Expert tips to save your dog from TICK fever

Any pet that ventures outdoors can catch a tick infestation, but as all dog-parents know, our canine companions are commonly the most susceptible to these parasites! Every year, thousands of dogs fall victim to dangerous tick-transmitted diseases, and in most of these cases, they had likely picked it up on a simple walk around the block or a visit to the park. These tiny parasites latch on to the fur of dogs and then burrow deeper, feeding on their blood and transmitting diseases directly to their systems.

Some of the most common tick-borne diseases affecting dogs in India include Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Hepatozoon canis infection. However, Tick bites are very difficult to spot, and symptoms for these diseases could take anywhere between 7-21 days to show up. There are also no vaccines for most tickborne diseases, and treatment can be quite costly, besides the risk of them turning into a chronic condition.

It is always better to try and prevent tick fever instead of treating it afterwards. The key to doing that involves three things: Proper ectoparasite control by a veterinary doctor/hospital, annual screenings, and diligence. Ectoparasite control is done by a trained veterinarian, but in consultation with one, pet-parents can also use approved over-the-counter preventatives.

However, you must be careful about the environment, people, or other animals your pet is exposed to, and you must check your dog daily for ticks, especially if you live in warmer climates. Simply run your fingers through their fur, checking for any small bumps, particularly in and around the ears, around the tail, between the back legs and under the front legs, the abdomen, between the toes, around the eyelids, and under the collar.

If you find one, part the fur to check for and identify the ticks. They are usually black or dark brown in colour and could be as small as a poppy seed or as big as a chickpea after feeding, and the disease can be transmitted within 3-6 hours of a bite! So, if you do find a tick, you should try to bring your dog to a pet clinic where a trained veterinarian can show you how to get rid of the tick safely.

This part is especially important, as the process is delicate in nature, and if a part of the tick breaks off, it could stay embedded in your dog’s skin, continuing the risk of infections and causing an allergic reaction to that foreign material.

The above article has been written by Dr. Vinod Sharma, Head of veterinary services at DCC Animal Hospital.

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