What happens after a tick bite in a dog? - briefly
After a tick attaches, the site often becomes inflamed and, if the parasite carries disease agents, the dog can develop systemic infections such as Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis. Immediate removal of the tick and veterinary assessment are required to prevent complications.
What happens after a tick bite in a dog? - in detail
A tick attaches to the dog’s skin, inserts its mouthparts, and begins feeding on blood. The bite site typically develops a small, raised nodule that may be red or slightly swollen. Local inflammation can produce itching, heat, or tenderness, and the wound may bleed when the tick is removed.
The presence of the parasite introduces a risk of pathogen transmission. Common agents include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)
- Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis (ehrlichiosis)
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis)
- Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever)
- Babesia spp. (babesiosis)
Transmission generally requires the tick to remain attached for 24‑48 hours; shorter attachment periods reduce but do not eliminate risk.
Systemic signs may appear days to weeks after exposure:
- Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite
- Lameness or joint swelling (often intermittent)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Pale or icteric mucous membranes
- Hematuria or proteinuria
- Neurological disturbances in severe cases
Diagnostic evaluation begins with a thorough physical exam, followed by laboratory tests such as:
- Complete blood count and serum chemistry
- Serologic assays (ELISA, IFA) for specific tick‑borne diseases
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for pathogen DNA
- Urinalysis to detect renal involvement
Treatment depends on the identified pathogen. Standard protocols include:
- Doxycycline (10 mg/kg PO BID for 2‑4 weeks) for most bacterial infections
- Amoxicillin or ceftriaxone for early Lyme disease
- Antiprotozoal agents (e.g., imidocarb) for babesiosis
- Supportive care: fluid therapy, anti‑inflammatory drugs, pain management
Prompt removal of the tick is critical. Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the body, which may release additional pathogens. After extraction, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection or inflammation.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents:
- Monthly topical or oral acaricides
- Tick‑preventive collars containing permethrin or flumethrin
- Regular inspection of the coat, especially after outdoor activity
- Maintaining short, trimmed vegetation in the yard
Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate therapy minimize the likelihood of chronic disease and ensure rapid recovery.