Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs
Tick disease in dogs is a common case as every year numerous dogs, in the United states suffer from illnesses caused by tick bites leading to uncomfortable symptoms, in your dog with some diseases proving fatal for them.
Tick Borne. How They Impact Your Dogs Immune System
Ticks can pass along either a kind of organism or multiple ones to your dog with a bite, known as coinfection wherein various organisms collaborate to release toxins and activate your dogs immune system.
When these tiny creatures get into your pets body they take over your dogs cells. Manipulate their system to their advantage.Some of these organisms transmitted through tick bites can work together to thrive within your pets system and cause long lasting infections.
Ticks can cause infections and inflammation, in your dogs organs and tissues leading to symptoms to show up gradually over time than immediately after the pet gets infected with the disease.
Common Tick Disease in Dogs
There are tick borne diseases commonly found in dogs, throughout North America. Sometimes these illnesses are transmitted by ticks that dogs come into contact with close to their homes; times the diseases are picked up while the pets are away from home (such as during out of state camping trips with their owners). Here is a list of the tick borne illnesses identified in dogs, in the Memphis region.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease, in both dogs and humans is a result of the Borrelia bacteria transmitted by black legged ticks or deer ticks commonly found in North America. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs may manifest as lethargy, lameness, fever, joint pain or swelling and enlarged lymph nodes. However Lyme disease, in dogs can be effectively treated.
Canine Bartonellosis
Although Canine Bartonellosis is not as prevalent, as tick borne illnesses in dogs the symptoms associated with this ailment can be quite severe in nature. Early indications of Canine Bartonellosis may include fevers and difficulty walking; however if left unaddressed this illness has the potential to escalate into severe issues, like heart or liver complications.
Rickettsial Diseases
Rickettsial organisms are bacteria that rely on host cells to survive. Can be transmitted by ticks carrying the infection. These bacterial invaders can lead to diseases, in dogs such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis and Canine Anaplasmosis. Diagnosing illnesses, like these can be quite complex. May require multiple tests or treatment cycles before pinpointing the exact cause of your dogs symptoms.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (known as RMSF) is transmitted by ticks, like the Rocky Mountain wood tick and the brown deer tick as the American dog tick in Central and North America and parts of South America too! This tick borne disease can affect both dogs and humans alike with symptoms ranging from lymph nodes and joint pain to loss of appetite and fever in friends like dogs. Some pups might also show signs of problems such as balance troubles or weakness, in cases.
Canine Ehrlichiosis
There are types of ticks that can spread Canine Ehrlichiosis such as the dog tick and lone star tick, along with the brown dog tick.The signs of this illness usually start showing up 1 to 3 weeks after your pet dog contracts it. Can consist of a high temperature, diminished appetite, nosebleeds and easy bruising. Timely detection and care are crucial, for managing Canine Ehrlichiosis. It can be harder to treat dogs with symptoms of the condition.
Canine Anaplasmosis
When a dog has Canine Anaplasmosis disease symptoms resemble those of illnesses transmitted by ticks and may include tiredness and lack of interest, in eating food along with joints and a high body temperature as well as digestive issues, like diarrhea and vomiting; in serious situations though this condition can trigger seizures in dogs.
Protozoal Diseases
Protozoal intracellular parasites are also carried by ticks. Reside in a dogs blood cells leading to the Protozoal diseases mentioned below.
Canine Babesiosis
Canine Babesiosis is mostly transmitted via bites, from brown dog ticks or American dog ticks that are carrying the infection. However this disease can also be transmitted through the bite of an infected dog contaminated IV blood or passed from a mother to her puppies through transplacental transmission. Canine Babesiosis leads to the destruction of blood cells leading to symptoms, like skin color, pale gums, fatigue, dark urine color and sometimes overall weakness and vomiting.
Canine Hepatozoonosis
Canine Hepatozoosis is a disease transmitted by ticks; however your pet might catch it from consuming another animal thats already infected like a mouse or a bird.. Dogs who have this condition usually display symptoms or none all initially. In some cases though depending on the type of the disease severe symptoms can emerge impacting your pets movement through muscle, bone and/or joint pain. Additional signs of Canine Hepatozoosis consist of fever, pale gums and skin, as swollen lymph nodes.
Treatment for Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs
When dogs are found to have tick borne illnesses they are usually given broad spectrum antibiotics, for treatment by the veterinarian. During the treatment your vet might suggest giving your furry friend probiotics to help prevent any problems.
Dealing with recurring tick borne illnesses can pose a challenge that’s hard to overcome for owners like yourself. When your furry friend seems to have bounced from the illness it might be important to schedule periodic blood tests to catch any potential relapses at an early stage.
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
Using tick prevention medications all year round is crucial, in safeguarding dogs against tick borne diseases as they serve as the defense mechanism for illnesses in canines. Consult your veterinarian to determine the parasite prevention medication for your pet depending on factors like your locations tick prevalence rate and your dogs age and lifestyle. Although these medications play a role in keeping your dog safe from ticks harm; it’s important to note that no preventive method offers protection; hence consistent vigilance is essential, at all times.
After your furry friend has spent time in places, like farms or forests where ticks’re residents and areas with tall grasses, around them have him checked for any ticks when you return home.
Examining Your Dog For Ticks
Ticks are usually a black hue and tend to grow quite sizable once they start feeding. You can use the internet to find out the appearance of ticks, in your region and their common habitats.
Ticks should be taken out with caution to safeguard your friends well being. It’s best to reach out to your veterinarian, for guidance on the correct way to remove ticks from your dogs skin.
Please note that the information shared in this post is, for knowledge only and does not serve as veterinary advice for your pets health concerns; it is recommended to schedule an appointment, with your veterinarian for an appropriate diagnosis of your pets well being.