What threats do tick bites pose to dogs? - briefly
Tick bites can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, resulting in Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, severe anemia, fever, and joint inflammation. In advanced cases, these infections may be fatal without prompt treatment.
What threats do tick bites pose to dogs? - in detail
Ticks transmit a range of pathogens and toxins that can compromise canine health. The most common hazards include bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections, each with distinct clinical manifestations.
- Bacterial diseases – Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) causes lameness, fever, and kidney inflammation; Anaplasma phagocytophilum leads to fever, joint pain, and thrombocytopenia; Ehrlichia canis produces anemia, bleeding disorders, and immune suppression.
- Protozoal infection – Babesia species invade red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and potential organ failure.
- Viral threats – Tick-borne encephalitis and Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever are rare in dogs but can cause neurologic signs and hemorrhagic complications when transmitted.
- Neurotoxic paralysis – Salivary toxins from certain tick species interrupt neuromuscular transmission, producing progressive weakness that may progress to respiratory failure if the animal is not promptly treated.
- Local reactions – Irritation at the attachment site can trigger severe inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, and, in some cases, allergic dermatitis.
- Blood loss – Heavy infestations may cause chronic blood loss, leading to iron‑deficiency anemia and reduced stamina.
Early detection relies on regular inspection of the coat, especially in areas where ticks commonly attach (ears, neck, between toes). Laboratory testing—serology, PCR, or blood smear—confirms specific infections. Treatment protocols differ: antibiotics for bacterial diseases, antiprotozoal agents for Babesia, supportive care for paralysis, and anti‑inflammatory medication for local inflammation. Preventive measures such as acaricidal collars, spot‑on products, and environmental control reduce exposure and limit the probability of disease transmission.