What is administered to dogs after a tick bite? - briefly
A single dose of doxycycline (10 mg/kg) is commonly prescribed to prevent Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections, and a topical antiseptic may be applied to the bite site. In some cases, a brief course of anti‑inflammatory medication is added to reduce local swelling.
What is administered to dogs after a tick bite? - in detail
After a tick attaches to a dog, the first step is to remove the parasite with fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Clean the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution to reduce bacterial contamination.
If the tick is identified as a carrier of disease‑causing agents, the following therapeutic measures are commonly administered:
- Doxycycline – oral dosage 10 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days; effective against Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
- Amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid – 12.5 mg/kg twice daily for 7–10 days; used when secondary bacterial infection is suspected at the bite wound.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – meloxicam 0.1 mg/kg once daily or carprofen 2.2 mg/kg once daily; alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Antihistamines – diphenhydramine 2 mg/kg every 12 hours; mitigate allergic reactions to tick saliva.
- Supportive fluids – intravenous lactated Ringer’s solution, 30 ml/kg over 8 hours, if the animal shows signs of dehydration or systemic illness.
Diagnostic evaluation should accompany treatment:
- Serologic testing for Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia spp., and Anaplasma spp. using ELISA or SNAP kits, performed 2–4 weeks after exposure.
- Complete blood count and biochemistry panel to detect anemia, thrombocytopenia, or organ dysfunction associated with tick‑borne infections.
Preventive measures that may be administered concurrently include:
- Topical acaricides such as fipronil (10 mg/kg) or selamectin (6 mg/kg) applied monthly to inhibit future infestations.
- Lyme disease vaccine – a series of two injections 2–4 weeks apart, followed by annual boosters, for dogs in endemic regions.
Monitoring continues for at least 30 days post‑exposure. Observe for fever, lameness, joint swelling, lethargy, or changes in appetite. Any resurgence of clinical signs warrants repeat laboratory assessment and possible adjustment of antimicrobial therapy.