If you’ve got a dog with allergies, you know how tough it can be to balance protection from ticks with the need to avoid harsh chemicals. For families like ours—where the dog sleeps in our bed, snuggles on the couch, and follows us through the forests and dunes around Noordwijk—chemical-heavy repellents like collars or sprays just aren’t a safe option.

That’s why we’ve gone looking for natural, plant-based alternatives. The good news? They exist, and they’re effective—with a little daily effort.

🐶 Meet the Challenge: Allergies and Ticks

Ticks are a real problem in the Netherlands, especially in natural areas. And while conventional medications like Simparica (which we use) kill ticks after they bite, they don’t repel them—meaning your dog can still get bitten daily. For allergic dogs, that’s not just annoying; it’s a health risk.

So how do you protect your dog without pesticides? With a multi-layered, eco-friendly strategy.

🌿 The Best Natural Tick Spray for Sensitive Dogs

✅ cdVet ZeckEx Spray

We’ve tested a few natural sprays, and this one wins by a mile. It’s:

• 100% plant-based, made in Germany

• Free from harsh essential oils like citronella or eucalyptus

• Safe for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin

• Non-toxic if licked or absorbed through the skin

• No artificial fragrances

How to use it:
Spray onto your dog’s fur (legs, belly, neck) before going for a walk. Reapply after swimming or on high-risk days (like after a rain in the woods).

Where to buy it:
You can find this spray at several online shops in the Netherlands — and of course, it’s also available via affiliate link in our Pet Care collection.

🧪 Prefer DIY? Try This Mild Neem & Cedarwood Spray

For an ultra-simple homemade version:

• 100 ml distilled water

• ½ tsp pure neem oil

• Optional: 1 drop cedarwood oil (skip if your dog is very sensitive)

Shake well and spray lightly before outings. Always patch-test first.

🛏️ And Yes, It’s Safe for Snuggles

Unlike chemical collars or pesticide-laced drops, these natural sprays don’t linger on the skin in dangerous ways. That means your dog can sleep next to you, roll on your blanket, and still stay protected—naturally.

🐾 Kasper’s Paw of Approval

"I get itchy just thinking about ticks. But I also don’t like it when my fur smells like chemicals or I get weird rashes. This spray doesn’t make me sneeze, and it keeps the ticks away on my walks through the dunes. Snuggle-safe and forest-tested."
– Kasper 🐕

🌱 Future First Tip:

Always combine natural spray protection with daily tick checks and Simparica or similar oral medication. Together, they form a powerful, dog-safe and eco-friendly defense.