Ticks and Dogs: An Overview of Tick-Borne Diseases that Affect Dogs

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Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that feed on blood from animals. Over 800 varieties of ticks have been identified, and they can be found in some form nearly everywhere in the world. Some types of ticks are so small, they can barely be seen by the naked eye. They may be no larger than the point on the end of a needle. Ticks are a major source of disease for humans and animals. Diseases spread by ticks have been reported in all 50 states, and cases continue to rise yearly.

What Diseases do Ticks Spread?

Every year, thousands of dogs acquire diseases spread by ticks. Many of these diseases are extremely dangerous and should be treated immediately. The most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease. Other tick-borne diseases include: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Canine Anaplasmosis and Canine Ehrlichiosis.

• Lyme disease, which is the most dangerous of tick-caused diseases, can be life-threatening for your dog. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted to dogs when they are bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria. After becoming infected, dogs may begin to experience symptoms that include limping, depression and fever.

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever is spread to dogs when bitten by ticks infected with a parasite called R. Rickettsii. Once this parasite enters the body, it starts an incubation period lasting up to 14 days before it enters the circulatory system. This will eventually result in hemorrhaging, internal bleeding and organ damage. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is very dangerous and can lead to organ failure or death if left untreated. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be treated with antibiotics.

• Canine Anaplasmosis, or dog fever, is another disease carried by ticks. Dog fever is transmitted the same way Lyme disease is, and can show some of the same symptoms. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Anaplasma Phagocytophilum.

• Canine Ehrlichiosis is anotherdisease carried by ticks, and can cause lameness, blood disorders, kidney disease and possible death.

Prevent Tick-Borne Disease in Your Dog

As a concerned pet owner, you can take many steps to prevent your dog from becoming infected with a tick-borne disease:

• Quickly remove any ticks on your dog by pinching them off to greatly reduce the chance that they will spread a disease.
• Give your dog regular baths to ensure any smaller ticks are washed away.

When possible, stay out of areas that you know are infested with ticks.

Photo Credit: turtlemom4bacon