Tick ​​collar for dogs: This is what the vet recommends

Protection against parasites
Tick ​​collars for dogs: How useful is their use? This is what a vet says

When temperatures rise, ticks awaken from their winter hibernation. Dog owners need to be particularly cautious, as the parasites can transmit dangerous pathogens not only to humans, but also to their pets. A tick collar is designed to prevent this – but is it safe to use? star asked a veterinarian.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, ticks only become active when temperatures rise above seven degrees. As a result, the parasites lurk in forests and meadows from spring to late autumn – in other words, in exactly the places that dog owners prefer to go for a walk. To avoid their four-legged friends being bitten (for the record: ticks do not bite because they have a proboscis), some people resort to chemical collars. These are not only supposed to repel ticks, but also fleas and other parasites. But does it really work? And does its use pose health risks for pets? We asked Dr. Ursula von Einem from the Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians about this.

This is why tick bites are dangerous for dogs

If dogs are attacked by ticks, the parasites feed on the skin and then fall off again, so that the four-legged friend (normally) does not suffer any harm other than the subsequent itching. In rare cases, however, the bite site can become infected – especially if the pet owner tries to remove the parasite and the head gets stuck. The bite (or sting) of a tick is therefore not dangerous in itself, confirms Dr. Ursula von Einem. “If the tick is allowed to go through its natural sucking process, nothing really happens.” Nevertheless, the vet points out that the parasites are carriers of dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis or, in very rare cases, early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). This applies to humans, but also to pets. “There have been one or two cases of TBE in dogs.” It therefore seems all the more sensible to protect your pet from the blood-sucking parasites throughout the tick season. For example, with a special Tick ​​collar? The star followed up.

Tick ​​collar: How useful is it to use?

So-called spot ons (e.g. from Frontline) are liquid veterinary medicines against parasites that are dripped onto the dog’s skin once. Tick collars, on the other hand, are designed to continuously release their active ingredient into the animal’s fat layer. “Both variants do not usually prevent dogs from being bitten by ticks, but rather cause the parasites to die as soon as they penetrate the skin – and thus do not transmit dangerous pathogens,” says Ursula von Einem, explaining the effect of both preparations. For this reason, the conventional doctor believes that the use of tick collars makes sense, but only after consulting a veterinarian. The veterinarian can help determine the right active ingredient and the right size for a dog. The fact is that the use can certainly have side effects. You will find out exactly which ones in the next section.

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What risks do tick collars pose?

Depending on the manufacturer, different insecticides are used. The best-known active ingredients include imidacloprid, deltamethrin and permethrin. The veterinarian expressly warns against using the latter two preparations in households where house cats also live. “Permethrin is poisonous for cats. They cannot metabolize the active ingredient and therefore suffer severe symptoms of poisoning even if they only ingest small amounts.” But what about the tolerance of dogs? “The active ingredients that are used can be damaging to the nerves. For example, if the wrong collar (or the wrong spot-on) is used – it always depends on the appropriate dosage,” explains Dr. Ursula von Einem about possible risks. Dog owners should therefore always observe their animals for side effects such as tiredness, coordination problems, movement disorders, salivation, loss of appetite or vomiting. If these typical symptoms occur (usually gradually), a veterinarian should definitely be consulted.

How long does a dog have to wear the collar?

There is no general answer to this question, since Tick ​​collars (depending on the manufacturer) work for different lengths of time. It is important to know that the ingredients only take effect if the collar is worn continuously. You can’t just put it on a dog for a walk and then take it off again afterwards. In addition, the tick season has extended. “Due to the mild temperatures, we have ticks even in winter. So you should think about taking tick prophylaxis all year round,” is a tip from Ursula von Einem. The vet still recommends taking the collar off before every swim – because the substances it contains have a toxic effect on aquatic organisms. “If you let your dog go swimming, you should remember that the active ingredient is on the animal’s skin. In other words, a tick collar doesn’t always make sense for dogs that like to swim in a lake.”

Are there alternatives to the tick collar?

Tick ​​collars can contain chemical substances, but also herbal active ingredients – these are usually essential oils that are supposed to keep ticks, fleas, mites and mosquitoes away. Alternatively, amber necklaces are also recommended to ward off parasites: the friction of the stones is supposed to electrostatically charge the dog’s fur and thus drive away ticks. However, there are no studies that can prove this. Dr. Ursula von Einem, a conventional doctor, is also somewhat skeptical about this method from naturopathy. Last but not least, there are also so-called EM collars for dogs that are made of ceramic and contain special lactic acid bacteria. Here too, no study has yet been able to confirm the effectiveness, but many dog ​​owners swear by the alternative tick collars. In the end, the well-being of the animal should always be the priority.

Sources: Robert Koch Institute, Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians

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