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

What parasites can be prevented?

From March to October, ticks are in high season, especially in tall grass, wet meadows, forests and near bodies of water. Fleas, on the other hand, are active all year round and are easily transmitted from animal to animal. Mite infestations are most common in puppies and can affect different areas of the body, 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 the dog's body odor and warmth unattractive to ticks, fleas and mites. Regular prophylaxis against parasites is therefore part of caring for your dog and keeping him healthy. For this purpose, natural remedies such as essential oils, herbs or food supplements are suitable, which are safe for humans and animals and can be used both externally and internally.

Essential oils for external and internal use

Pure black seed oil, coconut oil, or a blend of the two are especially good for keeping parasites away from dogs. Make sure the oil is certified organic and not refined, but virgin and cold pressed. You can add the oils to your dog's food to take advantage of other healthy ingredients as well. For external use, you can rub the oil on the coat before the 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 with it to get the oil down to the skin and give your dog an extra massage.

Black cumin oil

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

The dosage

of oil to feed or in drinking water depends on the size and body weight of your dog. Note, however, that excessive amounts can be toxic to the liver. Therefore, it is best to consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog is pregnant or has liver disease.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid (at a level of about 50 percent) and is highly repellent to insects. It is a solid oil that melts with heat and spreads well. Coconut oil is excellent for caring for the puncture site after a tick bite, as well as for general skin and coat care. The scent of coconut is pleasant to both animal and human.

The constant feeding of coconut oil provides a worm-proof intestinal environment, strengthens the immune system and is also well tolerated by puppies. However, the dosage and steady feeding should also be discussed with your veterinarian, especially in case 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.

Keep the following in mind when using oils for dogs.

Some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to certain oils, especially essential oils. Therefore, test the oil in small amounts first to see if it is suitable for your dog. For external use, it's a good idea to dilute essential oils. Be sure to discuss internal administration of oil with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has pre-existing conditions. Lemon, tea tree, lavender, cedar or eucalyptus oils work strongly against ticks and fleas due to their intense scent, but dogs can often find this scent too strong and unpleasant. Mixing it with water can tone down the smell a bit 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 with it before the walk. However, pay attention to eyes and mucous membranes.

Important: Oils should only be used on the skin as a prophylactic. If a tick has already bitten and comes into contact with oil, it may cause it to vomit and possibly transmit more bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar, lemon and orange peels.

Apple cider vinegar is a time-honored home remedy for ticks, grass mites and fleas. When diluted with water, it is good for external use as a prophylactic and is well tolerated by many dogs. A decoction of boiled lemon or orange peel can help prevent fleas in particular. Rinse your dog's coat thoroughly with clean water after half an hour.

Herbs as parasite prophylaxis

Supplementing your dog's food with herbs can help prevent parasites. Peppermint, cistus, wormwood, thyme and rosemary are some herbs that are suitable for this purpose. However, not every dog likes herbs in its food. For better acceptance, it is recommended to buy ready-made herb mixtures or powders. Especially in the BARF area, there is a good selection of mixtures that have been specially developed for parasite prophylaxis.

Snacks and treats with natural 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. Note, however, that such products take about four weeks to take effect. Herbal collars for dogs that can be applied externally are also available. However, the concentration of fragrances in such collars may be too low to have a sufficient effect.

Peppermint and brewer's yeast

A peppermint sachet placed in your dog's favorite spots can work naturally against fleas, as the scent is unpleasant to them. Simply fill a cloth bag with finely chopped peppermint. Brewer's yeast, on the other hand, is a popular home remedy due to its high vitamin B content and repellent effect on parasites. It imperceptibly alters the dog's odor and acts as a deterrent. There are ready-made natural-based food supplements for dogs that contain vitamin B, black cumin and brewer's yeast. These products are offered in powder or capsule form and can be mixed well with food.

Do amber necklaces provide protection against parasites?

Amber necklaces are advertised as a natural repellent against parasites. The fossilized tree resin from coniferous woods develops an odor when rubbed off, which parasites can detect. However, there is no scientific evidence for the effect of amber necklaces. In addition, there is a high risk of injury when using these collars, as the dog could strangle itself while playing or getting stuck. Therefore, amber chains are more suitable for small and calmer dogs.

Try and watch

There is no miracle cure in the fight against parasites. Try out what your dog accepts and tolerates from the variety of natural and harmless alternatives to conventional chemical products. Note, however, that no tick protection is as effective as thoroughly brushing your dog after every walk and keeping his favorite spot clean. However, a combination of natural methods can provide good prophylaxis and protect your dog from parasites in a healthy way.