Diseases Dogs Get From Ticks: Everything You Need to Know

Hey there, dog lover! If you live in an area where ticks roam, keeping your furry friend safe from tick-borne illnesses is a major priority. Ticks aren't just creepy; they are tiny carriers of some serious pathogens that can severely impact your dog's health. Understanding the most common diseases dogs get from ticks is the first step toward effective prevention and early detection.

We're going to walk through the major threats, discuss the subtle signs of infection, and empower you with the knowledge needed to protect your pup. Don't worry, while the information is important, we'll keep the tone friendly and easy to digest.

The Big Three: Major Diseases Dogs Get From Ticks

When we talk about tick diseases, three specific infections often come up because of their widespread presence and potential severity. These are the ones your veterinarian tests for most frequently.

Lyme Disease: The Most Famous Culprit

Lyme disease (or Borreliosis) is perhaps the most well-known disease dogs get from ticks, specifically the tiny deer tick. It's caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Unfortunately, Lyme can be very tricky to diagnose because symptoms can wax and wane, or not show up until weeks or months after infection.

The most common sign owners notice is recurrent lameness due to joint inflammation. This shifting leg lameness often travels from one limb to another. If left untreated, severe cases can lead to serious kidney failure, a condition known as Lyme nephritis, which can be fatal.

Key Facts About Lyme Infection

Transmitted by the Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick).
Requires the tick to be attached for at least 24-48 hours to transmit infection.
Can cause intermittent, painful joint swelling (polyarthritis).

Canine Ehrlichiosis: A Sneaky Threat

Ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria (usually Ehrlichia canis or Ehrlichia ewingii) that target and infect the dog's white blood cells. This disease is particularly concerning because it has three phases: acute, subclinical, and chronic.

In the chronic phase, the dog might develop severe bone marrow suppression, leading to low blood cell counts, chronic bleeding disorders, and lethargy. The brown dog tick is the primary vector for Ehrlichiosis, and since these ticks can live indoors, Ehrlichiosis can be a year-round threat.

Anaplasmosis: The Quick Attacker

Anaplasmosis, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys, is another common infection on the list of diseases dogs get from ticks. The symptoms of the first type of Anaplasmosis (A. phagocytophilum) often resemble a severe flu.

The good news is that this disease often responds very quickly to the right antibiotics, sometimes showing improvement within just 24 hours of starting treatment. However, if not caught, it can lead to more complex health issues.

The second type (A. platys) often causes cyclical thrombocytopenia, meaning platelet counts drop severely every one to two weeks, which can cause bruising or minor bleeding.

Less Common, But Still Serious Tick-Borne Illnesses

While Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis dominate the headlines, there are other dangerous tick-borne diseases you need to be aware of. These may be more regionally specific but pose severe risks to our canine companions.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

RMSF is a serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection transmitted primarily by the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Though the name suggests it's limited to the Rocky Mountains, it's actually found across large areas of the US.

Symptoms of RMSF appear rapidly—usually within two to fourteen days of a tick bite. This disease causes inflammation of the small blood vessels throughout the body, leading to significant bruising, swelling, and severe pain.

Canine Babesiosis

Babesiosis is a parasitic disease, not bacterial, that attacks the red blood cells, causing anemia. It is transmitted by the American dog tick and the brown dog tick. This condition can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe and life-threatening.

Severe anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are hallmarks of severe Babesiosis. While often transmitted through tick bites, it can also be transmitted through dog fights (if blood is exchanged) or contaminated blood transfusions.

Recognizing the Signs: What to Look For

Many diseases dogs get from ticks share similar, non-specific symptoms, which is why early veterinary testing is crucial. Since your dog can't tell you how they feel, it's up to you to be a super-sleuth when it comes to subtle changes in their behavior or physical health.

Remember that some dogs may not show any symptoms at all until the disease has reached a chronic stage. If you find a tick, even if it has been removed, monitor your dog closely over the next few weeks.

General Symptoms Checklist

If you notice any combination of these signs, especially if they follow a known tick exposure, contact your vet immediately.

Fever and Lethargy: Unexplained high temperature and profound tiredness.
Loss of Appetite: Refusing food or significant weight loss.
Lameness or Joint Pain: Shifting lameness, stiffness, or reluctance to move.
Bleeding Disorders: Nosebleeds, bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the gums (petechiae).
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Noticeable swelling, especially around the neck or shoulders.

Prevention is Key: Protecting Your Dog

The best way to deal with the various diseases dogs get from ticks is to stop the bite from happening in the first place. Consistency in prevention is absolutely critical. Ticks are not just a summer problem; in many regions, they are active year-round.

Talk to your veterinarian about a comprehensive tick control plan. This often involves combining several different methods for maximum efficacy. Never skip a dose of preventative medication, even during the colder months.

Essential Prevention Strategies

Topical or Oral Preventatives: Use veterinary-recommended tick repellents/killers (chews, collars, or spot-ons).
Vaccination: If Lyme disease is highly prevalent in your area, discuss the Lyme vaccine with your vet.
Daily Tick Checks: After walks or outdoor time, thoroughly check your dog, focusing on warm spots like inside the ears, under the legs, and between the toes.
Environmental Control: Keep your yard tidy, mow the lawn short, and remove leaf litter where ticks hide.

Conclusion

Dealing with the threat of tick-borne illness can feel daunting, but being informed is your best defense. Diseases dogs get from ticks—like Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis—are treatable, especially when caught early. If you suspect exposure or notice any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to seek veterinary care.

By maintaining a consistent prevention schedule and remaining vigilant with daily checks, you can significantly reduce the risk and ensure your beloved companion stays happy and healthy for years to come. Your dog is counting on you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tick Diseases

How long does a tick have to be attached to infect my dog?: The time frame varies by disease. For Lyme disease, it generally takes 24 to 48 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted. However, other diseases like Ehrlichiosis can be transmitted much faster, sometimes within hours. This emphasizes the need for rapid removal.
Are these tick diseases contagious between dogs or to humans?: No, the diseases dogs get from ticks are generally not transmitted directly from dog to dog, or from dog to human. The disease-causing pathogen requires the tick (the vector) to bite the host to spread the infection. However, humans can catch the same diseases if they are bitten by an infected tick.
Does the standard annual heartworm test check for all tick diseases?: The standard annual test often known as the 4Dx or 3Dx test, checks for heartworm disease plus antibodies for Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. It's a great screening tool, but it doesn't cover all possible tick-borne illnesses (like Babesiosis or RMSF), and a positive result means exposure, not necessarily active infection.
What should I use to remove a tick safely?: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull straight upward with slow, steady pressure. Avoid crushing the tick's body or using heat/petroleum jelly, as this can cause the tick to regurgitate infected fluid back into the wound.

Diseases Dogs Get From Ticks