Why is a tick dangerous for dogs? - briefly
Ticks transmit bacterial diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis, which can cause fever, joint inflammation, and organ dysfunction. Their blood‑feeding can induce anemia and, in some species, release neurotoxins that lead to paralysis.
Why is a tick dangerous for dogs? - in detail
Ticks represent a significant health threat to canines because they act as vectors for a variety of pathogens, cause direct tissue damage, and can trigger severe immune reactions.
When a tick attaches, it inserts saliva containing anticoagulants and immunomodulatory proteins that facilitate prolonged feeding. These substances may lead to localized inflammation, ulceration, and secondary bacterial infection at the bite site.
Pathogen transmission is the primary danger. Common agents carried by ticks include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi – the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, which can cause lameness, fever, and kidney dysfunction.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – induces fever, joint pain, and thrombocytopenia.
- Ehrlichia canis – the cause of canine ehrlichiosis, characterized by anemia, bleeding disorders, and immune suppression.
- Rickettsia spp. – may lead to vasculitis and organ failure.
- Babesia spp. – protozoan parasites that destroy red blood cells, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
In addition to infectious agents, some tick species produce toxins that can cause paralysis. The neurotoxin interferes with neuromuscular transmission, leading to progressive weakness and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
The cumulative effect of these risks includes chronic illness, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Prompt removal of the tick reduces the window for pathogen transmission, but early detection does not guarantee prevention, as some agents can be transferred within hours of attachment.
Effective control strategies involve regular use of approved acaricides, environmental management to reduce tick habitats, and routine veterinary examinations for early diagnosis of tick‑borne diseases. «Prevention outweighs treatment» in managing the threat ticks pose to dogs.