Ticks are more than a nuisance—they can transmit dangerous illnesses that affect your dog’s health and quality of life. Across the United States, several tick-borne diseases in dogs cause serious symptoms like fever, joint pain, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and prevention are key to protecting your pet from these potentially life-threatening infections.
At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, we provide comprehensive tick prevention, diagnostic testing, and treatment for dogs who may have been infected by ticks.
What Are Tick-Borne Diseases?
Tick-borne diseases are infections transmitted by ticks when they bite and feed on a dog’s blood. These parasites pick up bacteria, viruses, or protozoa from wildlife and pass them on to pets through their saliva. Depending on the type of tick—deer tick, brown dog tick, lone star tick, or wood tick—different pathogens can infect dogs.
Ticks can remain attached for several hours or even days, giving them ample time to spread disease. Infected dogs may show symptoms days to weeks after being bitten, or they may appear healthy for months before becoming ill.
Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
While there are several tick-borne diseases in dogs, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, each presents with unique signs and treatment needs.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted primarily by the deer tick. It’s one of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs in the Northeast and Midwest. Symptoms include:
- Lameness or stiffness that may shift between legs
- Joint pain and swelling
- Fever and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage or chronic inflammation. Fortunately, with early antibiotic treatment, most dogs recover well. Regular testing and the Lyme vaccine (recommended for dogs in high-risk areas) can provide additional protection.
Canine Ehrlichiosis
Canine ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria spread by the brown dog tick and the lone star tick. This infection attacks white blood cells, weakening the immune system and causing a range of symptoms that may appear weeks after exposure:
- Fever and low energy
- Bruising or nosebleeds
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
Dogs with strong immune systems may fight off the infection, but others develop chronic illness. Ehrlichiosis can be fatal if untreated, making prompt veterinary evaluation critical. Treatment usually includes the antibiotic doxycycline, followed by supportive care to restore immune health.
Canine Babesiosis
Canine babesiosis is a parasitic disease that infects red blood cells, leading to anemia. It’s spread mainly by the brown dog tick and American dog tick but can also be transmitted through contaminated blood or from mother to puppies.
Symptoms include pale gums, weakness, dark urine, and vomiting. Severe cases can cause organ failure. Antibiotic treatment combined with antiprotozoal medication and hydration therapy helps control infection and reduce complications.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Transmitted by the wood tick and American dog tick, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. Despite its name, this disease occurs throughout much of the United States.
Infected dogs may experience:
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen joints
- Neurological signs such as imbalance or weakness
Without timely care, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can progress quickly. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate antibiotic treatment to reduce risk of long-term complications.
How to Tell if Your Dog Has a Tick-Borne Disease
Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of infection, but common warning signs include:
- Fatigue or reluctance to move
- Swollen joints or limping
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
If your dog develops these symptoms—especially after recent outdoor activity—it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your vet for diagnostic testing.
Bloodwork and in-house diagnostic tests help identify antibodies or organisms related to tick-borne diseases in dogs. Because several conditions have overlapping symptoms, testing ensures an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Most tick-borne diseases that infect dogs are treated with a course of antibiotics—commonly doxycycline—to kill bacteria and control inflammation. Your veterinarian may also recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain and swelling
- Probiotics to support gut health during antibiotic treatment
- Fluids and nutritional support for dehydrated or anemic dogs
Some infections, such as canine babesiosis, require specialized medications or hospitalization. Recovery time varies depending on the disease and how soon treatment begins. Dogs typically start feeling better within a few days, though full recovery can take weeks.
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases
Prevention is the best protection. Use these tips to reduce your dog’s risk of tick-borne diseases in dogs:
- Use tick preventives year-round. Prescription collars, chewables, or topical treatments keep ticks from attaching or transmitting disease.
- Check your dog after walks or time spent outdoors, paying close attention to ears, paws, and underbelly.
- Keep grass and shrubs trimmed. Ticks thrive in tall grass and wooded areas.
- Avoid high-risk environments like dense woods or brush during peak tick season.
- Have your dog tested annually for tick-borne diseases, especially if you live in or travel to endemic areas.
Even with regular tick preventives, it’s important to check your dog often. If you find an infected tick, remove it carefully or bring your pet to our veterinary clinic for safe removal.
When to See a Veterinarian
Because tick-borne diseases can affect multiple organs and immune systems, early veterinary care is critical. Contact Hershey Veterinary Hospital if your dog:
- Shows signs of lameness, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Has visible ticks after outdoor activity
- Develops recurring fever or swollen joints
Prompt care not only prevents complications but also improves treatment outcomes.
FAQ: Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
It can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days—or even several months—for symptoms to develop. Some dogs may carry an infection silently before showing signs.
Yes, many dogs recover fully with early detection and proper antibiotic treatment. However, some may experience lingering fatigue or joint pain, especially if the infection was severe or left untreated.
Ticks can also carry diseases that infect people, but dogs do not directly transmit these pathogens to humans. Still, removing ticks promptly and maintaining year-round prevention helps protect the whole family.
Protect Your Dog from Tick-Borne Diseases
At Hershey Veterinary Hospital, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases in dogs, including Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
If your dog is showing concerning symptoms or you’ve found a tick, please make an appointment today. Early action gives your pet the best chance for a healthy recovery.
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