Have you ever found a tiny tick attached to your furry friend after a pleasant walk in the woods? It might seem like just a minor nuisance, but these little parasites can actually cause major health issues for your dog. As someone who’s seen my own pup suffer from tick-related problems, I wanted to share some important information that could help protect your four-legged companion.
Why Should You Worry About Ticks?
Ticks aren’t just gross—they’re dangerous. These tiny parasites attach themselves to your dog, feed on their blood, and can transmit a variety of serious diseases directly into your dog’s system. What makes this especially concerning is that symptoms often don’t appear immediately, making it difficult to connect your dog’s illness with a tick bite that might have happened weeks or even months ago.
The geography of tick distribution is changing too. Due to climate change, deforestation, and changing patterns of deer, birds, and rodent migration, ticks are now found in virtually all parts of the United States, including urban areas. They’re not just a rural problem anymore!
The 7 Major Tick-Borne Diseases That Affect Dogs
Let’s dive into the most common tick-borne diseases that can affect your precious pup
1. Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is probably the most well-known tick disease, accounting for nearly 82% of all vector-borne illnesses in dogs. It’s caused by bacteria called Borrelia and is transmitted by the black-legged tick (deer tick).
Symptoms include
- Fever
- Joint inflammation and pain
- Recurrent lameness (often in the leg nearest to the tick bite)
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to kidney disease, which can be fatal. Unlike in humans, dogs don’t develop the characteristic “bull’s eye” rash.
2. Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria called Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by the brown dog tick and lone star tick.
Symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Bleeding issues and bruising
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Kidney disease
This disease often causes changes to blood cells, particularly platelets, which can lead to abnormal bleeding or bruising. Some dogs experience nosebleeds or bloody urine.
3. Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is caused by bacteria (Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys) and is spread by the black-legged tick, western black-legged tick, or brown dog tick.
Symptoms include:
- Lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory difficulty
Some dogs with Anaplasmosis may experience cyclic thrombocytopenia, where their platelets are intermittently lowered, making this disease challenging to diagnose due to waxing and waning symptoms.
4. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Despite its name, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is not limited to the Rocky Mountain range—it’s actually most prevalent in the southeastern and Gulf Coast states but can be found across the country.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Poor appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint and muscle pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Neurologic symptoms (like wobbliness or balance issues)
- Vomiting
Unlike some other tick-borne diseases, RMSF can be transmitted within minutes of a tick bite, not requiring the longer attachment time that some other diseases need.
5. Babesiosis
Babesiosis is caused by protozoan parasites that infect red blood cells. It can be transmitted by multiple species of ticks but can also spread directly from dog-to-dog, particularly in the case of Babesia gibsoni (common in Pit Bull Terriers). It can even be transmitted from a mother dog to her puppies in the womb.
Symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Low platelet count
- Red or brown urine
- Jaundice
- Pale gums
Dogs who recover may remain carriers for life, even without showing symptoms.
6. Bartonellosis
Bartonellosis is less commonly known but can cause serious problems. While it’s more often associated with cats (it’s the bacteria that causes “cat scratch disease” in humans), dogs can get it too. It can be transmitted through ticks, fleas, lice, and sand flies.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Joint pain
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Heart or liver disease (if left untreated)
Bartonellosis is zoonotic, meaning it can pass directly from animals to people.
7. Hepatozoonosis
Hepatozoonosis is a bit different from other tick diseases. Dogs typically get infected by eating a tick rather than being bitten by one. Two species of protozoan can cause this disease: Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Anemia
- Enlarged lymph nodes
Hepatozoonosis can be severely debilitating and often fatal if not treated properly.
How Tick-Borne Diseases Affect Your Dog’s Body
When ticks bite your dog, they can transmit organisms that invade your dog’s cells and hijack their immune system. Some of these organisms can even help each other survive inside your pet’s body, leading to recurring or chronic infections.
These organisms cause inflammation in your dog’s organs and tissues, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. In many cases, symptoms don’t appear until several weeks after infection, making diagnosis challenging.
Long-Term Effects of Tick-Borne Diseases
The severity of long-term effects varies widely. Some dogs never show symptoms, while others develop serious, life-threatening conditions. Possible long-term effects include:
- Permanent joint pain and swelling
- Neurological issues (stumbling, coordination problems)
- Bleeding disorders
- Respiratory issues
- Compromised immune system
- Kidney damage (especially with Lyme disease)
Kidney damage is particularly concerning because kidneys don’t recover well from injury. Dogs with tick-borne kidney disease often require lifelong management—if they survive the initial illness.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Your vet might use several methods to diagnose a tick-borne disease:
- Point-of-care tests (often combined with heartworm tests)
- Complete blood count and serum chemistry
- Specialized blood tests sent to diagnostic labs
- Microscopic examination of blood cells
Treatment
Since most tick-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, treatment typically involves antibiotics. Doxycycline is commonly prescribed and usually needs to be given for several weeks or longer to fully clear the infection.
For protozoal diseases like Babesiosis, different medications or combinations of medications might be needed.
During treatment, your vet might also recommend probiotics to prevent gastrointestinal issues caused by the antibiotics.
Recurring tick-borne conditions can be challenging to beat completely. Even after your dog appears to have recovered, regular blood work may be necessary to detect recurrences early.
3 Ways to Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases
1. Use Year-Round Tick Prevention
The #1 defense against tick-borne diseases is year-round tick prevention medication. Talk to your vet about which product is best for your dog based on where you live, your dog’s age, and lifestyle.
Remember, no prevention method is 100% effective, so you’ll still need to be vigilant.
2. Check Your Dog for Ticks After Outdoor Activities
Whenever your dog has been in areas where ticks might be present (forests, tall grass, farmland), inspect their skin thoroughly when you get home. Pay special attention to:
- In and around the ears
- Around the eyelids
- Under the collar
- Under the front legs
- Between the back legs
- Between the toes
- Around the tail
3. Consider Vaccination (For Lyme Disease)
In areas where Lyme disease is common, vaccination may be an option. Ask your vet if the Lyme vaccine would be appropriate for your pet. While its efficacy and duration are sometimes questioned, it may reduce the severity of illness if your dog gets infected.
What To Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog
If you find a tick, proper removal is crucial. Ticks have a structure called a hypostome (like a harpoon) that embeds into your dog’s skin, making removal challenging. They also secrete a substance called cementum that acts like glue.
Gentle removal is key to ensure you get the entire tick out. If part remains in your dog’s skin, it could become infected. If you’re unsure how to safely remove a tick, ask your vet for guidance.
Final Thoughts
As a dog owner who’s dealt with the stress and worry of a tick-borne illness, I can’t emphasize enough how important prevention is. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to prevent these diseases than to treat them.
Don’t let fear of ticks keep you and your pup from enjoying the outdoors, though! By being informed and taking precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk while still letting your dog have fun exploring nature.
Remember, early detection and treatment give your dog the best chance of a full recovery. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially after your dog has been in tick-prone areas, contact your vet right away.
Have you ever found a tick on your dog? How do you protect your furry friend from these dangerous parasites? We’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the health of your pet.
Prevention of Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs
You can protect your dog in several ways from tick-borne disease. Most importantly, use a topical tick preventive such as Simparica Trio™, NexGard®, or Revolution® year-round to prevent ticks from attaching to your dog.
When walking your dog, avoid areas with tall grass and woods to reduce the risk of tick exposure. Regularly scan your dog’s fur and skin for ticks and promptly remove any you may find.
Puppies over 8 weeks of age and adult dogs who are at risk for Lyme disease, such as those who live near wooded areas or in areas where the disease is prevalent, should receive the Lyme disease vaccine.
Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs FAQs
Dogs can survive tick-borne diseases with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, if the disease is left untreated, symptoms may progress quickly and lead to death. Babesiosis and hepatozoonosis in particular are unpredictable and may be fatal despite treatment.
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FAQ
Can ticks cause problems in dogs?
Major tick-borne diseases transmitted to dogs in the United States include: Lyme disease, which comes from the deer tick, can cause stiffness, lameness, swollen joints, loss of appetite, fever and fatigue. Your dog may not show signs of the disease until several months after infected.
How long does it take for tick-borne diseases to show up in dogs?
Symptoms in dogs after a tick bite can vary depending on the disease transmitted, but can appear from a few days to several months after the bite. For example, signs of Lyme disease can take two to five months to show, while ehrlichiosis might become apparent within 8-20 days. It’s essential to monitor your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite, even if no symptoms are visible immediately, and consult a veterinarian if you suspect a tick-borne illness.
How quickly can a tick make a dog sick?
Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite.May 15, 2024
Can tics be harmful to dogs?
Yes, ticks are very bad for dogs as they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can cause long-term health problems and can even be fatal. Ticks can also cause anemia from blood loss in heavy infestations, and their bites can become infected. Regular tick prevention, prompt removal of ticks, and veterinary check-ups are crucial to protecting your dog’s health.