How to Protect Your Dog from Ticks in Belgium

Ticks in Belgium: where and when?

Ticks are one of the main parasitic risks for dogs in Belgium, a country whose climate is particularly favourable to their spread thanks to its many wooded and damp areas. They are present everywhere, but especially in:

• The Ardennes forest and the Hautes Fagnes
• The Sonian Forest (Brussels)
• Nature parks and wooded areas
• Meadows and tall grassy areas

Risk season: Ticks become active as soon as the temperature rises above 7°C. In practice, that means April to November in Belgium, with a peak in May-June and September-October. With climate change, some ticks now survive mild winters, which is gradually extending the period requiring vigilance.

Diseases ticks can transmit to dogs

• Lyme disease (Borreliosis) — transmission after 24-48h of attachment
• Canine ehrlichiosis — fever, loss of appetite, bleeding
• Babesiosis (piroplasmosis) — destruction of red blood cells, serious
• Anaplasmosis — joint pain, lethargy

How to remove a tick

1. Use a proper tick remover tool (not tweezers)
2. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible
3. Turn gently anticlockwise while pulling
4. Disinfect the area with an antiseptic
5. Note the date and monitor your dog for 2 weeks

The best preventive treatments

Natural repellent collar (our recommendation)

Our Collier-Protect collar offers 24 months of continuous protection thanks to plant-based active ingredients that repel ticks before they can attach. Ideal for year-round prevention.

Spot-on treatments

Effective for 4 weeks. Needs renewing every month during tick season. More practical for dogs that swim often.

Tablets (prescription only)

The most powerful solutions (Bravecto, Nexgard). Veterinary prescription only. Protection for up to 3 months.

Can you combine several protections?

Yes — in high-risk areas (forest walks), you can combine our natural collar with a repellent spray before your walk for maximum protection.

Post-walk habit: check your dog thoroughly

After every outing in a wooded or grassy area, get into the habit of checking your dog, especially the areas where ticks most often attach: around the ears, between the paw pads, under the armpits, and around the neck. A regular check lets you remove a tick before it has time to transmit a disease, since the risk rises sharply after 24 to 48 hours of attachment.

Areas to avoid or watch closely

Some densely wooded, damp areas of Belgium are particularly favourable to ticks during the season. While it isn't necessary to avoid them entirely, extra vigilance and preventive protection are recommended before heading into these environments, especially during peak periods (May-June, September-October).

Frequently asked questions

Can a tick transmit a disease immediately after attaching?

No, the risk of transmission increases with attachment time and becomes significant after 24 to 48 hours. That's why a quick check after every outing is the best complement to preventive treatment.

Does the natural collar also protect in dense forest?

Yes, the collar works continuously regardless of the environment. In areas with a very high tick density, you can still reinforce protection with a repellent spray before heading out.

Should you see a vet after every tick bite?

Not necessarily, but it's recommended to monitor your dog for the two weeks following the bite and to see a vet if there's fever, unusual tiredness or loss of appetite.