Mary Allen
Introduction
Dogs are known for their love for the outdoors. They love to play, run, and explore. However, playing outdoors comes with the risk of tick infestations. Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can cause severe health problems in dogs. In this article, we will explore the possibility of ticks causing sickness in dogs and what pet owners can do to prevent and treat tick-borne illnesses.
What are ticks?
Ticks are arachnids that belong to the same family as spiders. There are several species of ticks, and they all feed on the blood of animals and humans. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and shrubs. They attach themselves to their host by burrowing their mouthparts into the skin and feeding on the blood.
How do ticks affect dogs?
Ticks can cause several problems in dogs, including anemia, tick paralysis, and tick-borne illnesses. Anemia occurs when ticks feed on a large amount of blood, causing a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Tick paralysis occurs when a tick releases a toxin into the dog’s bloodstream while feeding. This toxin can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death. Tick-borne illnesses are transmitted through the saliva of infected ticks and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
What diseases can ticks transmit?
Ticks can transmit several diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lyme disease in dogs
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the black-legged tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, lethargy, joint pain, and loss of appetite.
Ehrlichiosis in dogs
Ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and is transmitted by the brown dog tick. Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis in dogs include fever, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is transmitted by the American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, and the brown dog tick. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs include fever, lethargy, anorexia, and joint pain.
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in dogs
The symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in dogs vary depending on the type of disease and the severity of the infection. Common symptoms include fever, lethargy, anorexia, joint pain, and weight loss.
Prevention measures
The best way to prevent tick-borne illnesses in dogs is to avoid tick infested areas. If you cannot avoid these areas, use tick preventive products such as collars, sprays, and topical medications. Check your dog for ticks daily and remove them promptly. Keep your yard well-maintained and free from tall grasses and shrubs.
Treatment options
Treatment for tick-borne illnesses in dogs varies depending on the type of disease and the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections, and supportive care such as fluids, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications may be needed.
Conclusion
Ticks can cause severe health problems in dogs, including tick-borne illnesses. Pet owners should take steps to prevent tick infestations and check their dogs for ticks regularly. If your dog shows symptoms of a tick-borne illness, seek veterinary care immediately.
References
American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Tick-borne diseases in dogs. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/tick-borne-diseases-in-dogs/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Tickborne diseases of the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/index.html
PetMD. (2021). Tick paralysis in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_tick_paralysis
PetMD. (2021). Anemia in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_anemia
PetMD. (2021). Ehrlichiosis in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_ehrlichiosis
PetMD. (2021). Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_rocky_mountain_spotted_fever