Lurking in tall grass, spying from piles of leaves, and creeping down hiking trails, silently observing their next potential victim – your dog! Ticks are on the prowl all year long, and while it’s easy to think of them as just a nuisance, but they can pose serious health risks to your whole family. Thankfully, we’ve been on the case and have a list of suspects for you to watch out for.
The Suspects:
These tiny culprits are wanted for a long list of crimes, chief among them the spread of tick-borne diseases that affect dogs across the country. But don’t worry—we’re here to break it down for you, shedding light on the dark deeds and details of these tick-borne diseases and how you can safeguard your dog with the right protection.
Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily through the bite of the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick.
- Profile: This disease is notorious among dogs and humans alike, spreading easily among mammals and potentially causing symptoms for weeks or months after treatment.
- Evidence: Symptoms include fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and joint pain, which can lead to lameness. If left unchecked, Lyme disease can cause kidney damage.
- Investigation and Treatment: Lyme disease can be diagnosed through a blood test. Treatment typically involves antibiotics. Ensure preventive measures by considering annual Lyme disease vaccination, regularly checking your dog for ticks, and using monthly tick control products.
Anaplasmosis in Dogs
Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum or Anaplasma platys. It is spread by a range of different tick species, including the black-legged and western black-legged ticks.
- Profile: Both the black-legged tick and the western black-legged tick are repeat offenders in spreading anaplasmosis.
- Evidence: Symptoms can be wide-ranging, including fever, joint pain, lethargy, loss of appetite and vomiting.
- Investigation and Treatment: Blood tests can diagnose anaplasmosis, which is treated with antibiotics. Early detection is key to preventing complications.
Ehrlichiosis in Dogs
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Ehrlichia spp., which not only affects dogs but can be easily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
- Profile: The brown dog tick and the lone star tick are responsible for this bacterial infection.
- Evidence: Symptoms include fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, hemorrhages.
- Investigation and Treatment: Ehrlichiosis is diagnosed through a blood test, and treatment involves antibiotics. As always, the best prevention starts with monthly protection against ticks.
Babesiosis in Dogs
Babesiosis is a parasitic infection caused by Babesia spp. While the disease can sometimes manifest with mild symptoms, it can be life- threatening in certain circumstances.
- Profile: Transmitted by the brown dog tick, babesiosis is a parasitic infection that targets red blood cells and destroys them.
- Evidence: Symptoms include anemia, pale gums, weakness and dark urine. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure.
- Investigation and Treatment: Diagnosis involves examining blood smears and PCR tests. Treatment includes anti-parasitic medications and supportive care. Monthly tick protection is key to avoiding infection.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks.
- Profile: This disease is spread by the American dog tick and the brown dog tick.
- Evidence: Symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pain and skin lesions. It’s a serious condition that can affect multiple organs.
- Investigation and Treatment: Specific blood tests are needed to confirm the presence of RMSF, which, if found, requires prompt antibiotic treatment. The best prevention is taking measures to avoid tick exposure and using a monthly tick protection product.
Tularemia in Dogs
Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever, is caused by bacterium Francisella tularensis and can spread through contact with infected animals or through tick bite transmission.
- Profile: This bacterial disease is often associated with the American dog tick and the lone star tick.
- Evidence: Symptoms can include fever, skin ulcers and swollen lymph nodes. It can affect the respiratory system if inhaled.
- Investigation and Treatment: Specific blood tests are needed to confirm the presence of tularemia, and treatment typically involves antibiotics. Prevention with monthly tick protection is preferred.
Your Defense Against the Tick Terrors
You know the suspects; you know the diseases they can spread; now like a true detective, you can put the facts together and learn how to protect your dog from ticks and the diseases they carry:
- Year-Round Prevention: Ticks are active even in winter, which is why year-round tick protection for dogs is so important. Products like Credelio® (lotilaner) for dogs, provide consistent protection against ticks. Monthly administration of Credelio to your dog ensures uninterrupted defense.
- Routine Checks: Inspect your dog for ticks after outdoor activities. Pay attention to hidden areas, such as under the collar and between toes.
- Yard Maintenance: Keep your lawn trimmed, remove leaf litter, and discourage wildlife that can carry ticks.
- Consult Your Vet: Discuss tick protection strategies with your veterinarian. They can recommend the best products and practices tailored to your pet’s needs and location.
- By understanding the risks and taking preventive steps, you can protect your dog from the hidden dangers of ticks. Credelio offers reliable defense, ensuring your furry friend remains tick-free. Visit the Credelio Dog page to learn more about Credelio, and discuss tick protection with your veterinarian during your next visit.
Indications for Credelio:
Credelio kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and treatment and control of tick infestations (lone star tick, American dog tick, black-legged tick and brown dog tick) for one month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks and older and 4.4 pounds or greater.
Important Safety Information for Credelio:
Lotilaner is a member of the isoxazoline class of drugs. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, incoordination and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving this class of drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The safe use of Credelio in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are weight loss, elevated blood urea nitrogen, increased urination and diarrhea. For complete safety information, please see Credelio product label or ask your veterinarian.
