What will happen if you do not remove a tick from a dog? - briefly
Leaving a tick attached can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia (Lyme disease), Ehrlichia, or Anaplasma, leading to fever, joint pain, and potentially severe organ damage. It also may cause local skin inflammation, secondary bacterial infection, and chronic irritation.
What will happen if you do not remove a tick from a dog? - in detail
Ticks attach to a dog’s skin, insert their mouthparts, and begin feeding on blood. While attached, the parasite can cause localized tissue damage and serve as a vector for multiple pathogens.
The bite site often becomes red, swollen, and painful. Inflammation may progress to an ulcer or abscess if the tick remains embedded for several days. Bacterial colonization of the wound can develop, leading to secondary infection that may require antimicrobial therapy.
Pathogen transmission is the principal risk. Common tick‑borne diseases in dogs include:
- Lyme disease – fever, lameness, joint swelling, possible kidney involvement.
- Ehrlichiosis – lethargy, loss of appetite, thrombocytopenia, bleeding tendencies.
- Anaplasmosis – fever, joint pain, neurologic signs in severe cases.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – fever, petechiae, vascular inflammation.
- Babesiosis – hemolytic anemia, jaundice, weakness.
Each condition can progress rapidly without treatment, potentially causing organ damage or death.
Some tick species produce a neurotoxin that induces paralysis. The toxin spreads from the bite site to the neuromuscular junction, resulting in progressive weakness, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory failure. Prompt removal of the tick typically halts toxin delivery; delayed removal increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes.
Prolonged blood loss from multiple feeding ticks may lead to anemia, especially in small or debilitated dogs. Chronic infection can trigger immune‑mediated disorders, such as hemolytic anemia or glomerulonephritis, compromising long‑term health.
Early removal, thorough skin inspection after outdoor activity, and routine veterinary examinations are essential to prevent these complications. If a tick is discovered, grasp it close to the skin with fine‑pointed tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and disinfect the area. Veterinary assessment is recommended when a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours or when any signs of illness appear.