Tick fever in dog

 All a pet owner should know about tick fever in dog

Tick fever in dog or often called rocky mountain fever is a tick transmitted disease affecting dog . Brown dog tick carries the organisms ( Rickettsia rickettsii) causing tick fever in dog and transmits the disease while feeding on the dog's blood.

Tick ​​fiver in dog ( Rocky Mountain Fever)

Rickettsia rickettsii is a molecular parasite that can be spread by the bite of an infected American dog tick, the Rocky Mountain wood tick, or the brown dog tick. If your pup is bitten the transmission of an infected tick will take about 10 minutes if the tick has just fed, however, if the tick is not fed it can take up to 10 hours for the bacteria to be transmitted to your pup.

People are may also be  affected by  the tick fever . Although there have been no reported cases of direct dog transmission to humans, animal parents need to be especially careful when removing ticks from their pet, as humans can become infected by contact with tick blood, lymph fluid or discharge during tick removal.

The tick fever does not spread from dogs to dogs but the infected tick can spread from one animal to another and spread the disease among pets.

Tick fever in Dog symptoms

If your dog is infected it may take 14 days for the symptoms to start showing. Symptoms of tick fever in dog are clear and very diverse in nature which makes the diagnosis of tick fever difficult in some cases. Tick fever in dog symptoms include:

Up to 105 ° F (40.5 ° C) fever

Loss of appetite

Lymph nodes enlarged

Mucus membrane become pale 

Inflammation of the joints and uncomfortable walking

Nose bleeding

Vomiting and diarrhea

Black colour stool

Swelling of the face or limb

Cough

Difficulty breathing

Abdominal pain

In severe cases dogs may show round, red spots on the eyelids and mouth caused by bleeding under the face. About 30% of dogs will experience symptoms of the nervous system such as:

A changed attitude

Non-disabled balance

Sensitivity to back pain

Pets should take seriously the symptoms of the tick fever . Up to 10% of tick fever-infected dogs die from this condition. If your dog shows any of the tick fever in dog symptoms listed above, then book an appointment with your veterinarian immediately!

Diagnosis of Tick Fever in dog

When testing for a tick fever in dog , a veterinarian will examine your pup for the symptoms listed above and may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urinalysis tests and x-rays.

The results of blood tests that indicate a tick fever include low platelet count, anemia, and abnormal white blood cell counts. Other diagnostic tests which may be helpful in detecting tick fever in dog are low protein levels, abnormal calcium levels, electrolyte abnormalities, and abnormal liver or kidney values.

Tick fiver treatment for dogs

 Even before the test results come back , your vet may give you a list of antibiotics if he/she believes your puppy has tick fever. This is because any delay in treatment can make the symptoms worse and perhaps even fatal. Within 24 to 48 hours most dogs respond to àntibiotic therapy, although some dogs may not respond to the antibiotic therapy at all which are with serious cases of the disease.

 Tetracycline, doxycycline, and oxytetracycline are common antibiotics used to treat tick fever in dog.

 For supportive therapies , Blood transfusions to treat anemia or iron tonics and platelet booster may also be recommended by your vet.

Future of Dogs with Tick Fever

Dogs diagnosed with tick fever  treatment are usually more likely to recover, with fewer complications. In some cases, lifelong protection will be possible after the infection has been cleared.

Unfortunately, dogs with the most advanced tick fever -like illnesses are at high risk for disease complications such as kidney disease, neurological disease, vasculitis, and coagulopathies. In these cases, the forecast is monitored because the problems can be severe.

How to Protect Your Dog From Ticks

Preventing tick fever in dog is primarily about controlling ticks, and your dog's contact with ticks. A year-round medicine from a veterinarian can help kill ticks that start feeding your puppy, and you should always take your time to check your dog for ticks every time you return home after a outing with your puppy can help prevent the transmission of ticks to your pet.

Any ticks found on your pet should be removed immediately and appropriately with a tick removal tool to hold the tick gently where it enters your dog's skin, and pull the tick straight. Do not hold it closed, or squeeze the tick. At most pet stores the tick removal devices are available . These small tools can make tick removal faster and easier. Do not touch the tick because the liquid and the release of the infected tick can spread the disease to humans.

If you are not sure how to get rid of ticks, visit a veterinarian where they will be happy to show you how, or get rid of the tick.

Note: This post is only for information purposes, for accurate diagnosis and treatment of tick fever in dog visit to your vet .