Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Finding a tick on their dogs is one of the most unsettling feelings for dog parents. These small, irritating parasites feed on your dog’s blood, and some ticks can even transmit tick-borne diseases in dogs. These dangerous tick-borne diseases are found in many parts of the world, and specific diseases vary depending on the tick species found in each region. When you prepare yourself with the knowledge of tick-borne diseases, you can make a significant difference in protecting your dog’s health. In this blog, we will help you understand how tick-borne diseases in dogs spread, their types, symptoms, treatments, and prevention plans to protect your dog’s health.

What is Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs?

Tick-borne diseases are illnesses caused by a group of infectious organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa, which are transmitted to dogs through an infected tick bite. A tick becomes infected when it feeds on an infected wild animal like a mouse or bird. When a tick attaches to a dog, it can transmit the infectious organism during a blood meal.

Not all ticks carry diseases and not every tick bite results in an infection. Usually, ticks must be attached to the dog for at least 24 to 48 hours before certain pathogens are transmitted to cause an infection. This is exactly why prompt tick removal is very important for prevention.

Types of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, thousands of dogs are infected annually with dangerous tick-transmitted diseases. There are several tick-borne diseases that can affect dogs, each caused by different infectious organisms and specific tick species. Listed here are the common tick-borne diseases in dogs:

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted primarily by deer ticks or black-legged ticks. Your dog may show signs of the disease several months after infection. Clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Lethargy
•  Shifting leg lameness related to polyarthritis
• Enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• In severe cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney complications that are potentially fatal and require intensive veterinary care.

Canine Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis results from Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys, depending on which cells the bacteria infect. It is also called “dog fever” or “dog tick fever” and is transmitted by the deer tick. Dogs with anaplasmosis often show signs similar to those of other tick-borne diseases, including:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Stiff joints
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• In extreme cases, dogs may suffer seizures.

Canine Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria belonging to the Ehrlichia genus and is commonly spread by the Lone Star tick and the brown dog tick. Ehrlichiosis is found in large parts of the world, and is one of the most dangerous tick-borne pathogens known to infect dogs. The disease has three phases: acute, subclinical, and chronic, and symptoms vary depending on the stage.

During the acute phase, dogs may start experiencing:

• Fever
•  Anorexia
• Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
• Edema (tissue swelling)
• Vomiting
• Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes)
• Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
• Without treatment, it can lead to a chronic phase that may include bleeding tendencies, anemia, severe weight loss, debilitation, and ocular and neurologic signs.

Canine Babesiosis

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites of the Babesia genus that invade and destroy red blood cells. It is transmitted by several tick species, including the American dog tick, the deer tick, and the brown dog tick. Infection can range from mild to severe; common signs of babesiosis include:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Vomiting
• Dark-colored urine
• Anemia

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, and the brown dog tick. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
•  Muscle tenderness
• Stiffness
• Skin lesions
• Swelling of the face or extremities
• In severe cases, RMSF can cause serious complications, including neurological damage and organ failure.

Causes of Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs

Generally, dogs become infected after being bitten by infected ticks. Ticks are found throughout every location, but certain geographic areas have higher populations due to the presence of dense fields, tall grass, and heavily wooded areas.

Dogs that spend time outdoors face the highest tick exposure risks; dogs living in suburban areas can also encounter ticks in backyards and parks. Wildlife such as rodents and deer help maintain tick populations. Even indoor dogs can encounter ticks that are carried inside on people or other animals.

How to Prevent Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs?

Prevention remains far more effective than treatment after the fact, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are several ways to protect your dog from tick-borne diseases:

• Most importantly, use a veterinarian-recommended tick preventive throughout the year, especially in regions where ticks remain active during mild weather. Options include oral tick treatment (Simparica Trio for dogs), topical tick treatment (Revolution for dogs), and a tick-control collar (Kiltix tick collar).
• You should check your dog’s entire body, paying close attention to the ears, paws, neck, and around the collar for any attached ticks after outdoor activities. If found, promptly remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling upward with steady pressure.
• Keep your yard’s grass trimmed and remove leaf litter, since these environments favor ticks.
• For those who live near high tick-prone areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, your veterinarian may recommend Lyme disease vaccination as part of a comprehensive prevention plan. 

Diagnosis of Tick-Borne Disease

Your veterinarian will start with a physical examination, including your dog’s symptoms and when they first appeared. They will discuss your dog’s recent outdoor activity and possible tick exposure. As most tick-borne diseases have similar symptoms, diagnostic tests such as blood work, PCR testing, serology, SNAP 4Dx, blood smear, and urinalysis can help confirm the diagnosis and assess how the disease is affecting your dog’s body.

Treatments for Tick-Borne Disease

Tick-borne disease treatment in dogs will depend on the specific infection and its severity. Sometimes, dogs may be infected with more than one tick-borne infection.

Early stages of tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and RMSF respond well to antibiotics like doxycycline. Dogs with babesiosis are typically treated with antiprotozoal treatment. Some dogs may benefit from anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and relieve pain and discomfort.

In more severe cases, dogs experiencing complications often require hospitalization and additional supportive care, which may include IV fluid therapy, pain management, anti-nausea treatments, oxygen therapy, appetite stimulants, and blood transfusions depending on the severity. 

Final Thoughts

Tick-borne diseases in dogs can range from mild to more serious than most pet parents expect. But early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes for all tick-borne diseases in dogs. Follow your veterinarian’s advice and be consistent with a year-round tick prevention plan, which is the best way to protect your dog’s health.

You can explore a range of effective tick treatments for dogs at a trustworthy online retailer such as PetCareClub at reasonable rates. Don’t skip the regular vet check-ups and talk to your veterinarian if you find something unusual about your dog. By staying proactive, you can reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses and help your furry companion enjoy a healthier and more active life.