Outdoor activity is like a dream for our dogs, and many of them feel free when running around in the wide, open space. But the great outdoors can sometimes be a dangerous place for them, especially when parasites are involved. One of these is ticks.
Ticks on dogs are tiny, blood-sucking parasites that pose serious health risks, latching on unnoticed and causing a variety of diseases. They can be found in grassy areas, leaf litter, and wooded places.
One of the most troublesome traits of ticks is their stealth. They are challenging to find, notice, or spot. These parasites can hide in your dog's collar, between their toes, or maybe even near their ears. When not removed in time, a single tick bite can be dangerous.
To help you understand more about the concerns of these external parasites, we’re here to tell you more about ticks on dogs and how you can help.
What Are Ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that stay on your dog's skin and suck on their blood. They use their specialized mouthparts to hold onto the dog without falling off.
Once latched on, they can stay for days and feed on your dog’s blood. During this time, they can transmit diseases through their saliva as they feed.
Ticks are commonly found in grassy, brushy, or wooded environments. They can stay around these areas and latch onto a passing host, which will be dogs in this case. Even well-maintained suburban areas, backyards, or parks can have ticks.
Ticks are more common in the warmer months. However, they are a constant concern in areas with warm climates.
What Are the Common Types of Ticks on Dogs?
Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
The brown dog tick thrives in warm climates and can be found both indoors and outdoors, hiding in cracks, furniture, and dog bedding. This parasite is notorious for its ability to infest homes and kennels, making it a common problem for dog owners.
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
The American Dog Tick is a reddish-brownish tick that feeds on dogs, livestock, and even humans. Their entire life cycle can take up to two years. They can also transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Otherwise known as the black-legged tick, the Deer Tick is a highly dangerous parasite as it can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
The Life Cycle of Ticks
Ticks have a four-stage life cycle. Each stage involves a blood meal from a host to progress to the next phase:
Eggs
Female ticks lay thousands of eggs in select outdoor areas, such as leaf litter or grass. These eggs hatch into larvae.
Larva
Larvae are tiny and have six legs. They seek small hosts, like rodents or birds, to feed on for their first blood meal.
Nymph
After their first meal, larvae molt into nymphs, gaining an additional pair of legs. Nymphs seek larger hosts, such as dogs, for their next meal.
Adult
Once fully grown, adult ticks attach to larger hosts like dogs or deer to feed, mate, and reproduce.
Common Diseases Caused by Ticks on Dogs
Ticks do more than just cause simple pain and discomfort. These parasites can pave the way for a lot more serious concerns. Here are the common diseases caused by ticks on dogs:
Lyme Disease
This disease can cause joint pain, shifting lameness, fever, and fatigue. Borrelia burgdorferi is the main culprit transmitted by deer ticks. If untreated, it may lead to lameness, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Ehrlichiosis
Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria and spread by brown dog ticks, Ehrlichiosis affects the white blood cells. Chronic infections can result in anemia and long-term immune suppression.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
American dog ticks are the primary carriers of Rickettsia rickettsia, which can cause neurological issues, lethargy, and difficulty moving. If left untreated, this can lead to death.
Babesiosis
This disease, caused by Babesia gibsoni and Babesia vogeli, is transmitted by brown dog ticks that destroy red blood cells. Symptoms include anemia, pale gums, weakness, and weight loss.
What Are the Signs of Ticks on Dogs?
Ticks can be difficult to spot, especially if your dog has a thick or dark coat. However, some tick bite symptoms in dogs can be a giveaway.
Dark Spots and Enlarged Ticks. Before feeding, ticks are small and flat, appearing as dark or reddish-brown specks on your dog’s skin. After feeding for several days, they swell dramatically and become much easier to spot.
Movable Lumps. The ticks on dogs can feel like small lumps when you run your hand across their body. These lumps might also move slightly when touched. They can be quite easy to spot in dogs with short coats.
Excessive Scratching or Chewing. Another common tick bite symptom in dogs is when they chew or bite an area excessively. Some may even rub the affected area onto furniture.
Frequent Head Shaking. Frequent head shaking and tilting are also other signs. The ticks might be in the area around the ears, leading dogs to try to shake off the discomfort. In severe cases, the constant irritation can result in redness, swelling, or secondary infections of the ears.
Restlessness or Irritability. Dogs with ticks can experience constant discomfort, which means they'll be restless and irritable. You'll notice this when they lose interest in playing, appear distraught, or hide in areas where they can be alone. This also includes pacing and whining,
Redness and Swelling. A tick bite can cause redness and swelling in the areas where it resides. This is due to the body's response to the saliva injected by the tick, which then makes it prone to secondary infections.
Scabs or Crusts. Too much scratching can lead to scars or crusts on the affected area. These can be painful, especially when they’re left alone like that.
Hair Loss. Because of the constant irritation, dogs will chew, bite, or scratch their body. This can lead to hair loss. Hair loss is usually common in the ears, neck, and base of the tail, as these are spots where ticks reside.
Secondary Infections. Open wounds caused by scratching or tick bites can bring secondary infections, leading to redness, swelling, and oozing. Infected areas may also develop a foul odor.
How Are Ticks on Dogs Diagnosed?
Spotting ticks on dogs is straightforward when they are visibly attached. You can do it yourself at home, or you can have our pet dermatologists take a look at your dog’s coat.
Physical Examination
Try to run your hand across your dog’s body. If you feel any small bumps or lumps, then ticks may be present. Additionally, it's helpful to check areas such as the ears and base of the tail. It's also helpful to check for circular wounds or craters.
Blood Tests
Bloodwork can help diagnose tick-borne illnesses by identifying specific antibodies or blood cell changes. Thus, we can determine if your dog has been exposed to ticks.
How to Remove Ticks from Dogs?
Removing ticks is an important step in treatment and helps relieve your dog's irritation and discomfort.
Gather Tools
Use tweezers that have a fine point or a tick removal tool, gloves, antiseptic, and a sealed bag for tick disposal.
Locate the Tick
Check common areas like the ears, between toes, under the collar, and around the tail base.
Remove the Tick
Use the tick removal tool to grasp it close to your dog’s skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body.
Clean the Bite Area
Disinfect the site with a pet-safe antiseptic to prevent infection.
Dispose of the Tick
Seal it in a bag or flush it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your bare hands.
Tick Treatments for Dogs
There are many options available to help treat and prevent your dog’s tick infestation. With proper use and regular application, your dog will be protected. These tick medications are readily available at our vet pharmacy.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments help eliminate the ticks and provide lasting protection for future occurrences. They are applied to your dog's skin, usually between the shoulder blades, to prevent them from licking it.
Oral Medications
These medications come in the form of chewable tablets or pills. They work systematically to kill the ticks once they start to feed on your dog.
Tick Collars
Tick collars use chemicals that repel and kill ticks. These are worn around the dog’s neck and can provide long-term protection. Make sure you choose a comfortable collar for your dog, as this collar will be worn for a long time.
Medicated Shampoos
These treatments are usually used alongside medications to relieve pain and irritation, as well as help the coat recover. When used according to the treatment schedule planned, dogs can expect a speedy recovery.
How to Prevent Ticks on Dogs?
Preventing ticks on dogs requires a mix of consistent care, environmental awareness, and the right preventive products.
Use Tick Preventives
Your dog should be on a monthly tick preventive all year long. You can take your pick at the clinic from topical treatments, oral tablets, and tick collars.
Check Your Dog After Every Walk
After having time outside, it’s good practice to inspect your dog’s ears, belly, neck, and paws for any ticks. Feel for any small bumps and look for dark specks.
Clean Outdoor Spaces
If you have a yard or garden, then cleaning and trimming the area is always a good way to prevent ticks from harming your dog.
“Protecting your dog from ticks is a year-round responsibility of keeping them safe and itch-free.”
- Dr. Mafalda Sardinha
Final Thoughts
The presence of ticks on dogs creates an annoying problem for you and your best friend. By learning everything about these parasites, knowing the steps to take, and providing all the preventive treatments, you’ll be able to help your dog feel comfortable and happy.
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