6 Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs and How To Help Your Pup

Tick-borne diseases are infections that are transmitted to an animal or a human through a tick bite. These diseases then spread via the bloodstream and can affect many body systems.

Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals, including rodents, deer, birds, and pets. They are found all over the U.S., particularly in grassy or wooded areas on the West Coast and east of the Rocky Mountains.

Tick bites are common, especially during the spring and summer. But not every dog tick bite will lead to a disease. It takes feeding time for a tick to pass the disease to its host—anywhere from three to 48 hours depending on the tick species, says Michael Kearley, DVM.

So with a little extra vigilance and preventative measures, pet parents can reduce their pup’s chances of disease.

If you’re aware that your pet recently received a tick bite, be on the lookout for symptoms of any of the following tick-borne diseases in dogs.

1Anaplasmosis

There are two types of canine anaplasmosis found in North America:

• Anaplasmosis phagocytophilum is carried by black-legged ticks, often in the Northeast, upper Midwestern, and Western United States. This disease infects a dog’s white blood cells, and symptoms may include lameness, joint pain, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
• Anaplasmosis platys is less common and one of several diseases that can be carried by the brown dog tick . This condition can cause a decrease in platelets, which may reduce blood clotting. Bruising may be one sign of this disease.

2Babesiosis

Like anaplasmosis, babesiosis is transmitted by infected ticks. Some studies show that it can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected dog or by an infected pregnant dog passing it to her pups, but Dr. Kearley says this is much less common.

Babesiosis affects a dog’s red blood cells and platelets, leading to symptoms like jaundice, pale gums, weakness, and pinpoint bruising.

3Ehrlichiosis

There are several types of ehrlichiosis, a disease that may be carried by one of several types of ticks. Most cases of ehrlichiosis in dogs are reported in the Southeast and South Central U.S.

Early signs of this disease may include fever, weight loss, poor appetite, lameness, lethargy, and abnormal bleeding. If dogs with ehrlichiosis aren’t treated early on, their symptoms may become chronic and potentially fatal.

4Hepatozoonosis

Unlike most tick-borne diseases in dogs, hepatozoonosis is not transmitted by tick bite. Instead, a dog can get hepatozoonosis by eating an infected tick or an infected wild animal.

There are two types of hepatozoonosis:

• H. americanum is more serious and requires targeted and prolonged treatment, started as early as possible. At its onset, pet parents may notice fever, chronic weight loss, thick ocular discharge, generalized pain, and stiffness.
• H. canis is less severe and causes symptoms like fever, pale gums, poor appetite, and sluggishness.

5Lyme Disease

Lyme disease may be carried by black-legged ticks (deer ticks), and it can affect both dogs and humans. When a dog is infected with Lyme disease, they can experience a number of symptoms, including:

• High fever
• Joint pain
• Lethargy
• Lameness
• Increased thirst
• Decreased appetite
• Swollen lymph nodes

When treated early, Lyme disease is a manageable disease in dogs. But without treatment, some cases can be life-threatening.

6Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) can affect both dogs and humans, as well as other species. Symptoms of RMSF in dogs can lead to:

• A high fever
• Loss of appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Pain and swelling in the joints and muscles
• Weight loss
• Red spots or bruising

Symptoms often come on suddenly, and early treatment is essential. RMSF can be fatal if it’s not treated quickly.

There are many tick-borne disease symptoms in dogs that vary by infection and from dog to dog. Dogs with a healthy immune system may not show any symptoms at all, Dr. Kearley says. But young dogs, older dogs, or dogs who already had compromised health could show symptoms as soon as one to three weeks after being bitten by an infected tick.

“If a pet parent notices that their dog is limping, has unexplained bruising, is drinking or urinating more often, or just seems ‘off,’ it’s best to seek care from your vet,” says Heather Loenser, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer of Suveto Veterinary Health.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pup, call your vet immediately:

• Lethargy
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lameness and swelling of the joints
• Runny nose
• Nosebleed
• Joint pain
• Bruises on gums and belly
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Eye symptoms, such as thick eye discharge
• Neurological symptoms (such as seizures and lack of coordination)
• Swollen lymph nodes

When it comes to tick-borne diseases in dogs, treatment depends on which infection they have and its severity.

“Most can be treated with specific oral antibiotics,” Dr. Loenser says. Depending on the case, treatment may also include fluids, anti-inflammatories,  antiprotozoals, or other medications.

Dr. Loenser points out that many tick-borne diseases can be treated easily—as long as they’re detected early on.

“But if the diseases have been undetected for weeks or months, the treatments can be more complicated and less successful,” she warns.

Most dogs love any chance to run through a field or explore the woods with their family, and chances are your dog will encounter a tick sooner or later. The good news is that pet parents can take a number of safety measures to protect their dog from tick-borne diseases.

Start by talking to your veterinarian about flea and tick preventatives, such as tick collars, topical medications, and oral medications. These won’t prevent tick bites entirely, but they will reduce the risk of a tick choosing your dog as its next meal.

You can also ask your vet about the Lyme disease vaccination for dogs, but this will only help protect your pup from one of several possible diseases.

When you’re walking your dog, take care to avoid tall grasses and wooded areas. But remember that ticks can be found almost anywhere—even in your backyard—so any outdoor dog should have daily tick checks.

If you find a tick, remove it immediately. Grab the tick by its base and gently pull it from the dog’s skin. If you don’t feel comfortable removing the tick, Dr. Loenser says, you can call your vet and ask for help.