical tick repellent repel the tick or just kill the tick?

Chemical protection against ticks can have both defensive (repellent) and deadly (acaricidal) effects on ticks. Some active ingredients can deter the ticks from biting the dog, while others kill the tick only after they come in contact with the active ingredient. In many cases, chemical tick repellents offer a combination of both to ensure the most effective protection possible against ticks and the diseases they transmit. Examples of this are the products Advantix® and Seresto®.

Are diseases transmitted directly with a tick bite?

Transmission of pathogens through a tick bite is not instantaneous. It usually takes a few hours to several days before the tick transmits the pathogen. The tick must first bite down on the host and start sucking blood. In doing so, their saliva is injected into the bite site, which may contain the pathogens. The duration of transmission varies depending on the type of pathogen. For example, transmission of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, can take 24 to 48 hours or more. In the case of other diseases, such as tick-borne encephalitis (FSME), transmission can take place within a few hours. It is therefore important to remove ticks as soon as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

What are the main types of chemical tick repellents for dogs?

The main types of chemical tick repellents for dogs are spot-on products, tick collars, and tablets or chewable tablets

What are the benefits of Spot-On products?

Spot-on products are easy to apply, work quickly, offer long-lasting protection and are often water resistant.

What are the advantages of tick collars?

Tick ​​collars are easy to use, offer long-lasting protection (up to 8 months), are waterproof and also protect against other parasites.

What are the advantages of tablets and chewable tablets?

Tablets and chewable tablets are easy to administer, provide quick protection, have no external residue, and can protect against other parasites as well.

What side effects can chemical tick repellents cause?

Chemical tick repellents can cause mild to very severe side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tremors, impaired coordination and seizures.

Can chemical tick repellents be harmful to the environment?

Yes, chemical tick repellents can have a negative impact on the environment by harming other organisms and upsetting ecological balances.

Are chemical tick repellents suitable for all dogs?

Some chemical preparations may not be suitable for all dogs, e.g. certain breeds of dogs, pregnant dogs or different age groups. It's important to consult a veterinarian before using any chemical tick repellent.

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