What should be injected into a dog that was bitten by a tick? - briefly
Administer a single dose of doxycycline (approximately 10 mg per kilogram of body weight) as prophylaxis against Lyme disease and other tick‑borne infections; if a canine Lyme vaccine is available, a booster injection may also be given according to the veterinarian’s schedule.
What should be injected into a dog that was bitten by a tick? - in detail
When a canine patient has been attached to a tick, immediate veterinary intervention focuses on preventing transmission of tick‑borne pathogens. The primary injectable agents used are:
- Lyme disease vaccine – a single sub‑cutaneous dose can be given if the dog’s vaccination schedule is incomplete or if the region has a high prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi. The vaccine stimulates protective antibodies and reduces the risk of clinical Lyme infection.
- Ehrlichia/Anaplasma vaccine – administered intramuscularly where these agents are endemic. It provides immunity against Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, common after tick exposure.
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotic injection – a single dose of injectable doxycycline (or, where doxycycline is unavailable, a cephalosporin such as cefovecin) is recommended for dogs at risk of acute ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis. The dosage is 5 mg/kg sub‑cutaneously, repeated after 48 hours if clinical signs develop.
- Anti‑inflammatory corticosteroid – a one‑time dose of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg IM) may be used to mitigate severe local inflammation, but only after weighing the risk of immunosuppression against the benefit.
After administration, the veterinarian should:
- Examine the bite site for residual mouthparts; remove any fragments with fine forceps.
- Schedule a follow‑up appointment within 7‑10 days to reassess for fever, lameness, or lethargy.
- Perform serologic testing (ELISA or PCR) for Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma if clinical signs appear.
- Maintain a regular tick‑preventive regimen (topical, oral, or collar) to avoid future infestations.
These injections, combined with prompt tick removal and ongoing monitoring, constitute the standard protocol for managing a dog that has recently been bitten by an attached tick.