Along with fleas and worms, ticks are among the most common parasites that can infest dogs. Often this happens unnoticed during a walk or in your own garden. Unfortunately, ticks are also carriers of various diseases. In this article you will get an overview of the most important of them.

An extended walk through fields and meadows is refreshing for humans and dogs alike. But unfortunately, not only grass, dust or mud get stuck in the dog's fur, also unwanted guests can sneak in: Ticks are active in Germany from February to October. However, due to climate change and generally higher temperatures, caution is advised throughout the year and the dog should be checked for ticks after every outing - because these are not only annoying, they can also transmit diseases.

Here are some diseases that can be transmitted to dogs by ticks:

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The bacterium is transmitted to the dog through the tick bite. In order for this to occur, the tick must have attached to the dog for at least 36 hours. So transmission can be avoided if ticks are detected and removed early. Many dogs become infected with the bacterium during their lifetime without showing symptoms. However, other dogs can contract anaplasmosis, and there is as yet no clear evidence as to why some dogs contract the disease and others do not.

If a dog develops a fever, appears listless or lethargic, and shows small bleeding on the gums and nosebleeds after a tick bite, anaplasmosis could be present. In this case, the veterinarian should initiate appropriate treatment. This is first done by a blood test to identify the exact pathogen. If Anaplasma phagocytophilum is detected and the dog is sick with anaplasmosis, antibiotic therapy for several weeks can successfully fight the infection. After only a few days, the condition of the affected dog should improve.

Lyme disease

Borrelia can also cause a disease that is transmitted to the dog by ticks. However, not all dogs bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia also contract Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis. About 5 to 10 percent of all dogs bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia become ill and show symptoms. However, these can continue for a long time after the tick bite. The Borrelia bacteria can remain inactive in the animal's skin for a while and can be reactivated, for example, when the dog is under severe stress.

Symptoms of acute Lyme disease include loss of appetite, fever and swollen joints, which can also cause lameness. A veterinarian should be consulted immediately if these symptoms are present. Tick bites where the tick has transmitted Borrelia to the dog are usually swollen red for about a week. If you, as a dog owner, notice such a bite mark after removing a tick, you should also go to the vet. However, most owners overlook bites of this type in the dog's dense fur.

Lyme disease is also treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, dogs that have already suffered joint inflammation from the infection may have permanent joint problems even after treatment.

Babesiosis (canine malaria)

Babesiosis, also known as canine malaria, is also transmitted by ticks. Babesia are single-celled parasites. Until a few years ago, they were hardly widespread in Germany, but were increasingly brought to our regions by vacation trips and imported dogs. Climate change also favors the flourishing of tick species that are otherwise more common in warmer countries.

As with other tick-borne diseases, transmission of the causative agent of babesiosis does not occur immediately after the tick bite. This takes about 12 to 48 hours. Therefore, removing ticks quickly can prevent infection. Babesia-transmitting ticks are most active in the spring and fall. Dogs that contract canine malaria may show a variety of symptoms. These include fever, lassitude and loss of appetite, as well as pale-appearing mucous membranes and reddish or brownish discolored dog urine. This is due to the destruction of red blood cells by the pathogen and can lead to severe kidney damage. If left untreated, babesiosis can be fatal. For treatment, the dog is injected with a drug designed to kill all pathogens in the body.

TBE

TBE, also known as early summer meningoencephalitis, can occur in dogs and humans from ticks. In Germany, ticks that can transmit the pathogen are most common in southern Germany, but they can also be found in many other European countries. TBE causes inflammation of the brain and meninges. Untreated and in severe cases, the disease can be fatal.

Symptoms may appear a few days after infection of the animal in the form of incoordination, jumpiness, seizures or paralysis. Fever and loss of appetite are also possible.

Treatment is usually more symptomatic, and sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed. Dogs with weak immune systems are more affected than young, healthy dogs. In the worst case, severe symptoms can be permanent and the dog must be put down if in doubt.

Prevention

Prevention of tick-borne diseases in dogs In general, some tick prevention can also reduce the likelihood of the dog contracting a tick-borne disease. This includes daily scanning for ticks and tick bites, regular administration of an appropriate tick repellent, and avoiding high meadows and fields during the warmer months.