🐾 Understanding Ticks in Zürich

When are ticks active?
In and around Zürich, ticks (especially Ixodes ricinus) thrive from March through October, with peak activity during May–June and September. Mild winters have extended their season, so vigilance is important even early and late in the year.

Where are they found?
Ticks live in shaded, humid areas like woodlands, forest edges, long grass, and gardens.

Risks Ticks Carry

Ticks are vectors of several diseases:

  • Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi): the most common.

  • Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): a viral infection affecting the brain; Switzerland has endemic regions.

  • Others: Bartonella, Rickettsia, and less commonly Babesia. Prompt tick removal helps reduce infection risk.

The "Zecke" App

Swiss federal health agencies recommend the free “Tick Prevention” (Zecke) app:

  • Real‑time local tick-risk maps for planning walks.

  • Reminders for self-checks and symptom diaries.

  • Advice on tick removal.

This app helps for personal prevention, not for pets—but it’s valuable for dog owners and families.

Prevention Measures

For Humans

  1. Clothing: wear long sleeves and light-colored clothes. Tuck trousers into socks.

  2. Repellents: use DEET or Icaridin on skin and clothes.

  3. Check frequently: inspect skin, especially after returning from walks.

For Dogs

Local dog owners have shared their experiences in Zuri Teddies—these solutions are well-tested:

Scalibor® protective collar

  • Worn continuously—effectively kills ticks on contact.

  • Good for ~6 months.

  • Members report finding dead ticks soon after collar application, and a significant reduction thereafter.

Bravecto® chewable tablet (Fluralaner)

  • Oral chew given every 12 weeks.

  • Proven effective against ticks, with no side effects for many dogs.

  • Multiple community members found it stopped tick issues entirely.

NexGard® chewable (Afoxolaner)

  • Monthly tablet for fleas and ticks.

Effitix® spot-on (Fipronil/Permethrin)

  • Monthly topical application.

  • Highly effective in the community—several dogs went tick-free.

Post-Walk Routine (Dogs + Humans)

  1. Check your dog thoroughly—especially ears, belly, inside legs, neck.

  2. Remove ticks promptly using proper tools.

  3. Disinfect the bite site.

  4. Monitor both dog and family for signs: rash, fever, fatigue over the following weeks.

  5. Log incidents in the Zecke app (for humans).

  6. Vet visit if symptoms appear in either dog or human.

TBE Vaccination

  • Highly recommended for anyone visiting forested or grassy areas in Switzerland, including Zürich.

  • Basic schedule: 3 doses over 6–12 months; boosters every 5–10 years based on risk.

  • Available through GPs or travel clinics—not for dogs.

  • Dogs cannot be vaccinated for TBE; prevention relies solely on tick control.

Final Tips for Zuri Teddies Families

  • Stay informed: use the Zecke app before outdoor outings.

  • Choose the right tick control: Scalibor® collars, Bravecto®, NexGard®, or Effitix® are all solid options—consult your vet.

  • Be proactive after walks: check, clean, log, and monitor to catch early signs.

  • Consider TBE vaccination for all humans in the household.

By combining awareness, digital tools, preventive treatments, and consistent post-walk routines, we can protect our beloved Cobberdogs, doodles—and ourselves—from tick-borne threats here in Zürich 🌿