In spring and summer ticks do not stop even puppies. The pesky pests lurk in woods and meadows and can transmit nasty diseases to humans and dogs. Therefore, good tick protection is especially important for your puppy. Here you can read which means are best suited for this.
The most important thing in advance
- Ticks can transmit dangerous diseases to dogs and humans.
- Tick collars for dogs are a great way to protect your pup from ticks.
- There are different types of tick repellents with different active ingredients. Click here for our comparison.
You don’t have time to scroll? These are the best tick repellents for puppies:
- WIRKSAMKEIT: Seresto wehrt und tötet Zecken ab, bevor sie stechen, schützt vor Flöhen und verringert das Infektionsrisiko durch den von Sandmücken übertragenen Erreger der Leishmaniose
- LANGANHALTEND: Seresto gibt seine Wirkstoffe kontrolliert in geringen aber wirksamen Mengen ab. So wird Ihr Hund bis zu 8 Monate lang durchgehend vor Flöhen und Zecken geschützt
Letzte Aktualisierung am 2023-06-04 / Bei den Verlinkungen handelt es sich um Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API
Letzte Aktualisierung am 2023-06-04 / Bei den Verlinkungen handelt es sich um Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API
Ticks: dangerous for puppies and humans
The tick season runs from spring to fall and can often cost dog owners their last nerve when the dog’s fur is teeming with the little bloodsuckers after a walk.
Even puppies romping through the tall grass are not spared from the parasites.
Apart from the fact that the small arachnids are quite disgusting, they can transmit various pathogens, some of which cause very dangerous diseases. These include, among others, Lyme disease / meningitis, ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis.
A good tick guard is therefore a must to protect your puppy from tick infestation and prevent disease transmission.
Regularly scan the coat!
During the months with high temperatures, you should thoroughly clean your puppy’s coat after every walk. If you spot a tick, if you’re lucky, you can still remove it with tick tongs before it bites.
Tick protection for puppies: these options are available
There are several varieties of tick repellents for puppies available on the market. Basically, one can distinguish between four types: Spot-on preparations, tick collars, chewable tablets and alternative methods of protection.
Spot-On preparations
- These preparations are a pipette with liquid. This is applied to the skin along the back line of the puppy.
- The active ingredients are released into the coat grease film and thus spread over the body.
- The active ingredients are mostly insecticides, i.e. nerve agents. This kills or paralyzes the ticks.
- Spot-on preparations have a high effectiveness and usually even a repellent, i.e. deterrent, effect.
- They have no inherent odor and are non-toxic to humans.
- In rare cases, however, they can cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Tick collars
- Have the same mode of action as spot-ons: the active ingredients are released into the greasy film of the coat and skin and thus spread over the body.
- The active ingredients are also mostly insecticides that kill or paralyze ticks.
- However, there are also tick collars that rely on fragrances or essential oils. However, their effectiveness is not proven, so here you should pay close attention to good reviews.
- Tick collars are also highly effective and often have a repellent effect.
- They also have no inherent odor when not using scented essences and are non-toxic to humans.
- In rare cases, they can also cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Sprays
- Act similar to spot-ons and spread in the fur and greasy film of the skin.
- The active ingredients are insecticides that kill or paralyze ticks, there are also sprays with herbal fragrances.
- Sprays are easy to apply and simple to spray on.
- Protect mostly reliable and do not smell.
- In rare cases, they can also cause allergic reactions in dogs.
- Can be easily washed off if the dog should react allergic.
Chewable tablets
- The tablets are swallowed by the dog. Thus, the active ingredients enter the blood and the dog’s bloodstream.
- Again, the active ingredient is insecticides, which act as described above.
- Chewable tablets can work well, but serious complications can occur if the dog does not tolerate the tablet. Since the active ingredient is then already spread throughout the bloodstream, treatment becomes difficult in the case of allergic reactions.
Natural or alternative tick protection
In addition to the above, there are also a number of alternative ways to protect your puppy from the pests. From cistus powder, to amber necklaces, EM ceramic collars, to a fragrance spray.
These are based on natural active ingredients and do not endanger the health of your puppy. However, there are many preparations whose effect has either not been confirmed or which have been proven to be ineffective.
So here you should pay attention to good reviews and weigh them carefully. Because preventing serious diseases should definitely be your first priority.
Tick repellent for puppies comparison
You are looking for a tick repellent for dogs, but are completely overwhelmed by the large number of different products?
Here you will find an overview of the different tick repellents and individual products in comparison.
Letzte Aktualisierung am 2023-06-04 / Bei den Verlinkungen handelt es sich um Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API
Buy tick protection for puppies – What you should pay attention to
To find the right one for your puppy among all the tick repellents, you should pay attention to a few criteria.
The active ingredients
There are many different agents with different active ingredients. You will find this information on the packaging or in the package insert of reputable manufacturers.
Common active ingredients in tick collars or spot-ons include: deltamethrin, permethrin, flumethrin, imidacloprid, fipronil, carbamate or organophosphates.
Some active ingredients such as imidacloprid or fipronil have a repellent effect against parasites. This means that ticks do not attach to the dog in the first place or leave immediately.
Before buying, find out exactly about the active ingredient contained and its effect and possible side effects.
The age and weight of your puppy
Depending on which active ingredients, are contained in the collar, the dog should have reached a certain age before he gets a tick remedy.
Many agents should not be used until after the 12th week. Pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions!
Some tick remedies are also not suitable for puppies weighing less than 2 kg. You should pay attention to this if you have a puppy of a small breed, such as a Chihuahua or Jack Russell Terrier.
It is best to consult with your veterinarian again before use.
Allergies and intolerances
Before buying, you should think about whether your puppy has allergies or intolerances. Because these can influence whether he tolerates the tick remedy well.
If your dog has an intolerance or allergy, it’s best to talk to your vet about appropriate tick protection.

Are tick repellents dangerous for humans?
No. In principle, the active ingredients contained in tick repellents are not dangerous for us. However, many manufacturers point out that you should thoroughly wash your hands after petting the dog.
A little caution is needed with young children. These should not cuddle excessively with the dog or sleep with him in bed.
Attention with cats in the household! Active substances can be toxic!
If you are also a cat fan and there are cats in your household, you should pay extra attention when choosing a tick repellent. This is because certain active ingredients such as permethrin or deltamethrin are toxic to cats and can cause serious poisoning.
Therefore, inform yourself before buying, whether the ingredients are safe for your cat!
Tick remedies: prevent side effects and risks in the puppy
Even though the active ingredients in tick collars are usually well tolerated, you should always keep a close eye on your puppy.
If he shows itching, nervousness, physical discomfort, or other features that indicate an allergic reaction, you should act quickly, remove the tick repellent if possible, and contact your veterinarian.
Here you will find more information about the topic ‘Ticks’:
Frequently asked questions:
At what age can you use a tick repellent in puppies?
Tick products with insecticides or fragrances should be avoided with small puppies as a precaution. Some means can be used from the 12th week. From what age exactly they can be used, it is written on the packaging of the collar.
Are ticks dangerous for puppies?
Quite clearly: Yes. They can transmit nasty diseases like canine malaria or Lyme disease, which can also become chronic.
What tick protection for puppies?
There are several options here, from tick collars to spot-on to sprays or chewable tablets. You can find our favorites here.
What tick collar for puppies?
Effective and mostly well tolerated are tick collars from Seresto or Advantix. You can ask the manufacturer if they are suitable for a puppy.
What do veterinarians recommend against ticks?
It all depends on the individual dog and you as the owner. It’s best to consult your veterinarian for advice on which tick repellent is best for you and a puppy.
How harmful are tick repellents for puppies?
For humans, the tick repellents with insecticides are usually harmless. Allergic reactions may occasionally occur in dogs.
Are you using a tick guard for your puppy?
What are your experiences with it?
We are always happy to receive tips, experience reports and any comments.