Tick Bite in Dogs

Due to the mild winters, the small arachnids are becoming more and more of a problem. And not just for dogs and owners. But how do these animals live? What makes these pests so dangerous and what diseases do they transmit?

Here you will find all information about ticks, as well as helpful tips on how to best protect yourself and your pet.

The Arachnid Tick

Ticks belong to the genus of arachnids, more precisely to the mites. They are perfectly adapted to their environment and can survive for years on just a single meal. They belong to the so-called “ectoparasites” and feed on blood.

In the colloquial tick bite (but the correct way tick bite) the tick creates a small wound and drinks the blood that comes out of the blood capillaries running there. By ingesting the blood, the parasite can grow to five times its body volume and ten times its weight!

The tick bite

When the tick bites, various different proteins are secreted which, among other things, suppress blood clotting and inhibit the sensation of pain (so that the host does not show any defensive reactions). However, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens can also be found in the saliva secreted by the parasites, which is why ticks are sometimes very feared. A tick bite should not be taken lightly.

The distribution of these ectoparasites extends almost worldwide. 20 species occur in Germany alone. However, many of them are host-specific and almost never spread to dogs or humans. The most widespread type of tick in Germany is the “common wood tick”. This primarily affects dogs and cats.

What diseases can ticks transmit?

The diseases that ticks can transmit to our four-legged friends (and also to us dog owners) include:

• Lyme disease;
• TBE;
• anaplasmosis;
• babesiosis;
• Ehrlichosis;
• leishmaniasis.

What can you do to prevent tick bites?

To ward off the pests, the trade now has umpteen different preparations ready. Almost everything is represented, from spot-ons, which are dripped down the neck, to chewable tablets.

Which means are advisable and is there something to consider when choosing?

If you look at the variety of products that pet stores, veterinarians, and the Internet have to offer, you quickly start to ponder what works best. But you should always ask yourself: Which product is the most compatible?

To date, the most commonly used means for the prevention of ticks and fleas is “Frontline”. In recent years, the sales of “Exspot” have also increased. Both of these products can be obtained from the vet, who will diligently recommend using these preparations.

What do these tick repellents contain and are they safe?

Unfortunately, no

Let’s consider the most common remedy “Frontline”. I would like to quote a veterinarian:

“The agent is applied to the skin and has a systemic effect, which means it gets into the organism. The medicinally active ingredient is “Fipronil 268.0 mg” and the auxiliary substances are E320 and E321. E321 and E320 (BHT and BHA) are artificial antioxidants chemically related to the disinfectant and wood preservative “phenol”.

In animal and test tube experiments, E320 changed the genetic material in large quantities, especially in the cells of the gastrointestinal tract. In long-term animal studies, E320 and E321 have been shown to be carcinogenic when ingested in large amounts, causing stomach and liver cancer in mice. Incidentally, these two preservatives are also used by “Royal Canin” in their feed. “Fipronil” is a neurotoxin that acts on the central nervous system of insects, causing the animals to die.

Naturally, these toxins not only get into the blood of the insects to be controlled, but also into that of the pets treated. The side effects on the leaflet are as follows:

“After application, suspected cases of intolerance reported extremely rarely were temporary skin reactions at the application site (skin discoloration, local hair loss, itching, reddening), as well as general itching and hair loss. Exceptionally, salivation, reversible nerve-related phenomena such as hypersensitivity, depression, nervous symptoms, vomiting and breathing difficulties were also observed.

As for special precautions for discarding unused medicines, Fipronil also has the potential to harm aquatic organisms. Therefore, ponds, bodies of water, or streams must not be contaminated with the product or its empty containers.”

“This medicine can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and eyes. Therefore, any contact with the mouth and eyes should be avoided. Freshly treated animals should not sleep in close contact with owners, especially children. Do not smoke, drink or eat during use.”

Who actually expects something like this from their animal and themselves?

But Frontline and Co. sell like hot cakes in most practices. Without warnings and without advice on possible alternatives, these highly toxic drugs are sold at high prices, that is, sold to the unsuspecting patient owner.

Any side effects that may occur are also not addressed either in the veterinary practices or in the pharmacies, which are not allowed to simply hand out these prescription-only preparations. But the side effects are much more common than expected. In addition, for treatment and prevention, it is recommended to apply the preparation monthly. The amount of poison that our patients have to process without objection is correspondingly large.

We cannot estimate at all what effects this long-term use has on the health of our patients. In most cases, a single application in the worst tick season will have no consequences. However, when toxins are constantly administered, they accumulate over time and lead to long-term damage that can then no longer be associated with the drugs administered, nor should they be…

The ordeals of many dogs and cats and their pet owners are frightening and could fill numerous books. Sometimes these stories of suffering run through an entire animal’s life. Because many animals are never healthy and remain permanent, artificially raised patients. The veterinarians and the pharmaceutical industry are of course happy about that.” This shows that a critical look at the products is definitely appropriate.

Another remedy that seems to be taking the market by storm is the Bravecto chewable tablet. But here, too, extreme caution should be exercised!

The manufacturer of Bravecto advertises that ticks and fleas are reliably killed and that Bravecto’s effect lasts for a full 3 months. So easy, so bad!

Because that also means that the active ingredient is present in the dog’s body for (minimum) 3 months and circulates happily through the bloodstream. The active ingredient is also known to accumulate in fatty tissue, as well as in the kidneys, liver, and muscles. Thus, a complete breakdown of the product in the dog is usually not possible and the dog accumulates the insecticide in the body with each new application.

Excretion via the kidneys and liver can also lead to problems, especially with regular administration! In addition, according to the manufacturer, Bravecto takes effect on fleas after 8 hours and on ticks only after 12 hours. This means that the ticks first have to start eating before they finally die. At the moment when the tick bites, pathogens can already be transmitted. The “miracle tablet” Bravecto therefore has no repellent effect whatsoever!

You would theoretically have to use a second product (e.g. a Spot On) to keep ticks away. And thus would have a double load of nerve agent. In addition, there is the worrying fact that there is no 100% guarantee that fluralaner can cross the blood-brain barrier!

Another fact that absolutely must not be ignored is that due to the long effectiveness of the preparation, the active substance can no longer be removed from the body in the event of an intolerance/allergic reaction! The dog suffers (minimum) 3 months from the consequences of a single dose of this remedy! Hence the very clear recommendation: HANDS OFF BRAVECTO!

What alternatives do you have to the chemical club from the vet?

Answer: MANY! Because tick repellent does not have to be chemical!

However, one thing should be said in advance: Just like with the Spot On preparations, there are also dogs with the natural products on which the products work less well than on others. Therefore, you should test yourself until you find the right one.

The natural protection

If you want to save your dog a lot of chemicals, you should use natural things when it comes to tick repellent products. The trade now also offers many opportunities in this area.

For example there is:

• Native cold-pressed coconut oil, which can be used both externally and internally
  amber necklaces;
• EM ceramics;
• Defense concentrates (e.g. from the company cdVet);
• garlic;
• black seed oil;
• Cistus incanus;
• Feeprotect;
• Formula Z;
• brewer’s yeast;
• vitamin B complexes.

What should you watch out for with these products?

black seed oil

Unfortunately yes. Black cumin oil can lead to liver damage in too high a dose. Garlic can lead to anemia (low blood count) in large quantities. However, when feeding to ward off ticks, one moves in quantity ranges that are harmless!

coconut oil

Coconut oil can be administered via the feed. In addition, you should rub your dog with the oil daily in the beginning and later every 2-3 days. It’s a bit more complicated at first, but coconut oil is effective. And don’t worry: the dog doesn’t “stink” like a coconut afterwards.

Another positive side effect: Coconut oil nourishes the skin and makes it more resistant.

Black cumin oil can also be administered via the feed. A few drops are enough (small dogs: 1-2 drops, medium-sized dogs: 2-4 drops, large dogs 4-6 drops).

Here you can find out how it is produced, what the oil can be used for, how it works, and how you can best use it with your four-legged friend.

amber necklaces

Amber necklaces seem to be something of a “question of faith”. The fact is, however, that there are enough dog owners who swear by the effect and for whom it works.

EM ceramics

EM ceramics stands for “Effective Microorganisms”, which are processed in the ceramics. EM ceramics are now also used in the form of collars and can therefore be worn by dogs around the clock.

Defense Concentrates

Defense concentrates, e.g. from the company cdVet, are ready-made herbal and/or oil mixtures, which are either administered orally or massaged into the coat.

garlic

Garlic is now also available directly for dogs in powder form. The dosage recommendation can also be found there. This should not be exceeded. Although a small dog would have to eat a few kilograms of garlic to be seriously poisoned, it is advisable to stick to the dosage. However, it remains to be said: The dog will give off a slight smell of garlic, which most people can smell.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a well-known and popular home remedy for many “ailments”. However, many people were not aware that it can also be used to ward off ticks. Used both internally and externally, it can help to protect against ticks and at the same time cares for the skin and improves general well-being.

Aniforte tick shield

Aniforte Zeckenschild is a vitamin B complex available in capsule form, which strengthens the immune system from within and thus creates a natural protective shield around your dog. Because many tests have shown that dogs with a strong immune system are much less likely to be attacked by ticks.

Cistus incanus tea

Cistus Incanus Tea is a tea made from the crushed herb of the cistus. This tea is brewed and given to the dog to drink when it has cooled down. The tea for boiling is available in pharmacies. There are now also Cistus Incanus capsules to buy online.

Feeprotect

Feeprotect offers a product based on coconut and jojoba oil. This helps against ticks as well as against mosquitoes, fleas, and autumn grass mites. This preparation can be ordered via the feeprotect homepage.

Amigard

Amigard is a spot on made from neem tree extract and decanoic acid. It protects against ticks and fleas for 4 weeks.

Tick fever symptoms in dogs

• nosebleeds
• Vomit
• shortness of breath
• exhaustion
• Fever
• Mucopurulent nasal discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes
• muscle twitching
• hypersensitivity

Tick diseases (fever) in dogs

If dogs are bitten by a tick, the bloodsuckers can transmit various pathogens to the pets via their sucking apparatus: including the pathogens of diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis (the so-called “dog malaria”), Ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, or TBE.