Ticks are everywhere in India, and they carry one of the most common serious illnesses vets treat in dogs: tick fever. Caught early, most dogs recover well. Caught late, it can be life-threatening.
What is tick fever?
"Tick fever" is the common name for infections such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, passed on when an infected tick bites your dog. The brown dog tick, very common in Indian homes and streets, is the usual carrier.
Signs to watch for
- Fever and dullness
- Not eating or eating much less
- Weakness, lying around more than usual
- Pale gums
- Nosebleeds, or small red spots on the gums or belly
- Red or dark urine
Signs can come and go, so a dog that "seems better" may still be sick.
How vets diagnose and treat it
Your vet will usually do a blood test to check the blood cells and look for the infection. Treatment depends on which infection your dog has, and often lasts a few weeks. Finish the full course even if your dog looks better.
How to prevent tick fever
- Check your dog daily, especially between the toes, inside the ears, around the neck and under the legs.
- Use a vet-recommended tick preventive (spot-on, tablet or collar) all year round, not just in summer.
- Remove ticks safely with fine tweezers, pulling straight out close to the skin.
- Treat your home too: ticks hide in cracks, bedding and walls. Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
FROM THE VET'S BOOKSHELF
The Ultimate Dog Owner's Handbook
Feeding, vaccines, training, health and the emergency signs every dog owner must know, written by a vet for first-time dog owners.
Buy on Amazon →Written by Dr. Vaishnavi Karmawat, BVSc & AH, Veterinary Officer, Rajasthan. This article is general advice; always consult your own vet about your animal.
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