If you are stroking your pet’s thick fur and feel a small bump, you may have stumbled on a tick. Tiny but dangerous, ticks are parasites that can transmit a variety of diseases that can significantly affect your pet’s health. Our East Wind Animal Hospital team shares important information about common tick-borne diseases and effective prevention methods to keep your furry friend safe.
Common tick-borne diseases in pets
Lyme disease
Lyme disease, one of the most well-known tick-borne diseases, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and primarily transmitted by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Pets are infected when bitten by an infected tick, which typically must attach for 48 hours to transmit the bacterium. Left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious health issues, including kidney damage, neurological problems, and heart complications.
Lyme disease signs in pets include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
Ehrlichiosis
Transmitted by the brown dog tick, ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia spp., most commonly Ehrlichia canis. Ehrlichiosis can develop in dogs and cats but is more common in dogs. The disease has three stages—acute, subclinical, and chronic—that present different challenges. The acute stage can progress to a subclinical phase where the pet appears healthy but the bacterium is still present, which can potentially lead to a chronic phase with more severe health issues.
Ehrlichiosis signs in pets include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abnormal bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, bruising)
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, with the black-legged and the western black-legged ticks the primary vectors. The bacteria infect white blood cells, causing various health issues. Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease can occur simultaneously, since both are transmitted by the same tick species.
Anaplasmosis signs in pets include:
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Lameness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleeds
- Seizures
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is caused by Babesia protozoal parasites, which several tick species transmit. Direct animal-to-animal transmission can also occur—for example, when an infected dog with oral lesions bites another dog, or when Babesia is transmitted to unborn puppies in their mother’s uterus.
Babesiosis primarily affects dogs. The protozoa invade the red blood cells and cause hemolytic anemia, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Babesiosis signs in pets include:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Dark urine
- Pale gums
- Jaundice
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick. This illness can cause severe health complications if not treated early.
RMSF signs in pets include:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Joint and muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Tremors
Preventing tick-borne diseases in pets
Fortunately, you can prevent your pet from tick diseases.
- Tick preventives — Tick prevention products, in the form of topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars, can effectively protect your pet.
- Regular checks — Perform thorough tick checks on your pet, especially after they have been outdoors in areas where ticks are common. Focus on the following areas, where ticks like to hide:
- Around the ears
- Under the collar
- Between the legs
- Around the tail
- Between the toes
- Remove ticks immediately — Remove any tick you find immediately before it can transmit disease. Follow these steps:
- Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull upward with steady pressure, without crushing the tick.
- Use antiseptic wipes or soap and water to clean the bite area.
- Keep an eye on your pet and contact our team if you notice any signs of illness.
- Keep your yard tick-free — Make your yard less attractive to ticks by:
- Mowing the lawn regularly
- Removing leaf litter and tall grasses
- Creating a barrier of wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and your yard
- Ensuring play areas and patios are not surrounded by shrubs and bushes
- Avoid tick-infested areas — When possible, avoid areas known for high tick populations, such as dense woods or tall grassy fields, and stick to well-maintained trails when outdoors with your pet.
- Schedule regular veterinary visits — Routine veterinary visits are crucial to detect and treat tick-borne diseases early. Ask our veterinary team about the best tick prevention strategies for your pet based on their lifestyle and health needs.
Ticks may be small, but they pose serious health risks to your pet. By understanding common tick-borne diseases and taking proactive measures to prevent tick bites, you can protect your furry friend from these dangerous parasites. Give our East Wind Animal Hospital team a call to discuss tick prevention options for your pet.
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