Ticks are among the most common parasites that can infest dogs, alongside fleas and worms. This often happens unnoticed during walks or in one's own garden. Unfortunately, ticks are also carriers of various diseases. In this article, you will get an overview of the most important ones.

A long walk through fields and meadows is refreshing for both humans and dogs. However, unfortunately, not only grass, dust, or mud gets stuck in the dog's fur, but also unwanted guests can sneak in: Ticks are active in Germany from February to October. Due to climate change and generally higher temperatures, caution is advised throughout the year, and the dog should be checked for ticks after every outing – because they are not only annoying, but they can also transmit diseases.

Here are some diseases that can be transmitted to dogs by ticks:

Anaplasmosis 

Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The bacterium is transmitted to the dog through a tick bite. For this to happen, the tick must have been attached to the dog for at least 36 hours. Therefore, transmission can be avoided if ticks are detected and removed early. Many dogs become infected with the bacterium during their lives without showing symptoms. However, other dogs may become ill with anaplasmosis, and there is currently no clear indication of why some dogs become ill while others do not.

If a dog develops a fever after a tick bite, appears weak or lethargic, and shows small bleeding from the gums and nosebleeds, anaplasmosis may be present. In this case, the veterinarian should initiate appropriate treatment. This is initially done through a blood test to identify the exact pathogen. If Anaplasma phagocytophilum is detected and the dog is diagnosed with anaplasmosis, a multi-week antibiotic therapy can successfully combat the infection. The condition of the affected dog should improve within a few days.

Lyme Disease 

Borrelia can also cause a disease transmitted to dogs by ticks. However, not all dogs bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia become ill with Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis. About 5 to 10 percent of all dogs bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia become ill and show symptoms. However, these symptoms can also occur long after the tick bite. The Borrelia can remain inactive in the animal's skin for a while and can be reactivated, for example, during significant stress for the dog.

Symptoms of acute Lyme disease include loss of appetite, fever, and swollen joints, which can also cause lameness. In the presence of these symptoms, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. Tick bites where the tick has transmitted Borrelia to the dog are usually red and swollen for about a week. If you, as a dog owner, notice such a bite site after removing a tick, you should also go to the veterinarian. However, most owners overlook bites of this kind in dense dog fur.

The treatment of Lyme disease is also done with antibiotics. Unfortunately, dogs that have already suffered joint inflammation from the infection may have ongoing joint problems even after treatment.

Babesiosis (Dog Malaria)

Babesiosis, also known as dog malaria, is also transmitted by ticks. Babesia are single-celled parasites. Until a few years ago, they were hardly widespread in Germany, but have increasingly been brought to our regions through holiday travels and imported dogs. Climate change also promotes the thriving of tick species that are otherwise found in warmer countries.

As with other tick-borne diseases, the transmission of the pathogens causing babesiosis does not occur immediately after the tick bite. This takes about 12 to 48 hours. Therefore, quickly removing ticks can prevent an infection. Ticks that transmit Babesia are primarily active in spring and autumn. Dogs that become ill with dog malaria can show a variety of symptoms. These include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, but also pale mucous membranes and reddish or brownish discolored dog urine. This is due to the destruction of red blood cells by the pathogen and can lead to severe kidney damage. If left untreated, babesiosis can be fatal. Treatment involves injecting the dog with a medication that is supposed to kill all pathogens in the body.

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) 

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can occur in dogs and humans. Ticks that can transmit the pathogen are primarily found in southern Germany, but they can also be found in many other European countries. TBE causes inflammation of the brain and meninges. If left untreated and in severe cases, the disease can be fatal.

Symptoms may appear a few days after the infection of the animal in the form of coordination disorders, frightfulness, seizures, or paralysis. Fever and loss of appetite are also possible.

Treatment is usually more symptomatic, and sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed. Dogs with weak immune systems are more affected than young, healthy dogs. In the worst case, severe symptoms may persist permanently, and the dog may need to be euthanized if necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs In general, some tick prophylaxis can also reduce the likelihood that the dog becomes ill from a tick-borne disease. This includes daily checks for ticks and tick bites, regular administration of an appropriate tick remedy, and avoiding tall grass and fields during the warm months.