Understanding Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

As a dog parent, the most challenging part is protection against parasites like ticks and the threats they bring along. These tiny pests lurking in the tall grass and wooded areas are capable of transmitting several diseases. Caused by microorganisms and carried by ticks, these infections, if left untreated, can lead to severe health conditions.

In this informative guide, we’ll explore tick-borne diseases in dogs. You’ll learn everything from the types and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. We’ll also cover some practical measures you can take to ensure your dog’s prevention against these deadly diseases.

This is important for your furry companion!

What is Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs?

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can go beyond a nuisance. These small parasites are enablers of several potentially dangerous diseases, which they transmit through their saliva when they bite your dog for a blood meal. Essentially, tick-borne diseases are infections caused by microorganisms carried by ticks.

However, the ticks need to remain attached to transmit the infection, making prevention imperative. In some cases, the symptoms may not even surface until several weeks and if left untreated, tick-borne diseases can prove to be life-threatening.

Various Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

In this segment, we’ll discuss the most common tick-borne disease in dogs.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and is transmitted by infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). The ticks transmit the bacteria when they bite your dog for a blood meal. However, they need to be attached for at least 24 to 48 hours to pass the infection.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a bacterial tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum or, less commonly, Anaplasma platys. Also known as granulocytic anaplasmosis, it is transmitted through the bites of black-legged ticks and causes symptoms like lethargy, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Ehrlichiosis

This bacterial condition is caused by an infectious bacteria known as Ehrlichia canis. It can be transmitted by several tick species, including American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks. Typically, the dog may show symptoms about 1-3 weeks after getting infected, and the symptoms may include fever, nosebleeds, bruising, and poor appetite.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a condition caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. It is typically transmitted by American dog ticks, Rocky Mountain wood ticks, and brown dog ticks. The ticks need to be attached for several hours to transmit the infection, and the common symptoms, include high fever, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, joint pain, and poor appetite. This condition is most common in Central, North, and South America.

Babesiosis

This tick-borne disease is caused by parasites of the genus Babesia. It is primarily spread through the bite of infected American dog ticks and/or brown dog ticks. However, Babesiosis can also spread through the bite of an infected dog, IV blood transfusion, or transfer from a pregnant mother to unborn puppies. This condition causes the breakdown of red blood cells, and the common symptoms include lethargy, pale gums, jaundice, dark-colored urine, vomiting, and weakness.

Common Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Dogs with tick-borne disease may display the following symptoms. Being aware of these will help you make prompt decisions.

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Reduces appetite
• Weight loss
• Lameness
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Eye or nasal discharge
• Pale gums
• Breathing issues
• Swollen belly or legs
• Skin bruising
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Bloody urine

If you notice your dog displaying the above-mentioned symptoms, promptly take them to the vet.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases

The vet will start the diagnosis with a physical examination and enquire about your dog’s symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. For further examination, they will ask for a blood test to identify antibodies against tick-borne diseases and narrow down to the kind of disease.

Once the type of tick-borne disease is identified, the vet will recommend a course of treatment. The tick-borne diseases are most commonly treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline, with a dose depending on the severity of the disease. Additionally, the vet may also recommend probiotics to prevent gastrointestinal issues, anti-inflammatory treatments to soothe the symptoms, and flea and tick treatment to ensure protection against parasites and re-infestations.

Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases

By practicing the following preventive measures, you can keep your beloved dog protected against the dangers of tick-borne diseases.

• Maintain regular vet visits and take follow-ups seriously.
• Create a grooming routine and stick to it.
• Regularly check them for ticks.
• If you find live ticks, carefully remove them with tweezers.
• When out for walks, avoid heavily wooded areas or areas with tall grass.
• Administer flea and tick treatments such as Nexgard, Simparica Trio, or Frontline Plus after consulting with your vet.
• Maintain cleanliness in the home, especially the areas they use the most.
• Mow your lawn regularly and maintain the height of the grass.

Parting Words

This brings us to the end of our comprehensive guide to tick-borne diseases in dogs. We have discussed everything from the types and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment to equip you with the right knowledge to navigate this threat better. These diseases require professional attention, so consult your vet and religiously follow the treatment recommended. Also, practice the preventive measures mentioned to ensure your dog’s safety.