Dog Tick Diseases

April is Lyme Disease Awareness Month; and while Lyme Disease is the most talked about type of tick disease, it is not the only tick illness that can affect dog health. 

Not all ticks carry Lyme Disease. Some ticks do not carry tick diseases at all; but that is the luck of the draw. The Lone Star Tick offers red meat allergies to people; but it does not carry Lyme Disease (good news for individuals and pets). However, the American Dog Tick prefers to bite on pets (primary host) then humans (secondary hosts); and they can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever among other illnesses. 

Canine Ehrlichiosis can result in depression, runny nose, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss. Caused by the Brown Dog Tick, which is also responsible for Babesiosis leading to anemia, weakness and vomiting.

Tick bites are no laughing matter and need to be taken off as soon as possible. Lyme Disease transmission can happen in less than 48 hours. The Powassan Virus can be achieved in 15 minutes. 

Track dogs behavior; and take dogs to a vet's office if unsuspected behavior arises.