avoid these tick-borne diseases

Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more to puppies, kittens, cats, dogs, and people.

Preventing tick-borne diseases with safe and effective year-round protection is much easier (and more affordable!) than treating tick-related disease, illness, and conditions.

The trouble with ticks

Ticks are found in most parts of the world. They can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, paralysis, and less well-known diseases like babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis. All of these ailments can potentially cause serious and life-threatening illness.

Lyme disease in dogs and cats is a multistate concern 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria carried by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer or ixodes tick. Once a regional concern, deer ticks have expanded their range and can now be found in much wider areas of the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central regions of the United States.

Both people and dogs are at risk for getting Lyme disease from ticks, although instances in cats are rare. Unlike people, dogs don’t develop a distinctive “bullseye” rash, but often lose their appetite and develop fever, lameness, and lethargy.

Lyme disease symptoms typically develop two to five months after the bite of an infected tick. Dogs with active symptoms are usually treated with a monthlong course of antibiotics. Untreated dogs can develop life-threatening kidney disease. 

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can spread by several different kinds of ticks

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a disease carried by the Rocky Mountain wood tick, the American dog tick, and the brown dog tick in various areas across the United States. (Despite the “dog” in the name, these ticks can also infect people and cats.)

Pets and people can become immediately infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever within minutes of a tick bite.  The disease is spread by the tick’s saliva, which is why it’s so important to use a tool or tweezers, never bare hands, when removing ticks on other people or pets.

Pets with Rocky Mountain spotted fever may lose their appetite, have a fever, show muscle or joint pain, or have digestive upset. Severe signs include hemorrhages in the eyes, noses, and gums.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be treated with specific prescription antibiotics. More intense treatment, including hospitalization, may be required for advanced cases. 

Ehrlichiosis and Ehrlichia canis can be serious

The bacteria that causes Ehrlichiosis is carried by several different kinds of ticks, including the American dog tick and the brown dog tick. Dogs, cats, and people are at risk, although there’s some evidence that removing an infectious tick within 24 hours may help prevent disease. Screening for Ehrlichiosis is a part of heartworm testing.

Like many tick-borne diseases, Ehrlichiosis causes weight loss, fever, joint pain, and blood-clotting issues in pets. Some pets may develop bleeding disorders as the disease advances. 

Prescription antibiotics are used to treat Ehrlichiosis in pets. Advanced symptoms may also need other treatments and supportive care.

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Babesiosis is a blood parasite

Babesiosis is a blood disease caused by a single-celled protozoan parasite, Babesia, which can be transmitted by multiple species of ticks. Cats, dogs, and people can all contract babesiosis from tick bites.

Because it’s a blood-transmitted disease, cat bites or scratches may pass the disease along to other cats. Puppies may pick up the disease in the womb. (Humans are not at risk from contracting it from their pets.)

Babesia causes hemolysis, or the breakdown of red blood cells, which can be a life-threatening emergency. The main symptoms include pale gums, very dark urine, and yellow jaundice in your pet’s eyes or skin. Pets may also have bloody poop.

Babesiosis is often treated with antimalarial medications, including antibiotics. Your pet may need several rounds of medication as well as supportive care to help address the disease.

Tularemia requires extra caution to prevent spread 

The tularemia bacteria, Francisella Tularensis, is spread through flea and tick bites as well as through eating infected prey, like rabbits, which gives it the name “rabbit fever.”

Tularemia is extremely dangerous to both people and pets. In addition to tick bites, the bacterium can spread to people through infected water and cat scratches and bites.

Symptoms of tularemia in pets include high fevers, pain, jaundice, and eventual organ failure. Pets often need intensive antibiotics plus hospitalization to recover.

If you suspect Tularemia, see your veterinary team immediately. Tularemia is so contagious to people that special precautions need to be taken to protect you and veterinary staff while helping your pet. 

Can people get tick-borne diseases from dogs or cats? 

There’s no indication that you can contract tick-borne diseases just by petting your dog or cuddling your cat. Tick-borne diseases are spread via tick bites or tick saliva, not through simple contact with pets.

However, contact with ticks can be a danger. Be safe and always use a tick tool or needle-nose tweezers, not your fingers, to remove ticks from other people or your pet. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching a tick or a pet with ticks and remember: if your pet was able to get exposed to ticks, you might have also been exposed.

Help protect your pet and people family against both ticks and tick-borne disease by using effective pet parasite control and performing regular tick checks. Your veterinary team can help recommend appropriate parasite control for your pet’s species, age, location, and lifestyle.

For additional resources on flea and tick control, visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council at capcvet.org

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