Ticks are tiny parasitic arachnids (i.e., from the spider family) that bite humans and animals and feed on their blood. They are a threat year-round but are especially prevalent in warm and humid environments. They are a serious threat to dogs, who are more likely than cats to be bitten by a tick and be infected. Our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale team has compiled a list of the most common diseases that ticks transmit and several treatments and prevention methods. 

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted by black-legged, or deer, ticks. Only a small percentage of infected dogs show visible signs, so many pet owners are unaware that their pet has Lyme disease. In sick dogs, signs include fever, loss of appetite, decreased activity, joint pain, and in severe cases, kidney disease, which can lead to weight loss and vomiting.  

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is most commonly transmitted when an American dog tick or Rocky Mountain wood tick bites your pet. RMSF can cause severe symptoms in untreated dogs, including fever, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, joint inflammation, and respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Most dogs are highly susceptible to infection and, in severe cases, may die. 

Tick paralysis

Tick paralysis progresses rapidly to motor paralysis after a tick attaches, bites, and transmits its toxic saliva. Illness signs begin only a few days after a tick attaches and persists until the tick drops off or is removed. Disease signs include loss of hindlimb coordination, weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and paralysis.  

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious bacterial disease that spreads through the dog’s bloodstream after a bite by a tick—most commonly a brown dog tick. The disease progresses slowly and can be difficult to diagnose. In its early stages, ehrlichiosis signs include weakness and lethargy, but as the disease progresses, signs include joint pain, anemia, pinpoint bleeding, and neurological issues. In severe cases, death is possible. 

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is also a bacterial disease but is often less severe than ehrlichiosis. Some dogs infected with anaplasmosis don’t ever show symptoms or require treatment, while those with signs tend to respond quickly to treatment. Signs include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, and rarely, bleeding or seizures. 

Preventing tick-borne diseases

Tick-borne diseases are dangerous for the pet and frightening for the owner—but they are preventable. To protect your pet, you must consistently apply a prevention product and regularly maintain their environment. This involves: 

  • Tick prevention products — The most common and effective products come in three forms—topical and oral medications and collars.
    • Topical ointments can be applied directly to your dog’s skin. The ointment spreads over your dog’s body and repels and kills any ticks on the body.
    • Oral medications are available as treats or tablets that, once consumed,  enter your dog’s bloodstream and kill ticks that attach and bite your dog.
    • Collars are the least effective method, but a good alternative for dogs who refuse the medication. The collars are filled with chemicals that repel and poison ticks before they bite. 
  • Clearing environments where ticks thrive — To prevent ticks from gathering and laying eggs, your dog’s environment must be kept clean of debris and clear of tall grasses, bushes, and weeds, where ticks thrive. Inside, wash your dog’s bedding frequently.
  • Regular tick checks — Check your dog frequently for ticks or tick bites. Brush your dog thoroughly to find attached ticks and remove them as soon as possible. Our veterinarian can show you how to check your dog’s skin, identify a tick or tick bite, and correct tick removal. 

Tick-borne diseases can cause dogs serious problems and, while infection treatments are available, pet owners are responsible for their pet’s health and need to apply consistent preventive care. Contact our Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale veterinary team and schedule your pet’s wellness screening, when we will answer any questions about ticks you may still have.