A tick bite on a dog: what is dangerous, signs and first aid
Why are ticks dangerous for dogs?
In recent years, the timing of tick activity has changed. Winters have become warmer - you can find a tick on a dog in January at above-zero temperatures. The two peak periods of activity are spring and autumn. In the spring, parasites wake up after winter hibernation and strive to quickly satisfy their hunger; in the fall, they eat in reserve. It is important to protect your dog from ticks all year round.
The tick bite itself is unpleasant, but safe. At one time it is capable of sucking no more than 1 ml of blood. The danger comes from parasites that enter the dog’s blood along with the tick’s saliva, penetrate the red blood cells, multiply and destroy them. Without treatment, the animal may die within 4-7 days from the moment of the bite.
What dangerous infections are transmitted by ticks?
Piroplasmosis, or babesiosis,
Ehrlichiosis,
Anaplasmosis,
Lyme borreliosis.
A tick can transmit a mix of infections and, with one bite, infect several types of parasites at once, for example, Borrelia and Anaplasma, Babesia and Anaplasma. This complicates diagnosis and requires an integrated approach to treatment.
Danger of ticks for dogs
Which ticks are dangerous for humans and dogs?
Ixodid ticks are more dangerous for animals and people - they are carriers of serious blood-parasitic diseases, for example, Lyme borreliosis and encephalitis. Parasites live throughout Belarus and are found not only in the forest, but also in city parks and courtyards.
Use tick protection and inspect yourself, your children and your pet after a walk in the park, forest or yard. Remove the tick immediately as soon as you notice it.
Symptoms of tick-borne infection in humans may appear over a long period of time. For example, encephalitis will manifest itself after 2-3 weeks in the form of drowsiness, general malaise, slightly elevated temperature and muscle pain.
To find out whether a tick is infected or not, take the parasite to the laboratory for analysis. This cannot be determined visually.
Symptoms in a dog after a tick bite
The first signs of a tick bite are itching and restlessness of the dog. The animal constantly scratches the area where the parasite has attached itself. The bite mark is not always noticeable. An attached tick resembles a mole. When the parasite falls off, a small red spot remains on the skin.
If the tick turns out to be a carrier of infection, the first signs of the disease will appear in 1-2 days. For example, the incubation period of piroplasmosis depends on the severity of the disease and lasts from 2 to 10 days. Sometimes symptoms can appear three weeks after the bite.
Carefully observe the dog's behavior for 1-2 weeks if it has recently been bitten by a tick. This way you will not miss the first signs of the disease and will be able to start treatment on time.
How to tell if your dog has been bitten by a tick
Symptoms that should alert the owner
1. Increase in body temperature to 41–42 ºС. Normally, a dog's temperature reaches 39 ºС.
2. Lethargy, decreased interest in favorite games and weakness of the hind limbs - is explained by the exhaustion of the animal’s body.
3. Poor appetite or refusal to feed.
4. Pale mucous membranes.
5. Urine is red or brown. The infection destroys red blood cells, and on days 2-3 of illness the urine darkens. Such a symptom means that the disease is developing quickly and you need to urgently take the animal to the veterinarian, otherwise the pet may die.
How to protect your dog from ticks
Prevention and inspection after every walk are the main ways to reduce the likelihood of being bitten and contracting dangerous diseases.
For prevention, use veterinary anti-tick products for dogs:
Drops - the product is applied to the withers. The treatment must be repeated every month. KRKA Fiprist drops protect your pet from ticks, fleas, lice and lice. Suitable for puppies from 8 weeks of age.
The tablet is valid for up to three months, and the dog can be washed. MSD Animal Health Bravecto Chewable Tablets protect against fleas and ticks. The range includes tablets for dogs of all sizes.
The collar accessory is impregnated with insecticides that repel parasites. The Ecoprom Inspector collar is suitable for small breed dogs.
Spray - creates a protective layer and repels ticks and fleas. The spray should be applied to the dog's entire body. Merial Frontline insectoacaricidal spray kills existing mites and protects against the appearance of new ones.
We wrote more about insectoacaricidal drugs in the article on how to protect your dog from fleas and ticks. To increase the effectiveness of protection, you can combine several products during periods of tick activity: for example, give your pet a tablet and bathe it with flea and tick shampoo for dogs.
When choosing a drug, take into account the length of the coat, the activity of visiting parks, forests, and reservoirs, the general state of health and how often you wash the animal.
Check your dog's skin after every walk. Pay attention to areas where ticks tend to stick: behind the ears, neck, abdomen, chest, groin and armpits. You will be able to find the tick before it has time to attach itself, and reduce the risk of infection.
Checklist “What to do if you are bitten by a tick”
1. Put on gloves and remove the tick with tweezers or a special tool, grabbing it as close to the skin as possible. Proceed carefully so that the head and proboscis of the tick do not remain in the pet’s body.
2. Treat the wound with chlorhexidine, miramistin or other antiseptic.
3. Place the extracted tick in a jar and take it to the laboratory.
4. Carefully observe your pet’s behavior and immediately contact a veterinarian if the dog becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, and has a fever.
