What happens to a dog if it is bitten by a tick? - briefly
A tick attachment may introduce pathogens such as «Lyme disease», «ehrlichiosis» or «anaplasmosis», resulting in fever, lethargy, joint pain, and possible kidney complications. The bite site typically becomes inflamed, may ulcerate, and can develop a secondary bacterial infection if the tick is not removed promptly.
What happens to a dog if it is bitten by a tick? - in detail
A tick attaches to the skin, inserts its mouthparts, and begins to feed on blood. The bite site often appears as a small, raised bump that may turn red or swell within hours. Local inflammation can cause itching, discomfort, or secondary infection if the area is scratched.
Pathogens residing in the tick’s salivary glands may be transmitted during feeding. Transmission typically requires at least 24–48 hours of attachment; shorter periods reduce the likelihood of infection but do not eliminate risk entirely.
Common illnesses transmitted by ticks to dogs include:
- Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi): fever, lameness, joint swelling, lethargy.
- Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): fever, weight loss, bleeding disorders, enlarged lymph nodes.
- Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum): fever, joint pain, decreased appetite.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii): high fever, petechial rash, neurological signs.
- Babesiosis (Babesia spp.): anemia, jaundice, hemoglobinuria, weakness.
Removal should be performed promptly with fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick remover. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After extraction, cleanse the area with antiseptic and retain the specimen for identification if veterinary evaluation is needed.
Veterinarians may recommend diagnostic tests such as serology, PCR, or blood smears to confirm infection. Treatment protocols typically involve antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline for bacterial infections) and supportive care tailored to the specific disease. Early intervention improves prognosis and reduces the chance of chronic complications.
Preventive measures encompass regular tick inspections, use of approved topical or oral acaricides, environmental control (grass trimming, tick‑free zones), and vaccination against Lyme disease where available. Consistent application of these strategies lowers the probability of tick attachment and subsequent disease transmission.