Ticks in dogs

Tick bites are usually inconspicuous and often go undetected due to the dense coat of a dog's fur. This is dangerous because they can transmit a variety of dangerous diseases that can cause serious consequential damage or lead to death of the dog if not treated. Lyme disease, TBE and ehrlichiosis are now well-known diseases transmitted by ticks. However, due to climate change, foreign tick species are increasingly arriving in Central European regions. Babesiosis, for example, which is transmitted by the alluvial tick, was originally a foreign disease. Now, this tick species, and thus also the disease, is increasingly coming to us. No matter which of the diseases it is, the first symptoms are often non-specific. Therefore, it is difficult for laypeople to associate the symptoms with a tick bite. 

Lyme disease can be transmitted to both humans and dogs. It is the most common disease transmitted by ticks in Germany. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease-transmitting bacteria and thus pose a risk of infection. However, if an infected tick bites, it transmits the Borrelia bacteria to the host via its saliva approximately 16-24 hours later. In humans, there is often redness around the sting site, but this is absent in dogs and makes detection even more difficult. Non-specific symptoms that occur weeks or even months after the tick bite are:

• Fatigue / apathy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Painful and swollen joints

In the long term, Lyme disease in dogs can lead to chronic inflammation of the joints, resulting in variable lameness.

To avoid this, you should consult your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has Lyme disease. A Borrelia antibody test is carried out by taking a blood sample to determine whether your four-legged friend has already had contact with Borrelia. In combination with the symptoms mentioned above, this is a pretty clear indication of Lyme disease. If the diagnosis is made promptly, the vet can begin therapy, which usually involves the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Less common, but no less dangerous, is tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE for short. Fortunately, far fewer ticks carry the pathogen. The viral disease is also transmitted via the tick saliva. However, transmission is immediate, so prompt removal is not sufficient to protect the dog from TBE. Dogs are less likely to contract TBE than humans because they often develop antibodies against the virus. If an infection with an acute course of the disease does nevertheless occur, it usually becomes noticeable through the following symptoms:

• Fever over 40°C 
• Paralysis of the limbs
• Wobbly gait
• Increased painfulness (especially in the neck and head area)
• Behavioural changes (aggressiveness and apathy)
• Seizures 

A clear diagnosis of TBE requires complicated examinations by the vet, as a mere blood test for antibodies is not a sufficient indication. The therapy is also very complex and unfortunately only leads to a cure in rare cases. Therefore, the right prophylaxis to protect the dog from the disease is enormously important.

Ehrlichiosis

The pathogens of ehrlichiosis, which is one of the Mediterranean diseases, are also transmitted via the saliva of infected ticks. Originally, the brown dog tick, which is considered a vector, was only found in the regions around the Mediterranean. Through travel, however, it was also carried to more northern areas, such as certain parts of Germany. The bacteria are transmitted to the dog within the first three hours and infect the white blood cells. After about 1-3 weeks, the first symptoms can be seen as follows:

• Fever
• Weakness, fatigue and apathy
• Lymph node swelling
• Small skin or mucous membrane bleeding e.g. in nose and mouth
• Vomiting (sometimes)
• Breathing problems
• Reddened conjunctivae

As the disease is often not recognised at this stage, the symptoms subside and the dog appears healthy again. Now it depends on whether the ehrlichiosis heals spontaneously or becomes chronic. In chronic ehrlichiosis, which can start after weeks or months, there are further non-specific and unrelated symptoms. Diagnosis is made by special laboratory tests using DNA or antibodies or by detecting infected white blood cells. Similar to Lyme disease, the vet tries to prevent the bacteria from multiplying by treating it with antibiotics. If the dog is already chronically ill with ehrlichiosis or infected with other Mediterranean diseases at the same time, the chances of recovery are unfortunately low.

What helps against ticks in dogs?

Careful prophylaxis is the be-all and end-all to protect your four-legged friend from the unwelcome bloodsuckers and possible diseases. Special tick protection preparations aim to kill the tick before it can transmit pathogens. Natural remedies or even snacks whose mode of action is based on herbal ingredients are intended to keep ticks away from your four-legged friend, and the classic dog inspection serves to detect and remove the parasites at an early stage. 

Special tick protection preparations after consultation with the vet

Spot-on preparations are applied to the dog's skin at regular intervals. After the product has been absorbed into the skin, the chemical agents contained in it are supposed to ensure that the tick does not infest the dog or that it dies as soon as it bites. If cats live in the same household, this should be taken into account when choosing the appropriate preparation! This is because some preparations can be life-threatening for cats, as they lack an enzyme to break down the active ingredients. Consultation with the vet is always recommended. Within the first 24 hours after application, you should not pet your dog or must wash your hands particularly thoroughly afterwards.

Special tick collars for dogs provide protection by means of a similar principle. They release their active ingredients over approximately 2 to 8 months, depending on the manufacturer.

Meanwhile, there are also tablets, which can be administered to the dog and thus provide tick protection. 

However, all these preparations only prevent the transmission of diseases, as the tick dies as soon as it bites. The infestation of ticks, which are thus also carried into the house and can be passed on to humans, is not prevented.

It is also important to know that the use of these preparations exposes the organism of the cat to chemicals, which can also lead to side effects and after-effects.

Natural remedies against ticks

Natural remedies for tick prophylaxis are often recommended, which are also said to be more tolerable for your beloved four-legged friend. However, the effect of these remedies varies from animal to animal. With natural preparations, regular intake is very important so that they can provide protection. Kown natural remedies are:

• Coconut oil and black cumin oil 
• Preparations based on yeast and B vitamins (frequent daily intake required)
• Herbal drops (daily application)

Collars such as amber collars or badges made of certain materials are also advertised as repelling ticks. However, the effect of such accessories is controversial.

Treats against ticks in dogs

Looking for the answer to the question “What is best?” against ticks on dogs?” you now also come across snacks or anti-tick treats with ingredients to help repel ticks. Various agents are added to these anti-tick treats, which are then absorbed by rewarding the dog during training or in everyday life. This is extremely practical and easy to use, as you don't have to give your dog a tablet that he may not like, or apply a spot-on or a natural single agent such as coconut oil, which limits daily interaction, such as petting . However, the effectiveness of the snacks and treats or the agents added to the snacks or treats varies from animal to animal.

But you should also pay attention to the composition of snacks or treats against ticks if you value natural ingredients that are good for your dog. Plant-based active ingredients such as coconut oil, black cumin oil and cistus herb are natural alternatives to chemical additives.

Dog fur inspection and regular grooming

No matter which preparation or remedy you choose, regularly checking your dog for ticks is an important addition to the protective measures. Since we now know that many viruses or bacteria are only transmitted after several hours, removing the tick early can provide effective protection.
When checking the fur, start at the head of your four-legged friend and carefully work your way down their body to the tail. Don't forget to check your dog's belly for ticks as well.
The advantage of the sweep is that you can also detect ticks that are not attached and remove them without any effort. Removing ticks that are already attached to the dog requires some dexterity and, above all, the right tools.

Further prophylaxis tips to protect your dog

Since a simple tick bite from an uninfected tick does not pose any particular health risks, it is recommended to visit areas with increased risk without your four-legged friend or to avoid them altogether. Above all, an infection with ehrlichiosis pathogens can be avoided in this way, as they are even less common in Germany.
There are almost no vaccinations available at present. You can only have your four-legged friend vaccinated against certain types of Lyme disease. However, this vaccination unfortunately does not cover all variants of the disease. There is no vaccination protection for dogs against TBE and ehrlichiosis. You can discuss with your trusted vet whether a vaccination makes sense for your dog.

Frequently asked questions about ticks in dogs

What is the white tick?

The "white tick" is no more or less dangerous than the "common wood tick", the most widespread tick species in our country. As it lives more in the undergrowth and mainly uses hedgehogs as hosts, it is also called a hedgehog tick. It can transmit Lyme disease or TBE, so it is advisable to remove the tick directly and protect your dog prophylactically.

What helps best against ticks in dogs?

There is no general answer to this question. How best to protect your four-legged friend from ticks depends on many individual factors. For one thing, not every dog tolerates all remedies equally. On the other hand, the length of the fur can also be a decisive criterion and the effect can differ from dog to dog. Therefore, your vet is the right contact person in case of individual parasite treatment. In general, direct removal of the tick is a good protective measure against disease.

Can diseases such as Lyme disease, TBE and ehrlichiosis be transmitted from dogs to humans?

No, these diseases cannot be trasmitted from your beloved four-legged friend to humans. However, dogs or other pets can bring infected ticks home. If they pass on to humans and bite, diseases such as Lyme disease, TBE and ehrlichiosis can of course be transmitted directly by the tick. Therefore, with tick prophylaxis and the direct removal of ticks, you not only protect your dog, but also yourself.

Where can I buy tick repellent?

Since there are now a variety of prophylactic remedies, you can find them in different places. Tablets and special spot-on preparations must and should be obtained from your vet. Some preparations or even collars can also be purchased on the internet, in pharmacies or in pet shops. Natural remedies and treats for outdoor activities can be purchased in many places.

Where do dogs get ticks?

Ticks lurk everywhere in nature. They wait in grass, bushes or shrubs for a potential host and can thus be found in gardens, parks, pastures or forests. Therefore, after every adventure in the countryside, you should check your dog for the unpleasant parasites and remove them directly.