Ticks can transmit diseases to dogs. The most common symptom of these tick-borne illnesses is no symptom, according to Richard Goldstein, D.V.M. of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. However, if your dog is one of the 10 to 20 percent to exhibit symptoms, they could be anything from lameness to seizures. The problem with tick-borne diseases in dogs is that the symptoms are vague and often can be misinterpreted as other illnesses.
-
Joint Stiffness
-
Joint stiffness or difficulty walking is a symptom caused by several tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In Lyme disease, the lameness will come in cycles of three to six days each, with apparent recovery in between.
Loss of Appetite
-
Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and canine anaplasmosis can cause loss of appetite, or anorexia, in dogs. This symptom, however, can be an indicator of a wide variety of illnesses--tick disease being only one of them.
Fever
-
A fever develops as the body tries to fight off the tick-borne illness. Generally, this is coupled with lethargy. Ehrlichiosis, canine anaplasmosis, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause a high fever.
Other Symptoms
-
Vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms that can accompany canine anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis. Nosebleeds are a classic symptom of ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, according to Dr. Goldstein. Seizures rarely occur with anaplasmosis, but are possible. Ehrlichiosis can cause retinal bleeding, a runny nose and bruising on the abdomen.
-