Dogs and Ticks: Disease Transmission Through Vectors

Ticks can be annoying and irritating, but they also carry diseases. Here we will list the most common diseases so you can consult your veterinarian quickly if you have any suspicions.

Ticks are dangerous for dogs because they transmit many pathogens. There are approximately 900 tick species worldwide, of which 19 are native to Germany. Wood ticks, alluvial forests ticks, and brown dog ticks are the most common. These tiny, blood-sucking spiders are more common in four-legged creatures than in humans. This overview shows what diseases ticks can spread to dogs.

Ticks in dogs cause anaplasmosis.

The disease is caused by a bacteria called anaplasmas, which spreads via ticks to dogs. The common wood tick bite is the main way it spreads. In rare cases, it can also infect humans. You should consult your veterinarian about the prevalence of this disease in other European countries. A dog’s infection manifests as symptoms like fever, listlessness and nervousness. Antibiotics are required by the veterinarian. Currently, there is no vaccine available for dogs against these ticks.

Babesiosis is widespread in the Mediterranean region

Babesiosis, or “canine malaria”, is the disease that infects a dog’s erythrocytes. It is a disease that occurs mostly in Mediterranean areas, but it can be transmitted to Germany in isolated cases. One to three weeks following the bite, infected dogs will develop a high temperature. In severe cases, this can be fatal. The urine of infected dogs turns brown because the red blood cells are being broken down. The animals become dull and groggy when the fever subsides. They also suffer from eye inflammation and loss of appetite. In areas that are particularly vulnerable, it is important to protect your dog by vaccinating against Babesiosis.

Lyme disease is a dangerous disease

In Germany and other European countries, both humans and dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease. The bacteria infects the bloodstream of the dog after the tick bite. It can affect the joints, nervous system, and other organs. Lyme disease is often not detected at first. A sick animal may show signs of fever, loss in appetite and apathy. Lameness and joint issues may occur later. If left untreated, kidney and heart damage can be severe. Although there is a vaccine against Lyme, its effectiveness is still controversial. Therefore, prevention against ticks is recommended.

Ehrlichiosis is a serious disease.

The white blood cells in dogs are affected by Ehrlichiosis. The brown dog tick is the main carrier of these diseases, which are prevalent in Europe and the Mediterranean. It is a condition that develops slowly and can only be detected after many years. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and bleeding in the skin, nose, or mucous membranes. It can be fatal if not treated. In this case, prevention is the only way to go, as dogs are not vaccinated against this type of tick.

TBE in dogs caused by ticks

Wood ticks can infect dogs in Germany and the southern German regions. The ticks’ pathogens are also common in Eastern Europe. Not all infected dogs will show symptoms. Symptoms include fever, neurological disorders such as epilepsy, and movement disorders. Unfortunately, vaccinations cannot protect your dog against tick-borne disease.