DIY: Tick repellent collar with EM ceramics.

A natural way to keep your dogs flea and tick free all summer? That sounds almost too good to be true. And I have to admit that that was exactly my first thought when I found out about the EM ceramics. It sounded a bit fluffy and vague so I didn’t pay more attention to it until a bit later a friend mentioned it. I read a bit more and decided to just give it a try. You can buy collars like these from many small shops or make your own. I love making things for my dogs so I ordered these little ceramic pipes online, got the paracord out and made 2 collars already.
The plan is to make one for each dog but I got a bit delayed because of blisters on my fingers 🙂 – yeah, DIY comes with a few minor risks (but a lot of fun). A bit of tape on your fingers will prevent accidents like this easily:-).
Here is what you need:
– EM pipes. I ordered them online. My dogs
have a neck size of about 40cm/17inch and I use 13-14 pipes for each collar.
– Paracord 2mm. (if you use a knot where you need the 2 cords to go through the pipes)
– A buckle/ rings/…
– scissors
– a lighter to melt the ends of the paracord
– A pattern for the knots. The most used is probably the Cobra and this blue/green collar is a variation of that one. The Blue/yellow one from Oona is a variation of the Half Hitch but this photo doesn’t want to upload so I have to try again later.
This is the video that I used for the cobra variation:
It’s still an experiment for me as my dogs are only wearing it for a few days now, but if you have any experience with this, feel free to let me know!
Lori
Where can I find the EM beads online?
Fenne
I bought them online from a shop in the Netherlands: http://www.eko4petz.nl
snottyrottyHenny
were did you order your EM ceramic? I have been searching the web for hours but there is so many stores that sell them= mostly for water treatment= and they also refer a lot to burning temp…I don’t want to get the wrong stuff!
Fenne
I bought them online from a shop in the Netherlands: http://www.eko4petz.nl
Jillian
Hi there! Just wondering if the collars worked for you? Did it repel ticks? Thanks!
Fenne
It’s hard to tell, of course, as I can’t compare with another dog that didn’t have it but last summer I found only 2 ticks on my dogs. I will keep using it but also check them daily.
Sally Williams
Hi Are the instructions anywhere for that particular weave? I know it’s a type of cobra but I can’t find any with the cross stitches. Would love to have a go..
Fenne
Hi, I added the video tutorial that I used to the blog. It’s a nice one with the cross, isn’t it? 🙂
Sally Williams
Ooooh thank you, that’s very kind, I’m going to have a go. Presumably you have to have the pipes exposed on both sides so they touch the skin?
Angela Jones
Thanks for the info. I will try to fi d these beads in the US to avoid the shipping costs. I have seen EM beads online but they said nothi g about ticks, only abou5 water treatment. I wonder if they are the same type of beads.
Fenne
I think it’s the same kind, but not sure. Best of luck with finding them!
Janna Stephan
I’d love to know if you find them in the US. I’m looking too. I’m also curious if the water treatment beads are the same and what size to get.
Janette Humphries
I really like the collars you made. I want to give it a go myself. Can I ask how the buckle works please?
Fenne
Hi, I made these without a buckle but just two metal rings. (Slip collar style). Of course, you can just use a buckle or other system too.
Danielle Merkle
Do you know of an online US site that sells the EM beads?
Fenne
Hi Danielle, I’ve seen English/Canadian sites when searching for EM-x, EM ceramic pipes or EM™ (Effective Microorganism) ceramics but I have no experience with ordering there or in the US. I hope you can find them!