Teck prophylaxis in dogs – between chemical club and loss of control

Risk assessment for sensitive patients from Marion Thömmes

Quierschied. Ticking time means infection time. It is often assumed that ticks are only active from spring to autumn. But ticks are active all year round, especially at mild temperatures. Ticks usually have the highest activity from March to November. They are very active, especially in spring and autumn, when it is damp and not too hot. If the temperatures fall below about seven to eight degrees Celsius, ticks fall into a kind of winter rigor. However, if the temperatures rise above this value in winter, they become active again.

With the higher activity of the ticks, the risk of diseases that are transmitted by them also increases, such as borreliosis, anaplasmosis or babesiosis. While robust dogs tolerate many common preparations, the question arises for allergic or nutritional -sensitive animals: what protects reliably – and is at the same time tolerable?

Many dog ​​owners face a dilemma: on the one hand, their animals should be protected as effectively from pathogens as possible. On the other hand, the risk of side effects mainly pose chemical means, especially in dogs with atopias (Tendency to an increased allergic reaction to normally harmless substances or stimuli from the environment), Chronic skin problems, intolerances and neurological diseases. These dogs need individually coordinated solutions.

Chemical tick protection –
Effective, but not free of side effects
The preparations used in conventional medicine can be roughly divided into two groups:

1. Repelling means
For example, spot-on preparations or collars with the active ingredients permethrin, deltamethrin, flumethrin (from the group of pyrethroids).

• Those as a contact poison: You block the tick nervous system before the blood suck.
• Enter the skin and adipose tissue, a partial transition to the bloodstream is possible.
• Frequent side effects: reddening of the skin, itching, local irritation, rarely also unrest or neurological symptoms such as tremors.

2. Non-repellent means (Systemic acaricides/insecticides)
Like Bravecto®, NEXGARD®, Simparica®, with active ingredients such as Fluralaner, Afoxolan, Sarolaner.

• Are recorded orally (Chewing tablets) and systemically metabolized.
• Ticks only die after the blood auction, a transfer of pathogens can still be transmitted during this period.
• The tablets often contain aroma or carriers (e.g. chicken egg white), that can be problematic for allergy sufferers.

Clinical note
Dogs with skin diseases, atopic dermatitis (Chronically itchy skin inflammation), Chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or IBD (Inflammatory Bood Disease) And neurological diseases show more intolerance. A thorough medical history, including previous reactions to medication or feed, is urgently recommended before use. In case of doubt, a test in reduced dose can be useful.

Natural alternatives –
Less risk, but also less security?
Numerous plant -based funds offer more compatible tick defense – however, their effectiveness varies individually and at the beginning it is also less reliable than chemical agents. Nevertheless, you can represent a practical solution for sensitive animals, especially in combination. Many pet owners report positive experiences, especially when used consistently.

Examples of natural tick protection products

Many of these preparations are available as oil, capsule or drops. The effect can often only be felt over several days after regular use. In practice, a combination is often proven, such as coconut oil on the outside plus bent rose internally in order to optimize effects and tolerance.

Note the risk of infection after a tick bite – time windows
A quick tick bite does not immediately lead to infection – each disease has a certain transmission time window. The following table shows how much time remains in an emergency:

Therapeutic impulse
In well -known endemic areas (e.g. Mediterranean, TBE zones) It is important to work as repellent as possible, chemically or of course. The benefits and risk must be carefully considered – especially for chronically ill dogs in which infection transmitted by tick could have serious consequences.

Conclusion: Individual decision instead of package solution
The selection of the right tick prophylaxis in the dog is an individual decision. Knowing about possible risks and alternatives is crucial for sensitive and sick animals. Flat -rate recommendations are not very helpful – a well -founded, animal protection -friendly weighing of benefits and risk is required.

Tip for practice
A “tick protection pass” can help: Document the holder, which funds have been used, which reactions occurred and which combinations have proven themselves. Additional measures such as daily searches, use of tick tongs or check -ups at the veterinarian can also be noted here. This strengthens compliance and creates security – for animals and humans.

Healthy dogs – despite the tick time
With knowledge, patience and the right advice, your dog remains protected as possible – even with sensitive health.

To the author
Marion Thömtes is a veterinary practitioner, phytotherapist and behavioral therapist for dogs with her own dog school. As a veterinary practitioner, she works holistically, which means that she looks at and treats the animal as a whole and not just his symptoms of illness. With the help of the bioresonance analysis, she searches for the causes for diseases and disorders and thus helps both her four -legged patients and their owners. Since she has been a behavioral therapist for dogs for several years, she has deliberately chosen a mobile veterinary practice – because the behavior of the animals can be observed and assessed significantly better in their usual surroundings. The top priority as a behavioral therapist and owner of the dog school Schniffelnase is a relaxed coexistence between humans and dogs for Marion Thömmes. This can only be achieved through mutual trust, understanding and respect. For this purpose, calm and patience, empathy and joy in dealing with our four -legged friends are essential. Contact: www .hun de Schu le -Quier Schied .de.

Sources
Iron (2018), CDC
Iron L. (2018): Pathogen Transmission in Relation to Duration of Attachment by Ixodes Scapularis Ticks. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases. CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eisen (2018), Little (2010) So Little SE (2010): EhrlichiSis and Anaplasmosis Indogs. Veterinary Clinics of North America.
WHO, DGS Who/Leishmaniasis Fact Sheet DGS (German Society for Pest Fighting): Sand mosquitoes and leishmaniasis
Schein (2004), Esccap Schein E. (2004): Babesiosis of the dog – current aspects. Veterinary practice.
Esccap Guidelines (European Scientific Counsel, Companion Animal Parasites
Parasitus ex eV