The warm season not only lures us outside but also our dogs into nature. However, unwelcome parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites lurk there. Many conventional spot-ons, anti-parasite products, or tick collars contain chemical substances and can have side effects. However, there are also natural remedies that can help your dog protect itself from parasites in a healthy way. In this article, you will learn about the natural options for prevention and how to apply them.

Which parasites can be prevented?

From March to October, ticks are in high season, especially in tall grass, damp meadows, forests, and near bodies of water. Fleas, on the other hand, are active all year round and easily transfer from animal to animal. Mite infestations occur mainly in puppies and can affect various body regions, such as the ears or nose. Autumn grass mites cause extreme itching and are mainly found in the eye, paw, armpit, and groin areas.

The best protection against parasites is to make your dog's body odor and warmth unattractive to ticks, fleas, and mites. Regular prophylaxis against parasites is therefore part of your dog's care and health maintenance. Natural remedies such as essential oils, herbs, or dietary supplements that are safe for both humans and animals can be used externally and internally.

Essential oils for external and internal use

Pure black seed oil, coconut oil, or a mixture of both oils are particularly effective in keeping parasites away from dogs. Make sure that the oil is certified organic and not refined, but native and cold-pressed. You can mix the oils into your dog's food to utilize other healthy active ingredients as well. For external use, you can rub the oil into the coat before a walk or spray it diluted with water as a solution, especially on the belly, legs, paws, head, neck, and ears. Alternatively, you can put a few drops of oil on a brush and brush the coat to bring the oil down to the skin and give your dog an additional massage.

Black seed oil

Black seed oil can be used against all parasites as it contains a high proportion of essential oils. It consists of linoleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids and strengthens the dog's immune system. Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can relieve itching as well as care for skin and coat.

The dosage

of the oil for feeding or in drinking water depends on the size and body weight of your dog. However, be aware that excessive amounts can be toxic to the liver. Therefore, it is best to consult your veterinarian, especially if your female dog is pregnant or has liver diseases.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid (with a content of about 50 percent) and has a strong repellent effect on insects. It is a solid oil that melts with heat and spreads well. Coconut oil is excellent for caring for the bite site after a tick bite as well as for general skin and coat care. The scent of coconut is pleasant for both animals and humans.

Consistent feeding of coconut oil creates a worm-repellent intestinal environment, strengthens the immune system, and is also well tolerated by puppies. However, the dosage and continuous feeding should also be discussed with your veterinarian, especially in cases of diseases such as diabetes mellitus or pancreatitis. If your dog is affected by ear mites, you can wipe the ears with a cloth and liquid coconut oil.

Note the following when using oils for dogs

Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain oils, especially essential oils. Therefore, first test in small amounts whether the oil is suitable for your dog. When applying externally, it is advisable to dilute essential oils. Be sure to discuss the internal administration of oil with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has pre-existing conditions. Lemon, tea tree, lavender, cedar, or eucalyptus oil are very effective against ticks and fleas due to their intense scent, but dogs often find this smell too strong and unpleasant. A mixture with water can soften the smell for the dog. For example, you can mix 500 ml of water with one to two drops of the respective oil in a spray bottle and spray your dog before the walk. However, be careful with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Important: Oils should only be applied to the skin for prophylaxis. If a tick has already bitten and comes into contact with oil, it may vomit and potentially transmit more bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar, lemon and orange peels

Apple cider vinegar is a tried and tested home remedy against ticks, grass mites, and fleas. In diluted form with water, it is well suited for external application as a prophylaxis and is well tolerated by many dogs. A brew made from boiled lemon or orange peels can particularly help prevent fleas. Rinse your dog's coat thoroughly with clear water after half an hour.

Herbs as parasite prophylaxis

Adding herbs to your dog's food can act preventively against parasites. Peppermint, rock rose, wormwood, thyme, and rosemary are some herbs that are suitable for this purpose. However, not every dog likes herbs in their food. For better acceptance, it is advisable to buy ready-made herbal mixtures or powders. Especially in the BARF area, there is a good selection of mixtures specifically developed for parasite prophylaxis.

Snacks and treats with natural active ingredients

There are now snacks and treats for dogs that contain natural active ingredients from oils, herbs, and brewer's yeast. These can be an alternative for dogs that do not accept or refuse other methods of parasite prophylaxis. However, note that the effect of such products only occurs after about four weeks. Herbal collars for dogs are also offered, which can be applied externally. However, the concentration of fragrances in such collars may be too low to achieve a sufficient effect.

Peppermint and brewer's yeast

A peppermint sachet placed in your dog's favorite spots can naturally repel fleas, as the scent is unpleasant for them. Simply fill a fabric sachet with finely chopped peppermint. Brewer's yeast, on the other hand, is often used as a home remedy due to its high vitamin B content and its repellent effect on parasites. It subtly changes the dog's scent and acts as a deterrent. There are ready-made natural dietary supplements for dogs that contain vitamin B, black seed, and brewer's yeast. These products are available in powder or capsule form and can be easily mixed into the food.

Do amber necklaces provide protection against parasites?

Amber necklaces are marketed as a natural repellent against parasites. The fossilized tree resin from conifers emits a scent during abrasion that parasites can detect. However, there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of amber necklaces. Additionally, there is a high risk of injury when using these collars, as the dog could strangle itself while playing or getting caught. Amber necklaces are therefore more suitable for small and calmer dogs.

Try and observe

There is no miracle cure in the fight against parasites. Experiment with the variety of natural and harmless alternatives to conventional chemical products to see what your dog accepts and tolerates. However, keep in mind that no tick protection is as effective as thoroughly checking your dog after every walk and keeping its favorite spot clean. A combination of different natural methods can, however, provide good prophylaxis and protect your dog from parasites in a healthy way.