{"id":18497,"date":"2026-06-29T06:53:49","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meikovet.ch\/?p=18497"},"modified":"2026-06-29T06:53:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T06:53:49","slug":"tick-protection-for-dogs-and-cats-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/meikovet.ch\/en\/tick-protection-for-dogs-and-cats-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Tick protection for dogs and cats: What you should know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Tick protection for dogs and cats: What you should know<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Switzerland, around 14,000 people are bitten by ticks every year \u2013 and the trend is rising. But it\u2019s not only humans who are at risk: dogs and cats are also popular hosts for ticks.\nIn this blog, you\u2019ll learn why tick protection for dogs and cats is so important, what effective prevention looks like, and which different types of protective products can be used. We look at the pros and cons of common products and recommend getting personalised advice from your veterinarian. \n<\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Researchers in western Switzerland see a possible cause for the sharp increase in recent years in changing climatic conditions. These could mean that ticks can spread more easily in Switzerland. Environmental conditions appear to have developed in a way that has become more favourable for ticks, especially at altitudes between 500 and 1,000 metres above sea level.

The overall trend shows an increase in tick bites, but the numbers fluctuate from year to year. The weather has a major impact on tick activity. <\/p>

Studies show that 10% to 30% of ticks can carry pathogens such as Borrelia, Anaplasma or Babesia. Ticks prefer to stay in undergrowth or on plants along forest edges and paths, but they can also be found in parks, gardens and, of course, meadows \u2013 usually up to 1.5 metres above the ground \u2013 where they wait for passing people or animals. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ticks: Small parasites \u2013 big danger for dogs and cats<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ticks are not only unpleasant, but can also transmit serious diseases to pets. In Switzerland, certain infections in dogs and cats in particular are among the relevant tick-borne diseases. In cats, anaplasmosis is the main one \u2013 other diseases are very rare in them. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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  • Lyme disease <\/strong>(Lyme disease): This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi<\/em>. Possible symptoms in pets include fever, painful joints and general lethargy.

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  • Babesiosis:<\/strong> A parasitic infection that attacks red blood cells. Typical signs include anaemia, weakness and fever.

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  • Anaplasmosis:<\/strong> Caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum<\/em>, this infection can lead to loss of appetite, fever and joint problems in animals.

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  • Ehrlichiosis:<\/strong> A bacterial disease that can affect the body\u2019s immune system. Symptoms include fever, weight loss and a tendency to bleed, among others.

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  • TBE (tick-borne encephalitis):<\/strong> A viral infection of the central nervous system. However, it occurs only extremely rarely in dogs and cats. <\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outdoors \u2013 especially in forests, meadows or tall grass \u2013 have an increased risk of coming into contact with ticks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Tick-borne diseases in pets in Switzerland<\/h3>

    Reliable statistics on tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats in Switzerland are currently not available. However, since pets often use the same habitats as humans \u2013 such as forests, meadows or gardens \u2013 it can be assumed that they are exposed to a comparable risk and may be affected accordingly. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    How to protect your pet from ticks:<\/h2>

    Most diseases transmitted by ticks are only passed on to the animal hours after the bite \u2013 usually only after 24 to 36 hours. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to check your pet carefully for ticks every day. When removing a tick, make sure no part of it, especially the head, remains in the skin to avoid inflammation. In general, dogs are more susceptible to tick-borne diseases than cats. To reduce the risk, consistent tick protection is recommended. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Here are a few tips for tick prevention:<\/h3>
    • Regular use of tick preventatives:<\/strong>There are various products such as spot-on treatments, tick collars, tablets or injections that either repel ticks (repellent) or kill them. Many of these products also protect against other parasites such as fleas and lice and provide protection for several weeks, months or even a whole year.

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    • Daily coat check:<\/strong> Especially after outings in the forest, meadow or tall grass, you should check your animal thoroughly to spot ticks early.

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    • Remove ticks immediately:<\/strong>If you find a tick, remove it quickly and carefully using special tick tweezers, a tick card or a tick hook to minimise the risk of disease transmission.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Products for tick protection<\/h3>\nThere are various ways to protect dogs and cats from ticks. Depending on the species, habitat, age and individual needs, different products are used. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to consult a veterinarian before use to find the right product for your pet. This ensures optimal protection. \n\nHere is an overview of common products that work against ticks:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Type<\/th>Advantages<\/th>Disadvantages<\/th>Use<\/th>Mode of action<\/th>Animal species<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Tablet<\/strong>(Oral products that work internally)<\/td>
      • No risk of licking<\/li>
      • Very reliable effect<\/li>
      • Often also active against other parasites such as mites and fleas<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      • Prescription-only<\/li>
      • Ticks have to bite to die<\/li>
      • Rare: gastrointestinal issues or other side effects<\/li>
      • Not effective against sandflies<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      		Repeat administration required; tablets are available for 1 month or 3 months<\/td>Killing<\/td>Depending on the product, for dogs and cats<\/td><\/tr>
      Spot-on<\/strong>(Liquid solution applied directly to the skin at the back of the neck.)<\/td>
      • Easy to use<\/li>
      • Protection for several weeks (usually 4\u20136 weeks)<\/li>
      • Partly effective against ticks, fleas and other parasites<\/li>
      • Effective against sandflies<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      • Risk of licking (especially in cats and multi-dog households)<\/li>
      • Possible skin irritation<\/li>
      • Depending on the product, toxic to cats<\/li>
      • Environmental impact (fish, amphibians, bees)<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      		Repeat application required (every 4\u20136 weeks)<\/td>Repellent against ticks and killing depending on the active ingredient<\/td>Depending on the product, for dogs and cats<\/td><\/tr>
      Collar<\/strong>(Special collars that slowly release active ingredients)<\/td>
      • Long duration of effect (up to 8 months)<\/li>
      • Continuous release of active ingredients<\/li>
      • One-time application<\/li>
      • Effective against sandflies<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      • Possible odour<\/li>
      • Risk of getting caught (especially in outdoor cats)<\/li>
      • Environmental impact (fish, amphibians, bees)<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      		Depending on the product, collars are effective for 5\u20138 months<\/td>Repellent against ticks and killing<\/td>Depending on the model, for dogs and cats<\/td><\/tr>
      Injection<\/strong>(Injection administered by veterinarians)<\/td>
      • Long-term effect (1 year)<\/li>
      • Very reliable effect<\/li>
      • No risk of licking as with spot-ons<\/li>
      • No risk of getting caught<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      • Veterinary visit required<\/li>
      • Rather high costs<\/li><\/ul><\/td>
      		Once a year<\/td>Killing<\/td>Dog<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Tablet<\/h3>\n

      (Oral products that work internally)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Advantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • No risk of licking<\/li>\n
      • Very reliable effect<\/li>\n
      • Often also active against other parasites such as mites and fleas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Prescription-only<\/li>\n
      • Ticks have to bite to die<\/li>\n
      • Rare: gastrointestinal issues or other side effects<\/li>\n
      • Not effective against sandflies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Use<\/strong><\/td>\nRepeat administration required; tablets are available for 1 month or 3 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Mode of action<\/strong><\/td>\nKilling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Animal species<\/strong><\/td>\nDepending on the product, for dogs and cats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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      Spot-on<\/h3>\n

      (Liquid solution applied directly to the skin at the back of the neck)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Advantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Easy to use<\/li>\n
      • Protection for several weeks (usually 4\u20136 weeks)<\/li>\n
      • Partly effective against ticks, fleas and other parasites<\/li>\n
      • Effective against sandflies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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      • Risk of licking (especially in cats and multi-dog households)<\/li>\n
      • Possible skin irritation<\/li>\n
      • Depending on the product, toxic to cats<\/li>\n
      • Environmental impact (fish, amphibians, bees)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Use<\/strong><\/td>\nRepeat application required (every 4\u20136 weeks)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Mode of action<\/strong><\/td>\nRepellent against ticks and killing depending on the active ingredient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Animal species<\/strong><\/td>\nDepending on the product, for dogs and cats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      <\/p>\n\n

      Collar<\/h3>\n

      (Special collars that slowly release active ingredients)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Advantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Long duration of effect (up to 8 months)<\/li>\n
      • Continuous release of active ingredients<\/li>\n
      • One-time application<\/li>\n
      • Effective against sandflies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Possible odour<\/li>\n
      • Risk of getting caught (especially in outdoor cats)<\/li>\n
      • Environmental impact (fish, amphibians, bees)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Use<\/strong><\/td>\nDepending on the product, collars are effective for 5\u20138 months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Mode of action<\/strong><\/td>\nRepellent against ticks and killing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Animal species<\/strong><\/td>\nDepending on the model, for dogs and cats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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      Injection<\/h3>\n

      (Injection administered by veterinarians)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
      Advantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
        \n
      • Long-term effect (1 year)<\/li>\n
      • Very reliable effect<\/li>\n
      • No risk of licking as with spot-ons<\/li>\n
      • No risk of getting caught<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Disadvantages<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
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      • Veterinary visit required<\/li>\n
      • Rather high costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Use<\/strong><\/td>\nOnce a year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Mode of action<\/strong><\/td>\nKilling<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
      Animal species<\/strong><\/td>\nDog<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Author:<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\"Dr.\n\n

      Dr. med. vet. Laura Loi, FVH <\/b>
      Dr. med. vet. Laura Loi is head veterinarian at MeikoVet in Maienfeld. <\/p>\n\n