Skin issues in dogs: a common problem
Ticks are small spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including dogs. They are about 2 mm in size and can be seen as small brown spots on a dog's skin.
How do ticks get on a dog?
Ticks mostly live in bushes and tall grass and are found almost everywhere in the Netherlands. They can get on dogs during a walk or while playing in an area where ticks are present. Ticks are attracted by the warmth and scent of people and animals. When a tick senses a heat source, it can drop onto it or climb up onto it. Then the parasite will bite into the skin. A tick sucks blood and swells into a black lump. After a few days, when the tick has taken in enough blood, the parasite lets go.
What are the symptoms of a tick bite on a dog?
You often notice a tick because you feel a small ‘bump’ when petting your dog. If you have a short-haired dog, you can also see this small spider-like ‘bump’ on the skin; if you try to wipe the spider-like ‘bump’ away, you won’t succeed, as the tick has bitten into the skin. Ticks like to settle on the head, neck, in or on the ears, and on the legs. Of course, a tick can attach anywhere on a dog’s body.
If you feel or see a ‘bump’ and determine it is a tick, remove it as soon as possible with a tick remover tool. The faster you remove a tick, the smaller the chance your dog will get Lyme disease.
When a tick lets go on its own, which usually takes a few days, one of the most common symptoms is a small red bump on the skin where the tick bit. This bump can be irritated or swollen and usually disappears within 10-14 days. Sometimes, however, the dog may show fever or behavioral changes. In severe cases, a tick bite can lead to infections or diseases such as Lyme disease or Babesiosis.
If you see a red ring forming around the bite on your dog or cat, contact your veterinarian. Especially if the red ring spreads in a circular shape. Due to the animal’s fur, the rings are not always clearly visible. Diseases can develop further, and the dog may suffer from joint problems, fever, tremors, and dizziness. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease settle in the central nervous system and interfere with nerve function. This can eventually cause paralysis symptoms. In humans, the corner of the mouth often droops first, and one eye may not close properly. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.
Lyme disease after a tick bite in dogs
Lyme disease is one of the best-known diseases transmitted by ticks. This disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium and is often transmitted by the Ixodes tick. Researchers believe that about 10% to 50% of ticks are infected with Lyme disease. Ticks that are not infected cannot transmit Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs can range from mild to severe and may include fever, fatigue, stiff joints, and swollen lymph nodes. If you suspect your dog has Lyme disease, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment and to prevent further complications. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. The sooner treatment begins, the better the prognosis for the dog. It is important to complete the treatment until the vet confirms it is finished, even if the symptoms have disappeared.
Babesiosis
Not all tick species can transmit Babesiosis. In Europe, so far only one tick species can transmit the disease. This tick is called Dermacentor reticularis (also known as the dog killer tick). This tick is slightly darker and larger than a normal tick. A few years ago, this tick was not found in the Netherlands, but nowadays there are places where this tick can be found. After the tick starts sucking blood, it takes about 3 days for the disease to be transmitted to a dog. You can recognize Babesiosis because the urine turns red. Dogs often develop fever, anemia, poor appetite, and vomiting. In the worst case, this disease can be fatal for dogs. If you suspect your dog has Babesiosis, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Babesiosis can be treated with the right medication, and if caught early, your dog often recovers quickly.
How to remove ticks from your dog?
If you find a tick on your dog’s body, you should remove it as soon as possible. This can be done with a special tick tweezer or tick hook. Do not pull the tick out with your fingers, as this can leave the head embedded in your dog’s skin, which can cause infections. After removing the tick, disinfect the bite area thoroughly. If you do not want or dare to remove the tick yourself, visit the veterinarian as soon as possible. Keep an eye on your dog and check for the symptoms described earlier.
How to prevent ticks on your dog?
You understand that it is very important to prevent ticks on your loyal four-legged friend; prevention is better than cure. To protect your dog against ticks, you can use a tick collar, sprays, pills, or pipettes. Additionally, you can prevent transmissible diseases by removing a tick as quickly as possible once you notice it. It is important to regularly check your dog for ticks after a walk.
Are you going on vacation with your dog? Then check before departure if other types of ticks are present that can transmit different diseases. Consult your veterinarian to see if additional measures are necessary.
