Ticks on dogs – everything you should know!

Every dog ​​owner can sing a song about it: ticks on dogs. Whether in the city park, on a walk in the forest or on the dog meadow, the annoying but sometimes dangerous parasites sometimes make life difficult for us and our four-legged friends. Especially in spring and autumn when the economy is booming.

Although you can easily remove ticks from dogs, there is always the risk that a tick bite can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, TBE, anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis.

In this article you will find out everything you need to know about ticks on dogs, including our tips on possible prevention.

What are ticks on dogs?

Ticks in dogs are parasites that belong to the spider genus. They are usually a few millimeters in size. However, when they have absorbed blood, which they feed on, their size is also a few centimeters. They also take on a gray to brownish color. Their body is flat to oval and becomes rounded after sucking blood. They also have a hard back shield and eight legs.

Ticks go through four phases in their life:

• Ei
• larva
• nymph
• Grown up

To transition from one phase to the next, they need blood as a nutrient. As soon as the opportunity arises, they use their sharp mouthparts and bite into a host's body. When they bite, they release a sticky secretion that helps them attach. Once they have found a place, they can stay in the same place for several days to weeks to suck blood. So when your fur nose roams through meadows and forests, ticks are happy because it serves as an excellent host.

Why are ticks so dangerous for dogs?

Ticks on dogs are not the problem in themselves. Rather, it is the fact that they can transmit pathogens while feeding on blood.

The most commonly transmitted diseases after a tick bite in dogs include: 

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis (canine malaria)
• ehrlichiosis

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Symptoms include fever, swollen joints and lameness. In very severe cases, the kidneys are also affected. Canine anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys.

This can cause muscle pain, joint pain and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea. Ehrlichiosis, caused by the Ehrlichia bacteria, is similar to anaplasmosis, but can also manifest itself in bleeding disorders.

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What Types of Ticks Affect Dogs?

There are countless species of ticks worldwide. Those common in Germany and many other European countries include:

The common woodbuck (Ixodes ricinus)

The species of tick with the sonorous name is widespread in Europe and is one of the most common carriers of diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis in dogs. It prefers moist areas and is particularly found in forests and meadows.

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

The brown dog tick prefers warmer regions. No wonder, it originally comes from North Africa. The fatal thing about this type of tick: Unlike native ticks, it can survive and reproduce in buildings and apartments without any problems. The brown dog tick is known to transmit diseases such as Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis.

The riparian forest tick (Dermacentor reticulatus)

The riparian forest tick is often encountered in areas with higher humidity and near bodies of water. It belongs to the genus of colored ticks. It has spread significantly in the east and south in recent years and transmits babesiosis in particular.

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)

Although it is primarily found in North America, it is important to mention it here. It transmits diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a potentially life-threatening infection. Travelers with dogs from North America occasionally bring the tick species into Europe.

Finding ticks on dogs – what’s the best way to proceed?

Actually always, but especially in spring and autumn, you should make it a routine to check your four-legged friend for ticks after every walk. Start at the head and work your way to the paws, paying particular attention to areas such as the ears, between the toes and under the collar.

Ticks on dogs prefer damp, dark places. Feel and look for small, dark nodules. You can search the fur by hand or use a flea or lice comb.

Tick ​​found on dog – what now?

If you have discovered a tick on your dog, don't panic. You can remove them yourself with tweezers or tick tweezers. It is important that you proceed very carefully. The aim is always to pull the entire body of the tick.

Then disinfect the area well and monitor it and your four-legged friend for the next few weeks to rule out disease transmission. If you are unsure about picking ticks on your dog or notice any symptoms, contact your veterinarian straight away.

Can I prevent ticks on dogs?

While prevention won't completely prevent you from occasionally spotting a tick on your dog, preventive measures can help you reduce the number and frequency. However, during tick season you should avoid places that are known to be high-risk areas for tick infestations.

In addition to classic tick remedies with chemical ingredients such as spot-on preparations, tick collars and tablets, natural remedies have also become increasingly popular in recent years. We have put together some examples that many experts and dog owners recommend for you below.

Black Seed Oil

The vegetable oil is obtained from the seeds of black cumin and can be used both internally and externally. To ward off ticks, a few drops of black cumin oil for dogs are massaged into their fur. Ideally exactly where ticks like to bite. They are put off by the smell of black cumin oil. However, use it sparingly.

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Essential oils

There are also some natural oils, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, which have the same repelling effect on ticks on dogs through their smell. You can apply it to the fur in diluted form. However, you should always ask your veterinarian for advice beforehand, as some oils can be toxic to animals.

coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which experts say has natural tick-repellent properties. You can massage the oil directly onto your dog's fur and skin. Great bonus: Coconut oil can also nourish your dog's skin and coat, giving it a healthy shine.

Important: Before using any tick remedy, whether chemical or preferably natural, it is always advisable to discuss this with a veterinarian. This is especially true if your dog has previous health problems or is known to have allergic reactions.

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