Protection against (ecto-)parasites in dogs – what is helping?

Ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks and mites are common pests in dogs. Not only can they cause itching and skin irritation, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease or anaplasmosis. Effective protection is therefore essential. There are various ways to protect your dog from parasites - from chemical medicines to natural home remedies. Below we look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most common means.

Spot-on products

Spot-on products are liquid solutions that are applied to the dog's neck. The best-known active ingredients include fipronil, permethrin and imidacloprid.

advantages:

easy to use: A spot-on preparation provides up to 4 weeks of protection and only requires a single application.
broad spectrum of activity: They often work against both fleas and ticks.
High effectiveness: Most preparations start to work after just a few hours.

disadvantages:

chemical exposure: Some dogs react sensitively to the active ingredients with skin irritation or discomfort.
toxicity in cats: Permethrin in particular is highly toxic to cats, which is why accidental poisoning can occur when dogs and cats live in close contact.
not 100% effective: In some cases, ticks can still stick and only die after a long time.

Collars

Antiparasitic collars such as the Seresto collar contain insecticides (e.g. imidacloprid and flumethrin) that are continuously released.

advantages:

long-term effect: Collars protect dogs from fleas and ticks for up to 8 months.
easy to use: Once put on, the collar does not need to be checked daily.
Waterproof: Many collars can be worn while swimming or bathing.

disadvantages:

risk of skin irritation: The collar can cause skin irritation in sensitive dogs, especially if worn continuously.
safety risk: There is a risk of the collar getting caught while playing or running around.
partial chemical exposure: As with spot-on preparations, collars also release insecticides that can be ingested by the dog.

Tablet

Oral preparations such as Bravecto or NexGard contain active ingredients such as Fluralaner or Afoxolaner, which work through the bloodstream.

advantages:

easy to take: Tablets can easily be administered with food.
Long effect duration: Some tablets protect against ticks and fleas for up to 3 months.
no external application: Tablets are ideal for dogs that spend a lot of time in water or have sensitive skin.

disadvantages:

side effects: Gastrointestinal complaints or neurological symptoms are possible.
no protection against tick attachment: The tick must first bite the dog in order to absorb the medication, which could still enable disease transmission.

Many dog owners rely on natural alternatives to reduce chemical exposure. Popular remedies include coconut oil, amber necklaces and essential oils such as tea tree or lavender oil.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is said to deter parasites.

advantages:

Natural ingredients without chemical additives make coconut oil attractive to many dog owners
It also cares for the fur and skin.

Disadvantages:

Limited effectiveness: Studies on the effectiveness of coconut oil are scarce, and it offers limited protection.
Frequent reapplying necessary: The oil must be reapplied regularly as it evaporates quickly.
Possible Allergies: Some dogs are allergic to the oil.

Amber collars

Amber is said to deter parasites due to its electrostatic charge.

advantages:

Completely free of chemicals and absolutely harmless to the dog.
Can also be used as a decorative accessory.

Disadvantages:

The effectiveness of amber collars has not been scientifically proven.
Protection is often inadequate, especially in areas with high tick pressure.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil or neem oil are considered natural parasite defenses.

advantages:

They are cheap and readily available.
Some essential oils have antiseptic and nourishing properties.

disadvantages:

Toxicity: Many essential oils, particularly tea tree oil, are toxic to dogs in high doses.
They often only provide short-term protection and need to be reapplied regularly.

Homespun remedies

Conclusion:

Protection against ectoparasites in dogs requires a careful balance between effectiveness and tolerability. While chemical preparations such as spot-ons, tablets and collars work reliably against fleas and ticks, they are often accompanied by side effects. Natural home remedies are generally less stressful for the organism, but often only offer limited protection. Dog owners should consider their pet's individual needs as well as possible health risks and, if in doubt, consult a veterinarian. It is best to monitor the parasite infestation all year round and adapt measures if necessary.