Tick-borne diseases are a growing problem in dogs, with populations of ticks increasing every year. Ticks can harbour and transmit a variety of serious illnesses. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and causes of tick-borne diseases is vital for keeping your pup healthy and safe. This is especially true of dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, such as working dogs like the Weimaraner or Border Collie.
Signs and Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
The most common signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases in dogs include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
Having a checklist for your pup will make a huge difference to your pet’s health. Additionally, certain tick-borne diseases may cause neurological issues such as seizures, disorientation or paralysis. If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour or health, it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications from developing.
Causes of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
The most common tick-borne diseases in dogs include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis. Each type of disease has its own set of symptoms and treatments.
Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They attach themselves to the skin and feed for several days before dropping off. During this time they can transmit pathogens into the bloodstream which can cause disease. Ticks typically live in areas with high moisture such as tall grass or wooded areas. They may also live in other places such as kennels or dog parks where there is a higher chance of exposure to infected hosts.
One of the main causes of tick-borne diseases in dogs is their exposure to ticks that carry the pathogens responsible for these illnesses. There are nearly 1000 species of ticks found throughout the world, however only a small number of these carry the pathogens that cause tick-borne illnesses.
In order to reduce the risk of infection from ticks it’s important to regularly check your pet for any signs of tick activity such as dark spots on their fur or bumps on their skin where a tick has attached itself. If you find any evidence that your pet was exposed to ticks it’s important to take them to a veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent your dog from suffering from any of these serious diseases.
Check Your Dog Regularly
You should check your dog regularly for ticks when they come inside after being outdoors or after any contact with other animals that may have been exposed to ticks. To do this properly, use a fine-toothed flea comb or tweezers and carefully inspect their fur for any small black dots that could be ticks. If you find any attached ticks on your dog’s body, use tweezers to remove them by pinching them at the head as close to the skin as possible. Disposing of them safely away from your home or yard, preferably in a sealed container. Never attempt to burn or squish an attached tick as this could spread bacteria or viruses into your pet’s bloodstream more easily than removing it intact with tweezers.
Use Spot On Treatments
Spot on treatments are topical products applied directly onto the skin at the back of your pet’s neck that help repel ticks before they have a chance to attach themselves and bite into the skin. Make sure you read the label carefully when using spot on treatments – always follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer as well as any additional advice from your veterinarian.
Create Tick-Free Zones
Keeping areas around your home free from tall grasses and weeds where ticks like to hide will help reduce their presence near where you let your dog roam free outdoors. This is especially important during peak tick season when these pests are most active (typically spring/summer months depending on where you live). If possible, try keeping pets away from heavily wooded areas when out walking or hiking.
Following these steps will help keep both you and your dog safe from potentially deadly tick-borne diseases. With proper prevention measures, owners can rest assured knowing that their furry friends remain protected against these dangerous parasites.