Why are ticks dangerous for dogs? - briefly
Ticks carry bacteria, protozoa, and viruses that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can produce fever, joint inflammation, organ failure, and death. Their feeding also leads to blood loss, anemia, and painful skin lesions.
Why are ticks dangerous for dogs? - in detail
Ticks attach to canine skin, insert their mouthparts, and feed on blood for several days. During this process they can introduce a range of pathogens and toxins that compromise a dog’s health.
The most common infectious agents transmitted by ticks include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi – the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, leading to fever, joint inflammation, and kidney dysfunction.
- Ehrlichia canis – responsible for canine ehrlichiosis, producing anemia, low platelet counts, and immune suppression.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes anaplasmosis, characterized by fever, lethargy, and possible neurologic signs.
- Babesia spp. – protozoan parasites that trigger hemolytic anemia, weakness, and organ failure.
- Rickettsia spp. – produce spotted fever–type illnesses with skin lesions and systemic inflammation.
Beyond infectious agents, tick saliva contains anticoagulants and anti‑inflammatory compounds that facilitate prolonged feeding. These substances can provoke local irritation, allergic dermatitis, and, in some species, a neurotoxic condition known as tick paralysis. Paralysis manifests as progressive weakness, loss of coordination, and respiratory compromise; rapid removal of the tick usually reverses the syndrome, but delayed treatment may be fatal.
Prolonged attachment can also cause significant blood loss, especially in small or heavily infested dogs, leading to anemia and reduced performance. The wound left by a detached tick is prone to secondary bacterial infection, which may progress to cellulitis or abscess formation if not cleaned and monitored.
Preventive measures—regular inspection after outdoor activity, use of veterinarian‑approved acaricides, and vaccination where available—reduce exposure and limit the likelihood of disease transmission. Early detection and prompt removal of attached ticks are critical steps in safeguarding canine health against the multiple hazards they present.