What injection should a dog receive after a tick bite? - briefly
Administer a tetanus toxoid booster as soon as possible. Additionally, give a single injectable dose of doxycycline to reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
What injection should a dog receive after a tick bite? - in detail
A dog that has been attached to a tick should be evaluated for immediate preventive treatment. The primary injectable measure is a Lyme disease vaccine, administered as a two‑dose series spaced three to four weeks apart, with a booster given one year after the initial series and annually thereafter. This vaccine stimulates immunity against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium transmitted by Ixodes ticks, and is recommended for pets living in or traveling to endemic regions.
If the bite has caused a puncture wound or the skin is broken, a tetanus toxoid injection is advisable. A single dose of 0.5 ml of a standard canine tetanus toxoid, given subcutaneously, provides protection against Clostridium tetani infection, especially when the animal’s vaccination history is unknown or outdated.
In cases where the tick is known to carry Ehrlichia or Anaplasma species, a prophylactic course of doxycycline (5 mg/kg orally every 12 hours for 10–14 days) is commonly prescribed, but this is an oral regimen, not an injection. For immediate post‑exposure care, the injectable options remain the Lyme vaccine and, when indicated, tetanus toxoid.
Key points for administration:
- Verify the dog’s current vaccination record before giving any injection.
- Use a sterile needle and inject subcutaneously in the scruff of the neck.
- Observe the animal for 15 minutes after injection for any adverse reaction.
- Schedule follow‑up visits to assess wound healing and monitor for signs of tick‑borne illness, such as fever, lethargy, joint swelling, or loss of appetite.
These interventions reduce the risk of infection following a tick encounter and support the dog’s overall health.