Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
Being a dog parent, you can never take protection against parasites like ticks lightly. Ticks may appear small, but these blood-sucking parasites are capable of transmitting deadly infections. From fever and fatigue to life-threatening diseases, ticks are a growing concern across the US.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tick-borne diseases in dogs, from various types to common symptoms. You’ll also learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures to ensure your dog’s safety against ticks.
We’re starting with the fundamentals!
What is Tick-borne Disease in Dogs?
Tick-borne diseases are essentially parasitic and bacterial infections transmitted by ticks. These tiny blood-sucking parasites carry several infectious microorganisms, which they transmit to the dog’s bloodstream with their saliva when they bite them for a blood meal. What’s important to note here is that the ticks need to remain attached for some time to transmit the infection.
Therefore, if not treated in a timely manner, these microorganisms can develop into potentially deadly diseases, making prevention absolutely crucial. Moreover, it’s important to be informed and proactive, as tick-borne diseases are common throughout the US. However, they are more prevalent in heavily wooded areas with tall grasses, streams, or rivers.
How to Identify Tick-borne Diseases in Dogs?
Here are the common signs that will help you determine if your dog has a tick-borne disease:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Lameness
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Breathing issues
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Swollen belly or legs
- Eye or nasal discharge
- Pale gums
- Skin bruising
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody urine
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
If you notice these symptoms, promptly take your dog to the vet to identify the kind of tick-borne disease bothering them.
What are the Various Tick-borne Diseases in Dogs?
Let’s understand the various diseases ticks can transmit to your dog. Getting this knowledge will help you take timely measures and help your pet better.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease typically carried by black-legged ticks or brown dog ticks. It is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which impacts the white blood cells, and Anaplasma platys, which affects platelets. A dog with Anaplasmosis will usually display lethargy, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Lyme Disease
Also known as borreliosis, Lyme disease in dogs is a serious bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It is typically transmitted through the bites of black-legged ticks (Deer ticks); however, they need to be attached for about 24 to 48 hours to transmit the infection. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences such as organ failure.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a parasitic disease in dogs caused by protozoa of the genus Babesia, which is usually transmitted through the bite of infected American dog ticks and/or brown dog ticks. However, it can also spread through the bites of an infected dog, IV blood, or transfer to unborn puppies through their mother.
Ehrlichiosis
Bacteria from the Ehrlichia genus cause this tick-borne infection by infecting the white blood cells and platelets in dogs. Brown dog ticks and lone star ticks transmit Ehrlichiosis. However, the symptoms usually appear after about 1 to 3 weeks. The common symptoms include fever, runny eyes, nosebleeds, loss of appetite, bruising, and swollen limbs.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain wood ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever through their bites. The infectious bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii causes this disease. However, the ticks must remain attached for 5 to 20 hours before they can transmit the infection. The common symptoms of RMSF include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, joint pain, and poor appetite.
Hepatozoonosis
The Brown Dog tick carries Hepatozoon canis and the Gulf Coast tick carries Hepatozoon americanum, both of which commonly cause this tick-borne disease in dogs. Hepatozoonosis manifests itself when a dog swallows an infected tick or eats prey infected by the tick. The symptoms include fever, runny eyes and nose, muscle pain, and weight loss.
Now that you are aware of the various tick-borne disease in dogs, let’s move forward and understand how the daignosis and treatment happens for this disease.
How Tick-borne Diseases are Diagnosed and Treated?
To diagnose tick-borne diseases in dogs, the vet will first perform a physical examination. They will also ask about the dog’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Then, to identify the type of tick-borne disease, they will do a blood test.
On the identification of the disease type, the vet will recommend a suitable treatment plan as per your dog’s condition. The treatment typically involves prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline; however, the dose may vary depending on the severity of the disease.
The vet may also recommend prebiotics, anti-inflammatory treatments, or flea and tick treatments to address gastrointestinal issues and other issues, including preventing further infestations.
Tips to Help Prevent Tick-borne Diseases
Here are some valuable preventive measures that you can follow to keep your dog away from the dangers of type of ticks and the diseases they carry.
- Visit your vet regularly and take follow-ups.
- Regularly groom your dog and check them for ticks, especially after walks.
- Avoid going to heavily wooded areas or areas with tall grass when going out for walks.
- If you find ticks attached, remove them using tweezers. Firmly grip them from their mouthparts and pull them without crushing or rotating.
- Regularly mow your lawn and mind the length of the grass.
- Keep your pet’s surroundings clean.
- Consult your vet and administer suitable flea and tick treatments such as Frontline Plus, Simparica Trio, Nexgard, etc.
The Bottom Line
Having the knowledge of tick-borne diseases in dogs is the first step in ensuring your beloved pet’s safety. Well, we have covered everything you need to know about the various tick-borne diseases, including preventive measures you can actively practice.
In case of any doubt, it’s best to consult your vet. They will address the issue professionally and take measures depending on your dog’s condition and medical history. Good luck!
