TICK SEASON

IMAGE COURTESY OF VET CARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL]

Ticks can make your dog sick before you realize what is going on. Recently we were in the ER with a very sick dog and one of the first things the vet asked was whether or not the dog was given tick protection. Initial symptoms of tick disease can apply to a variety of problems partly because ticks are not necessarily limited to spreading one certain disease. 

​It is difficult to assess how long your dog has been infected when the signs or symptoms appear.  During this season it is very important to frequently go over your dog checking crevices like the armpit of the dog, ears, and all over your pet. These diseases can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Be sure your dog is protected and check them often for ticks.  Tick season is mostly in spring and summer but in Texas, it ain’t over yet!

Top Four Southern Tick Borne Diseases   

1. Canine Ehrlichiosis (Southern States)
2. Canine Babesiosis (Southern States)  
3. Canine Lyme Disease
4. STARI

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Signs and Symptoms

• Head-Shaking
• Excessive chewing or licking
• Less energy
• Eyes are red
• Eats/Drinks Less
• Unusual bleeding
• Wobbly  walking
• Coughing

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• Difficult Breathing
• Nose runs
• Fever
• Stiffness
• Weight Loss
• Confusion
• pale gums/ pale tissue under eyeballs

Professional medical intervention is necessary.
 
Culprits
Blacklegged (deer) tick 
Lone Star Ticks
American Dog Ticks
 
 

​REFERENCES:
“10 Types of Ticks That Can Make You Sick, Where They Live, and How to Identify Them.” Prevention, 6 Feb. 2023, www.prevention.com/health/g27419738/types-of-ticks/.


Vsadmin. “Ticks: What You Need to Know.” VetCare Pet Hospital, 29 Mar. 2022, www.vetcarepethospital.ca/ticks-what-you-need-to-know/.