Bayb Boomers Guide to Dog Ticks
Our precious dogs are definitely part of our families, yet unlike our human loved ones, our four legged relatives can not tell us where they may hurt or if they are feeling sick or uncomfortable. And since for the most part human and canines exhibit “different” signs of illness, it’s therefore quite understandable that we two legged creatures become confused in trying to interpret our pet’s symptoms. Fortunately, that’s where our Vets come into play as by and large our dog health providers, (and some very experienced dog owners) manage to avoid pitfalls or misinterpretations in dog symptoms and their related causes. However, there is one notable exception that can defy diagnosis by even the most seasoned Vet; that being dog tick-born disease (TBD).
Oftentimes ticks are mistakenly believed to result from “unsanitary” environmental conditions such as a neglected farm house or otherwise non-hygienic environment wherein TBD is seen as something lurking around just waiting to infect your dog. But this is far from the truth and can frequently catch a dog owner unaware as ticks do not discriminate and dog tick infestation is found in many upscale sanitized suburban neighborhoods. All dog owners need to be proactive in avoiding TBD (by using monthly preventative medications) as well as being on the lookout for all signs and symptoms as TBD can be difficult to diagnose and if left untreated can be fatal for your beloved pet.
Complicating matters further, some dogs who don’t have full blown symptoms of TBD are nonetheless carriers (i.e., think Typhoid Mary of the dog world), as dog ticks can live on other animals, can survive in non living environments such as dog bedding, towels, shoes and boots, carpets, or even hiding out in car upholstery just waiting for an unprotected dog to present itself for a good tick feed. While dog ticks are usually not interested in attaching themselves to people and are thus harmless to us 2 legged creatures, (remember we are talking about dog ticks illness TBD, not Deer ticks which can bring Lyme Disease to people), dog ticks love our dog’s blood and can easily latch on and cause problems. Some dogs tend to recover from a dog tick infection, however, a pet can be chronically sick, showing no or seemingly inconclusive symptoms, and can be gradually deteriorating before our unsuspecting eyes. Please be on the lookout as TBD can be solved if detected and treated early and of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—ALWAYS remember to apply your dog’s monthly tick and flea medication.
Step one after seeing symptoms- get your dog to the Vet for a proper diagnosis. Your Vet will check your dog’s skin for lumps, either large or small, that may be latched on ticks. Second, be on the lookout for these possible symptoms of TBD:
1. Changes in appetite
2. Changes in urine and feces color
3. Your dog’s immune system might seem more vulnerable than it once was with evidence of lethargy, loss of appetite, fever and anorexia.
Any of the above may be a sign of onset of a TBD problem, and must be checked. Initially, TBD may be quite subtle but eventually, if untreated, TBD or ehrlichiosis can cause death.
There are various types of TBD with Ehrlichia canis being the most common, followed by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, and Neorickettsia risticii. Each type, bacterium and tick alike, have various prognoses that share basic signs – but some are more treatable than others depending on the stage of the disease. The one thing they all share is deception, as TBD can mimic other illnesses. For example, tick paralysis is frequently misread as epilepsy, wherein the poor animal has a fit with momentary paralysis that looks like an epileptic attack. In fact, it’s a neurotoxin released by a tick into the bloodstream. Less dramatically though, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever and anorexia are signs seen in infected dogs.
Apart from recognizing that your dog might have TBD and taking him to a good Vet, other precautions are also possible. TBD doesn’t necessarily develop if you see a tick on your dog. Removing it is a precaution worth taking, however, care must be taken by removing it with a curved Kelly forceps, tweezers or a tool made for that purpose. Routine checking and keeping your dog clean are great ways to be proactive and not allow TBD to harm your pet.
Whatever the precautions taken TBD can still occur. The best solution is a general awareness of TBD, an understanding of your dog’s health, and early detection and treatment.
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