Common preparations for protection against ticks are chemical and often poorly tolerated by sensitive dogs. Read here which natural means can be a real alternative.
From early spring to autumn is tick season. Since the parasites can transmit dangerous pathogens to dogs, it is important to protect the dog from tick bites. In addition to chemical repellents, a variety of natural alternatives exist.
Virgin coconut oil contains high levels of lauric and capric acids. These two acids are described as crucial active ingredients for tick repellency and are said to have a deterrent and damaging effect, respectively.
In particular, applying it to the dog’s coat is said to have a deterrent effect on ticks. To do this, simply spread the oil in the palms of your hands and work it into the fur over a large area.
Garlic as a tick repellent
Garlic is said to have a deterrent effect against vermin and is therefore also said to work against ticks. Many dog owners shy away from giving garlic because it is considered toxic to dogs. However, the amount that is said to be needed to ward off parasites is actually far below the limit that is considered toxic.
Important: Be sure to use a ready-made preparation such as powder or tablets specifically for dogs, as it is easy and safer to use.
Black cumin oil for tick repellency
The repellent effect of black cumin oil is said to have been discovered by a young Regensburg resident who was researching tick protection for his dog. With his proof that black cumin oil works, he even won a prize at “Jugend forscht”.
The oil is mixed drop by drop into the food as a dietary supplement and is said to produce a repellent effect from the inside out in this way. Applying the black cumin oil to the ear cones or between the shoulder blades is also a common variation among dog owners.
Amber necklaces and collars made of EM ceramics
Amber is said to have two properties: firstly, there is often talk of a static charge on the coat, which is said to deter ticks. On the other hand, the uncut amber is said to secrete resins that gradually spread through the fur, creating a repellent effect.
For optimal effect, the amber necklace should remain on the dog 24 hours a day and only be removed during romping or dog sports. In addition, a complete effect is achieved only after approximately three weeks of wearing. If the dog needs a complete wash, it can again take up to three weeks until the effectiveness is fully restored.
In addition to amber, the so-called EM ceramics have also become widespread in recent years. These are special, small ceramic tubes, also called pipes, which are attached to a jewelry band or integrated into a collar and are supposed to contain tick-repellent microorganisms.
Again, opinions among dog owners vary widely on their effectiveness.
Natural spot-ons and sprays
There is now a selection of natural-based combination preparations available in stores. Here, as a dog owner, you should not only trust the word “natural”, but take a look yourself at the active ingredients contained. Especially with high-dose extracts, allergic reactions and intolerances can occur. In addition, one should in any case adhere to the specified application instructions.
Good results with a combination of several methods
Many dog owners report that the most effective natural tick repellent is achieved when they combine different methods. Ticks are a serious health risk to the dog, so effective tick protection and immediate removal of ticks is absolutely necessary.
The most effective protection against ticks is to thoroughly search the dog after each stay outdoors and remove ticks immediately. If you do not want to use chemical tick repellents, you can also consider alternative methods and see what works best for your own dog.