Tick Diseases in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment

Ticks are hematophagous parasites, which means that they feed on blood. Not only do ticks bite dogs, but they anchor themselves in a dog’s skin for hours, until they have completely filled up with blood. During this time, tick-borne diseases are transferred by infected ticks. Ticks are commonly found in tall grasses and wooded areas, making outdoor excursions a potential risk for dogs.

Some ticks also carry tick paralysis, which is caused by a neurotoxin produced within a tick’s salivary glands. Symptoms of tick paralysis include muscle weakness, vomiting, paresis, increase in blood pressure, and paralysis. It’s crucial to note that quick removal of the tick can reverse the paralysis in many cases.

In order to fully understand the importance of establishing and maintaining an adequate deworming schedule, we suggest that all dog carers educate themselves about the dangers of tick-borne diseases in dogs. This knowledge is vital in recognizing early signs and seeking prompt treatment.

Rocky mountain spotted fever in dogs is caused by the infectious bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which are parasites the size of bacteria that live inside cells. This tick-borne disease is a zoonosis, which means that it is transmissible to humans. It is important to note that this disease can have a rapid onset, making early detection crucial.

Rocky mountain spotted fever in dogs symptoms include apathy, fever, anorexia, coughing, conjunctivitis, respiratory problems, leg joint and muscle inflammation and pain, an unsteady gait, seizures, and arrhythmias. Pet owners should be aware that these symptoms can progress quickly.

In extremely serious cases, rocky mountain spotted fever in dogs can cause hemorrhaging and blood in the urine and stool. Immediate veterinary attention is essential to manage severe cases effectively.

Anaplasmosis in dogs is a tick-borne disease caused by bacteria of the anaplasma genus, which are parasites that live inside blood cells. Anaplasmosis is a zoonosis disease and carries non-specific symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, anorexia, lameness, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, convulsions, anemia, enlarged lymph nodes, pale mucous membranes, cough, uveitis, edema, etc. Infected dogs might also experience difficulty breathing, which can be a distressing symptom for both the pet and the owner.

For more, we recommend reading how to identify and eliminate ticks on dogs.

Also known as canine rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis is a tick disease in dogs caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia canis. This clinical picture develops in three phases:

• The acute phase, which is characterized by fever, depression, anorexia, wheezing, and enlarged lymph nodes. This phase can occur a few weeks after a tick bite.
• The subclinical phase, where some dogs are able to eliminate the infestation while others cannot. During this phase, the dog may appear healthy, even though the infection persists.
• Chronic phase can occur between 1-4 months after a bite. Prominent symptoms include thinning, fever, anemia, nosebleeds, joint inflammation, and neurological problems. In cases where the chronic phase is reached, treatment becomes more complex and prolonged.

For more, we recommend reading our article where we tell you everything you need to know about canine ehrlichiosis.

Babesia is a protozoan that causes this tick-borne disease in dogs. Babesiosis in dogs is characterized by the appearance of hemolytic anemia, as a result of the destruction to red blood cells. If not treated in time, babesiosis in dogs can be fatal. Symptoms of babesiosis in dogs include fever, exercise intolerance, blood in the urine, jaundice, or pale mucous membranes. A dog suffering from canine babesiosis may also suffer from an increase in spleen and liver size. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent severe complications.

For more, we recommend reading our article babesiosis in dogs.

Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the bacterium spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi. The main symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include a characteristic limp, joint inflammation, fever, weakness, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and kidney problems. In some cases, dogs may develop a form of kidney disease known as Lyme nephritis, which can be severe.

Read about Lyme disease in dogs in more detail.

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne disease in dogs caused by two species of protozoa, Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum. This disease is more common in animals that are already suffering from another pathology, or that carry a weak immune system. Hepatozoonosis in dogs symptoms include diarrhea (which may contain blood), bone and muscle pain, ocular or nasal secretion, and/or thinning. This disease can be particularly challenging to diagnose due to its varied presentation.

Treatment for the above-mentioned diseases is usually intensive and may include support therapy, corticosteroids to stop hemolytic anemia, and antibiotics or specific drugs to fight against causative parasites. Although most of the above can be cured if treated in time, prevention is key. Hepatozoonosis, for example, can be treated with antiprotozoals but has no definite cure. Providing supportive care is crucial to manage symptoms and aid recovery.

Tick-borne diseases in dogs prevention

Your veterinarian should prescribe the appropriate deworming and antiparasitic medication yearly. In addition, you should always check your dog’s skin for ticks after walks. Regular grooming and inspection can help detect ticks early and prevent disease transmission.

For more, we recommend reading our article where we list home remedies for ticks on dogs.

The above-mentioned diseases are not transmitted among dogs. However, it’s very likely that if one dog has ticks, then these parasites may also bite another animal in the same vicinity. This is why it’s important to maintain a clean and tick-free environment for all pets.

What tick diseases can you get from a dog tick?

So, do dog ticks affect humans? Yes, specifically if the disease is zoonosis. It is important to know, however, that a dog does not transmit the disease to people directly. It is the tick that does this. This is why we insist that prevention and control is key in making sure our dogs are not affected by ticks. Implementing proper hygiene and control measures will help reduce the risk of tick infestations.

For more, read about the 9 diseases dogs can transfer to humans.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Tick Diseases in Dogs - Symptoms and Treatment, we recommend you visit our Parasitic diseases category.