What all is supposed to help against these pests, and what works abroad? Veterinarian and K9andSports ambassador Simone Stroh helps us through the jungle.
Is it true that ticks are becoming increasingly dangerous for our dogs?
Yes, that's true. Vacationers and travelers unintentionally bring disease-carrying parasites like ticks to Germany, for example, via their dogs. Now, diseases that until recently were only a concern abroad are becoming more common here (keyword: Mediterranean diseases). Therefore, it's really important to treat your dog with so-called "vector prophylaxis," meaning a preventative medication that specifically targets the parasites that transmit them. This is especially important before and during travel abroad.
Checking the dog after a walk isn't enough, then?
Pathogens can be transmitted shortly after a bite. Repellent products can prevent these animals from landing on our dogs in the first place. However, since there is no 100% guarantee, it is still advisable to check your dog after every walk.
Have you had good experiences with so-called alternative tick repellents – that is, those that do not come from conventional medicine?
There are no sound studies that confirm the effectiveness of coconut oil, black cumin seed oil, amber necklaces, and similar products. In my opinion, some of these remedies even cause more problems.
Coconut oil makes the coat very greasy, dogs like to lick it off, which can often lead to eczema, and it washes off quickly when swimming in a lake. Furthermore, it lacks any repellent properties!
Amber necklaces are said to generate an electrical charge through friction against the fur, which, combined with the scent of the stones, is supposed to repel ticks. This also means that the coat type, size, and activity level of the dog all play a role. Even under perfect conditions, there is no evidence that an amber necklace alone reliably protects against tick bites.
In short, I wouldn't rely on alternative tick repellents when, on the other hand, there are very serious diseases that can be transmitted.
What do you recommend to your patients?
All conventional veterinary medicines are reliably effective when used correctly. However, to determine the most suitable treatment, it's essential to know both the dog and its owner. If the dog has a very sensitive stomach or intestines, a spot-on treatment or a collar like Scalibor or Seresto is recommended. If the dog is prone to itching or contact allergies, or frequently goes into the water, a tablet is a better option.
Is there anything special I need to consider when traveling abroad with my dog?
Many travel-related diseases, such as babesiosis, leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, and dirofilariasis, are transmitted by parasites like ticks, mosquitoes, and sandflies. For trips abroad, flea and tick collars are the best option. They protect not only against ticks and fleas, but also against sandflies and mosquitoes.
Do they work immediately after we put them on the dog?
No, the collar should already be on the dog a week beforehand.
What about side effects? Have you ever had any cases in your practice?
Theoretically, any medication or preparation can have side effects, and this depends entirely on the individual dog. There are various types of side effects. These can range from vomiting (with prophylactic tablets) or itching (with spot-on treatments or collars) to epileptic seizures. However, such side effects are very rare and generally do not cause lasting damage. The damage that can be caused by a tick-borne disease is generally much greater.
At what age can these remedies be used? Even for small puppies?
Whether a product is approved for puppies varies considerably. Most, however, can be used from 6-7 weeks of age and/or a weight of over 1.5-2 kg. Even with puppies and young dogs, it is very important to ensure adequate protection.
The head often gets stuck when removing it. What now?
If the head isn't easy to remove, it's best to leave it alone. It will be recognized as a foreign object and eventually expelled, likely with the help of an inflammatory reaction such as redness, swelling, or wound drainage. This is perfectly normal. The important thing is to observe the situation and prevent the dog from licking or scratching it. Only if the area becomes disproportionately swollen or hot should you consult a veterinarian.
Thank you for the conversation, Simone!
Simone Stroh is a specialist veterinarian for small animals, focusing on surgery and emergency care at her veterinary medicine center in Pürgen/Lengenfeld. She is an ambassador for K9andSports and is accompanied by her Doberman Pinscher, Brida (von Avidus), and Vroni (Frieda von der Birkenquelle), a Dachshund.
