In addition to whipworms, common parasites like fleas and ticks can give your dog diseases. As a responsible fur parent, you should be aware of these dangers and take the necessary steps to prevent them.
Fleas and ticks are more than just annoying parasites that make your dog itch. They can also transmit diseases that can make your furry friend seriously ill. In some instances, these diseases can even be deadly. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your dog from these parasites.
Common Diseases Fleas and Ticks Can Transmit
There are several diseases that fleas and ticks can transmit to dogs. Some of the more common ones include:
1. Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transferred by black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). This disease is most commonly found in the northeastern United States but has also been reported in other parts of the country.
When ticks bite your dog, they can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This bacteria, called Borrelia burgdorferi, attacks the nervous system and can cause various symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure, requiring certain treatment methods. In some cases, dogs with kidney failure caused by Lyme disease die.
Fortunately, Lyme disease is preventable. There are vaccines available that can help protect your dog from this disease. In addition, you can take steps to prevent your dog from coming into contact with ticks, such as using tick repellents and regularly checking your dog for ticks.
2. Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is an infection transferred by American dog ticks, wood ticks, and Lone Star ticks. RMSF is caused by an intracellular parasite known as Rickettsia rickettsii.
An unfed tick must be attached to your dog for more than 10 hours to transmit the parasite. But if a tick has already been fed, it may spread the infection to your dog within 10 minutes after attachment.
Infected dogs typically develop a fever and may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash (in some cases)
If left untreated, RMSF can cause serious health problems and even death.
3. Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a disease transmitted by brown dog ticks, Lone star ticks, and deer ticks, caused by a bacteria called Ehrlichia Canis.
Dogs with ehrlichiosis typically have a fever and may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
If left untreated, ehrlichiosis can cause serious health problems and even death. Fortunately, ehrlichiosis is treatable with antibiotics.
4. Anaplasmosis
Black-legged ticks and deer ticks transmit anaplasmosis. A bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum can cause this disease and has similar signs to ehrlichiosis.
Dogs with anaplasmosis typically have a fever and may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Anaplasmosis in dogs is diagnosed through a blood test and blood smear and is treated with antibiotics.
5. Bartonellosis
Bartonellosis, also called cat scratch fever, is a disease transmitted by parasites, including ticks and fleas. It is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae, affecting both cats and dogs. While cats are more likely to catch this bartonellosis, dogs living outside can also be infected.
Dogs with bartonellosis typically have a fever and may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore muscles; difficulty getting up or reluctance to run or jump
- Nose irritation such as discharge and/or nosebleeds
- Digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inflammation of the heart (coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting)
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks in Dogs
There are many things you can do to prevent your dog from getting fleas and ticks, including:
- Keep your dog’s environment clean. Vacuum regularly and wash your dog’s bedding in hot water weekly.
- Use tick and flea prevention products. Some effective tick and flea prevention products are on the market, such as topical spot-ons, oral medications, and collars. Speak with your vet about which product is right for your dog.
- Inspect your dog daily for ticks, especially after being outside, paying close attention to their ears, neck, legs, and belly.
- Remove ticks immediately. Remove the tick right away with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers if you see it pon your dog. Avoid crushing the tick’s body, as this can release infectious fluids into your dog’s bloodstream. After removing the tick, clean the bite site with soap and water. Disinfect the tweezers with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Keep your grass short. Ticks like to hide in tall grass, so keeping your lawn trimmed will help reduce the risk of ticks attaching to your dog.
- Avoid wooded areas. If you can, avoid walking your pet in heavily wooded areas where ticks are more likely to be present.
As a Summary
Many tick-borne diseases can affect dogs, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and bartonellosis. These diseases can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and even fatal if left untreated.
In short, aside from the usual vet knowledge (such as dental health education), you must also be aware of the dangers of fleas and ticks and how to prevent your dog from getting these parasites. Remember, these parasites can also cause fatal diseases if left untreated.
