Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention

As a dog parent, keeping your furry friend safe from parasites is one of the most important parts of pet care. Among the most dangerous parasites are ticks, tiny but capable of spreading life-threatening diseases to your dog.

From high fever and joint pain to organ failure in severe cases, tick-borne diseases in dogs are more common in the U.S. than most pet parents realize. But the good news is they’re entirely preventable with the right awareness, timely diagnosis, and preventive care.

This comprehensive guide by Shoppetcare walks you through everything you should know about tick-borne diseases, including the types, symptoms, treatments, and vet-approved prevention tips.

What Are Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs?

Tick-borne diseases are bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. When a tick attaches itself to your dog’s skin and starts feeding on blood, it transfers harmful microorganisms into the bloodstream through its saliva.

Ticks usually need to stay attached for several hours to transmit infection. Once transmitted, these microorganisms can cause diseases that affect your dog’s blood cells, organs, and immune system, sometimes with severe consequences if left untreated.

Tick-borne diseases are found throughout the United States but are most common in wooded, humid, and grassy regions, especially during the spring and summer months.

Common Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Recognizing early symptoms can save your dog from serious illness. Here are the signs to look out for:

• Fever and chills
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Joint pain or limping
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pale gums or bruised skin
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Abdominal swelling
• Runny eyes or nasal discharge
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Bloody urine

Vet Tip: If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has been outdoors or in tick-prone areas, contact your vet immediately for a blood test.

Types of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Ticks transmit several different infections, some bacterial, others parasitic. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs found in the U.S.:

1. Anaplasmosis

Caused by: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys
Transmitted by: Black-legged tick and brown dog tick

Anaplasmosis affects white blood cells and platelets, leading to fever, joint pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It’s most prevalent in the Midwest and Northeast regions.

2. Lyme Disease

Caused by: Borrelia burgdorferi
Transmitted by: Deer tick (black-legged tick)

Perhaps the most well-known tick disease, Lyme disease can cause lameness, fatigue, and swollen joints. If untreated, it may lead to kidney or heart problems. The infection usually requires 24–48 hours of tick attachment to spread.

3. Babesiosis

Caused by: Babesia parasites
Transmitted by: American dog tick, brown dog tick

Babesiosis attacks red blood cells, causing anemia, pale gums, and lethargy. It can also spread through dog bites or contaminated blood transfusions.

4. Ehrlichiosis

Caused by: Ehrlichia canis and other Ehrlichia species
Transmitted by: Brown dog tick, lone star tick

Ehrlichiosis typically shows up 1–3 weeks after infection and may cause nosebleeds, swollen limbs, and bruising. It’s especially common in warmer southern states.

5. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Caused by: Rickettsia rickettsii
Transmitted by: American dog tick, brown dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick

RMSF causes fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The tick must be attached for at least 5–20 hours before transmitting the disease.

6. Hepatozoonosis

Caused by: Hepatozoon canis and Hepatozoon americanum
Transmitted by: Brown dog tick and Gulf Coast tick (via ingestion)

Unlike other tick diseases, dogs get Hepatozoonosis by swallowing an infected tick or eating infected prey. It causes fever, muscle pain, and weight loss and can become chronic if untreated.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases

Your vet will begin by conducting a physical examination and reviewing your dog’s symptoms and history of tick exposure. To confirm the type of infection, they may recommend blood tests such as ELISA or PCR.

Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics (like doxycycline) for bacterial infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and swelling
• Supportive care, including hydration and nutrition
• Tick preventives to stop further infestations

🩺 Important: Never attempt to treat tick-borne infections at home. Early vet diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery chances.

How to Prevent Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

The best way to protect your pet is through consistent tick prevention and awareness. Here’s what vets recommend:

1. Use Vet-Approved Tick Preventives:

Choose trusted monthly treatments like Simparica Trio, NexGard, or Frontline Plus, available at Shoppetcare.com

2. Regular tick checks:

Inspect your dog’s skin, ears, and paws after every walk, especially if you live near wooded or grassy areas.

3. Maintain a clean environment:

Keep your yard trimmed and free of tall grass or leaf piles where ticks hide.

4. Avoid high-risk zones:

Try to avoid heavily wooded or humid areas during tick season.

5. Safe tick removal:

If you spot a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to pull it out gently from the head, not the body. Disinfect the area afterward.

6. Routine vet visits:

Regular health check-ups help detect infections early, even before symptoms appear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q1. Can My Dog Get Sick Immediately After a Tick Bite?

Not always. It usually takes hours for a tick to transmit infection, but symptoms may take days or weeks to appear.

Q2. Can Humans Catch Tick Diseases from Dogs?

While the diseases themselves don’t spread directly from dogs to humans, ticks can bite both species. So, tick prevention protects your entire household.

Q3. How Often Should I Use Tick Prevention Treatments?

Most vet-approved treatments like Simparica Trio or NexGard are effective for one month. Year-round protection is strongly recommended.

Q4. What Should I Do If I Find a Tick on My Dog?

Remove it carefully with tweezers, clean the bite area, and monitor for symptoms. If your dog becomes sick, visit your vet immediately.

The Bottom Line

Ticks may be tiny, but the diseases they transmit can be devastating. Being informed and proactive about tick-borne diseases in dogs is the key to keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Regular tick checks, vet visits, and monthly parasite preventives can dramatically reduce the risk of infection.

At Shoppetcare, we bring you trusted, vet-recommended flea and tick treatments from top brands like Simparica Trio, NexGard, and Frontline Plus. So, your furry friend stays safe all year long.

🛒 Shop now at Shoppetcare.com for the best flea and tick preventives for dogs because prevention is always better than cure.