Results of Tick Bites in Dogs

Running through the yard, grassy fields or woodlands is good exercise for dogs. However, ticks lurk in these areas, waiting to jump on your dog. When a tick bites, it can cause your dog to have serious health problems.

  1. Identification

    • If you notice you dog consistently scratching an area, check for a tick bite. When a tick bites, occasionally its mouth parts remain embedded in the skin, causing mild redness and swelling to the infected area. In some cases, you may not recognize that the dog has ticks until its too late, especially if your dog has long hair. Therefore, veterinarian Brad Hinsperger recommends regular testing to check for them.

    Problems

    • Ticks can infect your dog with several diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, heartworm disease, encephalitis, tularemia, tick paralysis and Lyme disease. These diseases can lead to loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, retinal bleeding, arthritis, neurological disorders and breathing difficulty.

    Prevention

    • Ticks are found in tall grass, brushes and where there is plenty of vegetation, so remove any brush piles or branches from your lawn. Consider tick repellents, medicines and tick collars to protect your dog, or search for and remove ticks during regular grooming. If you think your dog has ticks, take it to the vet. Testing only takes a few minutes.