Tick Fever in Dogs

Rickettsia rickettsii is a parasite that can be transmitted to your dog through the bite of an infected tick. This parasite is responsible for the spread of tick fever to dogs and people across the US. Today, our White Settlement vets look at the symptoms of tick fever in dogs and available treatments.

How Tick Fever is Spread

Rickettsia rickettsii is an intracellular parasite that is spread through the bite of an infected brown dog tick, American dog tick, or Rocky Mountain wood tick. Rickettsia rickettsii is the cause of tick fever in both dogs and people.

Although people can contract tick fever, there are no reported cases of direct dog to human transmission of the disease. That said, pet parents need to be careful when removing ticks from their pet since people can become infected due to contact with tick blood or excretions if they have scratches or open wounds on their hands. 

Tick fever not contagious between dogs; however, an infected tick can move from one dog to another spreading the disease between pets.

Signs That Your Dog May Have Tick Fever

Tick fever symptoms can appear up to 14 days after a tick bite and can be ambiguous and inconsistent. Tick fever is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses seen in dogs. If your dog has tick fever, you might notice one or more of these symptoms:

Purplish-red spots inside the eyelids and mouth may be seen in dogs suffering from a severe case of tick fever, and approximately 30% of dogs will experience central nervous system symptoms such as an altered mental state, poor balance and spinal sensitivity.

How Your Vet Will Diagnose Tick Fever

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical examination of your puppy, looking for any of the symptoms listed above. If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has tick fever, they may recommend blood tests, urinalysis, or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis.

Tick Fever Treatment in Dogs

Tick fever in dogs is treatable with prompt and appropriate care. Antibiotics are typically used to treat the infection caused by tick-borne disease as well as provide supportive care to manage symptoms like fever and dehydration. It is critical to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your dog's individual needs.

Tick fever in dogs can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment is administered.

Prognosis For Dogs with Tick Fever

Dogs typically recover well, with few complications, if tick fever is spotted early and treated right away. That said, for dogs with more advanced cases of tick fever, the prognosis is guarded since these dogs face an increased risk of complications such as kidney disease, neurological disease, vasculitis, and coagulopathies.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Tick Fever

Reducing your dog's tick exposure is the most effective way to protect him from tick fever. Preventive medications from your veterinarian can help to kill ticks that start feeding on your pet, and checking your dog for ticks when you get home from a walk can help to prevent the bacteria from spreading to your pup.

If you're not sure how to remove ticks from your dog, go to your veterinarian. They'll be happy to show you how or remove the tick for you. Do not touch the tick, as its fluids and excretions can transmit the disease to humans. Always use gloves and tweezers (or a tick removal tool) to remove ticks from your dog.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your dog showing severe symptoms of tick fever? Contact our White Settlement animal hospital right away for an appointment.