What are the Dangers of Tick Bites on Dogs?

It can be scary to find a tick bite on your dog. You may notice a tick bite on your dog that is flat, round and filled with blood. They can be anywhere on your dog, even around the eyes. However, a tick bite doesn't always mean the worst. Plenty of ticks don't carry any disease, but it's important to know the dangers of the ticks that carry disease.

  1. Lyme Disease

    • Ticks are primarily known as carrying Lyme disease. They can carry other diseases too, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Sometimes the risk of tick bites don't appear for several months after infection. If you dog has been infected with Lyme disease, for example, they may have stiff joints, a fever and suffer from fatigue.

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is very similar in its symptoms to Lyme disease. This disease usually only lasts about two weeks, but can be severe if it's not treated properly. Symptoms include fevers, stiffness and skin lesions.

    Prevention

    • To help your dog avoid diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, there are measures you can take. First, have your dog avoid grassy areas where ticks usually live, especially during tick season from April to September. Also, make sure you check your dog when they come in from outside. By checking your dog's coat, you may be able to stop the tick from transmitting any disease before it's too late.