How to protect your dog from ticks
Tick protection for dogs
The arachnids transmit a number of dangerous diseases. Effective tick protection is therefore extremely important for your dog. Here you can find out what options are available, which natural remedies help against ticks and what else you need to know about the bloodsuckers.
When does tick season start?
Who hasn't experienced it? We enjoy the first warm rays of sunshine outdoors with our four-legged friend, the dog runs through the grass and before you know it, a tick is crawling over its fur or has already attached itself.
The problem is that ticks transmit a variety of dangerous diseases such as TBE, Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis. These have a negative impact on the health of our animals and, in the worst case, can be fatal.
Proper tick management is therefore essential during the months when the parasites are active. Unfortunately, the mild winters mean that the arachnids become active earlier and earlier and stay active for longer.
As a guide : as soon as it is 8°C or more for several days in a row, the bloodsuckers crawl out of their hiding places.
Which tick protection is right for my dog?
A first basic distinction is made according to the active ingredients of the preparations.
Here a differentiation is made between:
- Natural tick protection and
- Chemical tick repellent
They also differ in their form. Here is a brief overview of the most common types:
- Spot-on's: Liquid for application to the skin in the neck area
- Tick collars: Collars with repellent effect
- Tablets: For oral ingestion
- Sprays: For external use on the animal or for the environment
- Food supplements: To be taken orally
- pendant for the collar: Long-term effect through energy field
- Shampoos: For washing
- oils: For internal and/or external use
- etc.
What is ultimately the right protection against ticks for the dog depends on certain factors, which are discussed in this article.
Tick protection products from PERRO
- effortless tick removal
- safe & painless
- also ideal for difficult & sensitive skin areas
- 2 different sizes
- unique technique
- minimises transmission of diseases
- Successor of tick hook O'Tom
- natural parasite defence
- Set of shampoo, conditioner and spray
- Tea tree and neem oil
- repellent effect
Content: 0.25 liter (€154.00 / 1 liter)
- natural protective agent
- non-toxic
- against vermin
- especially suitable for puppies, older dogs and cats
- contains high quality neem oil
- Ideal for daily flea and parasite control on dogs and cats
- Reliably removes fleas, mites, hair lice and fine dust particles
- Detects flea faeces quickly and easily for infestation control
- Supports coat care and ensures a healthy shine
- Fine tines glide gently through the coat without pulling
- Practical aid for more hygiene and well-being for your pet
- Immediately effective protection - preventive against tick and flea infestation
- With natural lemon-eucalyptus oil - clinically tested effectiveness
- Protects for up to 24 hours - ideal for walks and excursions
- No formation of resistance possible - reliable use even in the long term
- Pleasant fragrance - keeps the coat fresh
- Suitable for dogs of all ages, even puppies
- natural protective tape for dogs
- protects against parasites
- with neem oil and orange terpenes
- gives the coat shine and a pleasant scent
- waterproof
- Protection for 2 months
- 100% natural ingredients – a plant-based formula with no unnecessary additives
- With selected fragrance oils – contains cedarwood, lavender, clove, juniper and citronella
- To mask odours – temporarily masks the natural odour of skin and coat
- For dogs & cats – according to the manufacturer, also suitable for puppies and kittens from 3 months of age
- Ready to use & straightforward – can be applied quickly and evenly to the coat
- Ideal for on the go – a handy addition for walks, outings and when letting your pet roam freely
Content: 0.05 liter (€279.00 / 1 liter)
- Natural parasite protection - based on lemon-eucalyptus oil
- Clinically tested effectiveness - reliable against ticks and fleas
- Repellent effect - deters parasites without killing them
- 4 weeks of protection per application - 3 tubes for up to 12 weeks of defence
- No formation of resistance possible, even with long-term use
- Suitable for dogs from 16 weeks of age - well tolerated and pleasantly scented
- Environmental protection spray
- against vermin
- for loungers, sofas, carpets
- natural product
- with mint and lemon
- safe for humans and animals
Content: 0.5 liter (€36.38 / 1 liter)
- practical tick tweezers
- removes ticks safely and easily
- easy handling
- made of plastic
How do anti-tick products for dogs work?
Whether chemical or natural repellent, the aim is always to keep the tick away from the dog. If a tick has already bitten itself, it will either leave the host or be killed, depending on the active ingredient.
Whether a product works from the inside out or superficially on the skin depends on the preparation and the form of administration. Tick collars or sprays, for example, mainly have an external effect.Tablets, food supplements or other orally administered preparations work from the inside out. In the case of spot-ons, there are both options, as a distinction is made between systemic and topical preparations.
Systemic spot-ons penetrate through the skin and the active ingredients are distributed in the organism via the bloodstream. With topical preparations, the active ingredient is distributed throughout the body via the skin. In the event of an infestation, the parasites come into contact with the active ingredient and die or leave the host.
IMPORTANT: Do not treat for 24 hours after visiting the dog parlour, as the follicles are open after washing.
Chemical tick protection vs. natural tick defence
The decision as to whether to use a chemical tick repellent or a natural tick repellent depends on many different factors. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages and it is up to the dog owner to decide to the best of their knowledge and for the benefit of their four-legged friend.
The choice of the right product for the dog depends on various factors. Factors to consider include:
- Age
- Weight
- Intolerance to certain active ingredients
- Diseases
- Genetics
Important to know: Not every tick repellent is suitable for every dog. Caution is advised with chemical preparations in particular, as the various chemical agents have one thing in common: they are poisonous. To be more precise, highly effective neurotoxins are used and some dogs do not cope well with these toxins. The side effects are often very unpleasant for dogs and range from nausea and vomiting to seizures.
Particular care must be taken with puppies, small dogs under 2kg and dogs with epilepsy or a (genetic) risk of epilepsy. For some preparations, for example, the package leaflet states that they "should be used with caution in dogs with known epilepsy".
Tip: We recommend for dogs under 2kgMelaflon Spot-Onand for puppies theMelaflon Spray.
Take good precautions with the right tick protection products
- Thorough coat cleaning – removes dirt and residues during washing
- For dogs and cats – also suitable for puppies and both short- and long-haired breeds
- Plant-based cleansing agents – derived from coconut and sugar compounds
- Moisturising care formula – for stressed skin and a well-groomed coat
- High-yield concentrate – dilute in a ratio of 1:5 before use
- Paraben- and silicone-free – a grooming product, not a substitute for parasite treatment
Content: 0.2 liter (€89.75 / 1 liter)
- Plant-based repellent ingredient – derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus
- For dogs and cats – according to the manufacturer, suitable from four months of age
- Effective for up to five hours – depending on coat, activity level and weather conditions
- Easy to use – rub into the coat once or twice a day
- Natural protection against parasites – continue to check the coat after walks
- Use this biocidal product safely – read the label and product information before use
Content: 0.1 liter (€149.50 / 1 liter)
- For use in the animal’s environment – do not apply directly to the skin or coat
- Wide range of uses – against ticks, fleas, mites, mosquitoes and other pests
- Active repellent ingredient geraniol – derived from palmarosa geranium
- Versatile – for use in the home, car, kennels and pets’ sleeping areas
- Ready to use – can be applied directly without prior dilution
- Use this biocidal product safely – follow the label and product information
Content: 0.1 liter (€139.50 / 1 liter)
- Targeted mite protection – for dogs and cats aged four months and over
- Active ingredient derived from lemon eucalyptus – produces a scent that is unattractive to mites
- Effective for up to five hours – depending on the coat and external conditions
- Can be applied directly to the coat – spray on and massage in once or twice a day
- Available in two sizes – handy 50 ml or 100 ml bottles
- Use this biocidal product safely – follow the instructions on the label and in the product information
Content: 0.05 liter (€239.00 / 1 liter)
- Nourishing oil base – with organic black cumin oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil
- Fragrant plant oils – with neem, geranium, lavender and manuka
- To mask odours – temporarily alters the natural odour profile
- Particularly economical – according to the manufacturer, the 10ml bottle can last a long time
- Can be applied drop by drop – targeted application to specific areas of the skin
- Does not provide complete protection against parasites – is not a substitute for targeted treatment in the event of an infestation
Content: 0.01 liter (€1,690.00 / 1 liter)
- Active ingredient derived from lemon eucalyptus – produces a scent that repels ticks
- Effective for up to 5 hours – according to the manufacturer, depending on the coat and external conditions
- For dogs & cats – dermatologically tested formula suitable for animals aged 4 months and over
- Easy to use – apply evenly to the coat 1–2 times a day
- Ideal for outdoor use – suitable for woods, meadows and dense undergrowth
- Does not provide complete tick protection – continue to check the coat after every outing
Content: 0.1 liter (€149.50 / 1 liter)
- Nourishing oil base – with organic black cumin oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil
- Targeted odour masking – temporarily alters the dog’s natural scent
- Convenient spot-on application – ideal when spraying over a large area is undesirable
- Particularly economical – 1 bottle can last up to 1 season
- For dogs aged 3 months and over – suitable for different coat types
- Natural tick protection – regular coat checks remain important
Content: 0.01 liter (€1,690.00 / 1 liter)
- Active ingredient derived from lemon eucalyptus – produces a scent that is unattractive to fleas
- Effective for up to 5 hours – according to the manufacturer, this depends on the coat and external factors
- For dogs and cats – dermatologically tested formula suitable for animals aged 4 months and over
- Easy to apply to the coat – spray on 1–2 times a day and massage in gently
- For a comprehensive protection plan – in the event of an infestation, also treat sleeping areas and the surrounding environment
- Does not provide complete protection against fleas – is not a substitute for targeted treatment in the event of an existing infestation
Content: 0.02 liter (€347.50 / 1 liter)
- Targeted, natural flea repellent – for sleeping areas, blankets, baskets and cushions
- Active ingredient geraniol – makes treated surfaces unattractive to fleas
- Ready-to-use solution – can be applied straight away without dilution
- Versatile – ideal for the home, car, travel crates and kennels
- For households with dogs and cats – suitable for frequently used pet areas
- Available in two sizes – 100ml for targeted applications, 500ml for larger areas
Content: 0.1 liter (€139.50 / 1 liter)
- 100% natural ingredients – a plant-based formula with no unnecessary additives
- With selected fragrance oils – contains cedarwood, lavender, clove, juniper and citronella
- To mask odours – temporarily masks the natural odour of skin and coat
- For dogs & cats – according to the manufacturer, also suitable for puppies and kittens from 3 months of age
- Ready to use & straightforward – can be applied quickly and evenly to the coat
- Ideal for on the go – a handy addition for walks, outings and when letting your pet roam freely
Content: 0.05 liter (€279.00 / 1 liter)
Natural tick protection without chemicals at PERRO
Chemical-free anti-tick products made from natural ingredients are considered a gentle alternative to conventional, synthetic products. If you want to rely on the power of nature, PERRO has a large selection of herbal and over-the-counter options. Only products with highly effective tick protection made from natural components make it into our range.
Garlic, black cumin, neem, coconut, eucalyptus and citrus oils containparticularly effective natural anti-repellent active ingredients. Compared to chemical alternatives, the natural agents score with a number of positive aspects:
| Pros | Cons |
| Herbal remedies are usually very well tolerated and have no side effects | Natural preparations are usually not effective for as long and need to be replenished more often |
| They do not pollute the environment | In some cases there are few or no scientifically based efficacy studies |
| A natural tick repellent is generally safe to use for young animals | |
| The body generally reacts less sensitively to herbal substances |
Anti Tick Spot On for dogs
Spot-ons are one of the most popular tick repellents. Both over-the-counter and prescription products are available. The spot-on is dripped into the dog's neck or between the shoulder blades. It is important to ensure that the dog itself or another animal cannot lick the liquid. Caution is also advised with children. Water rats should avoid bathing and splashing around for a few days. Important: heavy rain can also weaken the effect of the spot-on.
Tip: for white dogs, apply the spot-on directly to the skin and do not rub it in, otherwise there is a risk of hair discolouration.
Tick collars for dogs
Tick collars are also often the method of choice in the fight against ticks. With tick collars, the active ingredient is continuously released into the coat and the oily film of the skin over a certain period of time and thus spreads over the entire dog.
Depending on the active ingredients, the protection provided by such anti-tick collars lasts for a few weeks or even several months. However, it is important that the dog always wears it. Caution in water: the collar may need to be removed before water activities.
Repellent sprays
There are 2 variants of sprays: Coat sprays for direct application to the dog and environmental sprays.
Coat sprays are applied directly to the dog's coat and act on the animal's fur and skin.
Environmental sprays keep parasites away from the dog's favourite places - such as the dog basket. Sprays usually need to be applied several times a week to be effective.
tip: Sprays on a natural basis are great as a supplement to other measures.
Nutritional supplements against ticks
Dogs can also be supported and strengthened against parasite infestation from the inside. A strong immune system is a basic requirement for good defences. Preparations with garlic, black cumin oil or herbal bitter substances have been proven to provide relief.
Garlic: The alliin in garlic changes the dog's body odour and thus repels ticks. Important: Please always use products labelled for dogs and follow the instructions for administration. This is because garlic in excessive doses is toxic to dogs and can cause anaemia.
Black cumin oil: This can be used both internally and externally. Ticks and other parasites are deterred by the odour and the essential oils. For external use , simply apply a few drops to the back of the neck and massage in. As with many natural repellents, there is no long-term effect, so the application must be repeated regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for oral administration.
How to prevent tick bites:
Carry out a full body check
Check the coat for the crawling arachnids after every walk, especially during the peak tick season, and remove the tick(s) if necessary.
Tip: They particularly like to be found on the head, legs and neck and anywhere where there is less hair.
Avoid tall grass and undergrowth
Ticks lurk in tall grass and bushes because, contrary to popular belief, they do not jump from trees, but are brushed off. Most ticks stay at a height of between 10 and 50 cm above the ground.
Making ticks harmless
The tick still crawling on the dog could just be removed before it bites - what now? Proven methods of rendering them harmless are 40% alcohol, disinfectant or burning, e.g. with a lighter.
How to remove ticks correctly
If the tick has already bitten, it is important to remove it correctly and completely. Here are a few tips:
- Usetick tweezers or tick hooks so that the tick can be grasped securely without squeezing it. Removing it with your fingers harbours the risk of squeezing the tick and forcing pathogens into the bite site.
- Grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it out slowly and evenly. Do not make any jerking or twisting movements, as there is a risk that parts of the tick will get stuck in the animal.
- Be patient: It may take a few seconds to pull the tick out, as the bloodsuckers adhere to the skin with a kind of adhesive layer. Once this layer is destroyed, the tick can be easily detached.
- Important: Remove the tick with as little stress as possible, as ticks secrete body secretions that can transmit pathogens when stressed. It is therefore not advisable to use methods involving oil, alcohol, glue, etc., as these trigger a fear of death in the parasite.
PERRO relies on the power of nature against ticks
In the PERRO online shop you will find an extensive range of natural preparations to repel ticks. The health of our four-legged friends is important to us, which is why we take the issue of tick protection very seriously. The good thing is that nature offers us a unique potpourri of highly effective ingredients against the annoying bloodsuckers. That is why we have decided to rely on natural tick repellents. The benefits of natural tick repellents for the health and well-being of our dogs are manifold. Above all, undesirable side effects are very low with natural active ingredients, which is why such products are the products of choice for us. We have therefore focussed on providing our customers with a well-assorted selection of natural and highly effective repellents.
