Even the words “tick-borne diseases” can make your skin crawl. A threat to both humans and our four-legged canine friends, these illnesses can be difficult to diagnose. If you suspect your pooch is the victim of a tick-borne disease, then you should take him or her to the veterinarian for immediate care, diagnosis, and treatment. Tick-borne diseases are difficult to detect, and their symptoms may take 7 to 21 days to appear.
To protect your beloved dog from these diseases, here are some of the most common tick-borne diseases to watch out for.
1. Ehrlichiosis
This is one of the most common tick-borne diseases around the world. In most cases, this disease is caused by a brown dog tick. Some of the common signs of ehrlichiosis include respiratory distress, frequent body noises, and enlarged lymph nodes. If a vet diagnoses your dog with this tick-borne disorder, they will provide antibiotics and also recommend pet vaccinations for other pets at home.
2. Anaplasmosis
If you find your dog experiencing heavy diarrhea and vomiting, visit the animal hospital for an anaplasmosis checkup. Anaplasmosis is transmitted by infected deer ticks. An experienced vet will diagnose your dog for seizures and may recommend further treatment for other related tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.
3. Babesiosis
Infected brown ticks and the American dog tick are the principal agents in spreading this disease. Swollen lymph nodes, fever, dark urine, and general body weakness should prompt you to seek attention from the vet, who can then screen your dog for babesiosis. This is a common disease in various parts of the world. During your annual checkup, your veterinarian can diagnose this and other canine illnesses.
4. Hepatozoonosis
If your dog has been the victim of Gulf Coast ticks or infected brown ticks, then you should know that it has a high likelihood of being diagnosed with hepatozoonosis. If you detect runny nose, muscle pain, and bloody diarrhea, you should take him or her to a vet clinic for diagnosis and treatment of hepatozoonosis. Pet owners should know that this disease is prevalent in temperate and tropical regions.
5. Bartonellosis
Fleas, lice, biting insects, and parasites are the significant transmitters of bartonellosis. Infected brown ticks also play a significant role in the spread of this disease. Restlessness, shivering, nausea, and lameness are some of the common symptoms of this disease. If you detect these symptoms, you should take your dog to the nearest veterinary hospital for treatment.
When you come across ticks on your pet, you don’t need to panic. Not all ticks will transmit tick-borne diseases. However, you should consult a vet every time you notice ticks and other insects covering the skin of your dog.