Tick-Borne Diseases: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention

Ticks are already here – Why the sudden increase?

As the warmer weather arrives, so do the ticks. However, the past few years have seen a dramatic increase in tick populations, leaving many pet owners wondering why. The answer lies in the increase of deer and rodents, who serve as a primary food source for ticks. As these animals travel in and out of wooded and grassy areas, they bring a larger tick population into more heavily populated areas. The more these ticks feed, the more they reproduce, leading to a greater population.

Tick-borne Diseases and Prevention

Ticks can transmit a number of harmful diseases to both pets and humans. It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases and take preventative measures to protect their pets. Traditional pesticide flea and tick preventatives have become less effective due to ticks becoming increasingly resistant. As a result, many pet parents are turning to alternative options to keep their pets safe.

It is important to note that multiple brands or types of chemical preventatives should NEVER be used in conjunction with one another.  Severe reactions due to overdoses of chemicals or interactions between chemicals can cause harm to you or your pet. Always follow package directions and advice from your veterinarian in regards to these products.

Some research shows that ticks need to feed between 36-48 hours before they are able to transmit disease; however there have also been a few cases of exposure in a shorter time frame.

Types of Tick-Borne Disease

Lyme Disease

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick or the Lone Star Tick. Like Lyme Disease, the signs of Ehrlichiosis may not be immediately evident, and different types of infection can produce various signs and symptoms. This infection affects blood cells and can impact bone marrow function, production of blood cells, and immune function. Common signs of Ehrlichiosis in pets include depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, eye, and nasal discharge, nose bleeds, bruising of the oral mucosa and abdomen, lameness, and joint pain.

Pet owners must remain alert for any abnormal behavior or unusual signs in their pets. If your pet is exhibiting any signs that don’t seem to make sense or behave abnormally, it’s important to visit your veterinarian. The earlier the detection, the better the chances of recovery.

Anaplasmosis

Canine Anaplasmosis infection can occur in two different types, each transmitted by a different tick species. The first type is an infection of the white blood cells that is transmitted by the Deer tick and the Western Black-Legged tick, which can also transmit Lyme Disease. Therefore, the risk of co-infection with Anaplasmosis is high for dogs infected with Lyme disease. The common signs of this type of Anaplasmosis infection include loss of appetite, lethargy, lameness, and neurological pain, particularly in the neck.

The second type of Anaplasmosis infection is an infection of the blood platelets that eventually leads to clotting disorders. This type is transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick, and the signs include bruising in the mouth and/or abdomen, and nosebleeds.

Pet owners should stay vigilant and take their dogs to the veterinarian if they display any abnormal behavior or symptoms. It’s essential to diagnose and treat Anaplasmosis infection early to improve the chances of recovery.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another zoonotic disease found throughout the US & Canada. Many people here in New England think their family or pets are not susceptible to RMSF until they hear of a local infection. RMSF is transmitted by the American Dog Tick or the Long Star Tick. If not treated early, this infection can result in death.

In regards to dogs, RMSF appears suddenly with severe illness that lasts approximately two weeks. Unlike people, dogs do not develop a rash once infected. Common signs include arthritis (stiffness when walking), neurological abnormalities, general malaise, and loss of appetite.

Hepatozoonosis

Hepatozoonosis can come in two forms, Hepatozoon americanum carried by the Gulf Coast Tick and Hepatozoon canis carried by the Brown Dog Tick. Unlike the other diseases discussed, these two forms are transmitted by a dog ingesting an infected tick.

Signs of Hepatozoon canis infection maybe non-existent or subtle, but can include loss of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy.

Signs of Hepatozoon americanum can be more severe and potentially fatal. This form affects muscle cells which is painful and can result in severe signs including fever, pain, muscle atrophy (loss in muscle mass), weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis, transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick, affects red blood cells which causes anemia which causes the immune system to go into overdrive to fight off infection. As a result the dog generally becomes weak. Other signs include lameness, weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss

Babesiosis can also be transmitted if an infected dog bites another dog.

Prevention

Parasites typically target hosts that are not in optimal health. For instance, healthy humans, cats, and dogs generally do not get sick as often. However, individuals who don’t take good care of themselves, eat poor diets, and have health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity are more susceptible to illness.

Maintaining a nutritious diet is the cornerstone of preventing ticks and tick-borne diseases. This doesn’t mean buying the most expensive pet food available with the expectation that your pet will be completely protected from ticks. Instead, it means making informed and healthy choices for your pet.

These pet food choices include:

• Looking for whole meat as a first ingredient
• Eliminating fillers such as corn, wheat & soy
• Eliminating chemical preservatives & dyes
• Eliminating sugary & starchy snacks
• Hydrating any dry kibble diets with bone broth, goat milk, or water
• Adding fresh meat, vegetables & fruit to your dog’s dish

Supplements to Boost Tick Defense

It is important to note that every animal is different and therefore each product has the potential to impact each animal differently.

Garlic

A simple preventative you can start right away is to add a pinch of granulated garlic to your pet’s food. Fresh garlic is even more effective – chop/crush up a ¼ clove for a small dog, ½ clove for a medium-large dog and a whole clove for dogs over 100lbs.

The myth that garlic is dangerous in any amount comes from the fact that onion can cause anemia, which is true. However, garlic is only toxic to dogs in large amounts, which is pretty much the rule of thumb for almost anything.  While garlic and onion are related, they do not carry the same risks.

Garlic is a very effective preventive for tick bites. However, most pet owners want an immediate solution, and garlic can take 2-3 weeks to build up in a dog’s system. Our best advice is to begin using garlic daily for 2-3 weeks and then use 3 times a week for maintenance.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to your dog’s blood, making it less appealing to ticks and fleas.

Cedar Oil & Other Essential Oils

Essential oils are great customizable options that can help repel fleas, ticks & mosquitos for your pets and your family. One of our ‘house favorites’ is by Earth Animal which offers a full line of pest control for your pets formulated by Dr. Bob Goldstein. This is an all-natural, safe & comprehensive preventative and treatment line with an herbal collar, natural spot-on, shampoo, liquid drop, internal powder and spray.  In particular, Earth Animal pet sprays can replace all chemical flea & tick options making your pet and home chemical free. These products are safe for children and young pets, kill the entire life cycle of an infestation, and are made from 100% natural human grade ingredients.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous Earth is one of my favorite flea and tick preventatives. I make a point to visit our local pool store every year and stock up on several buckets of DE, which I then spread all over my lawn. DE is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. When fleas and ticks crawl through the white dust of DE, the tiny particles damage their exoskeletons and cause them to dehydrate and die. Thanks to DE, I’ve had great success in keeping fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes away from my pets and out of my home.

Conclusion

Stop in and speak with one of our awesome staff members with any questions.

Several of our customers look for additional products to use along with spot-ons, flea collars, and oral preventatives. It’s important to note that the following methods have no known side effects when used alongside prescription products. However, we strongly advise consulting with your veterinarian before combining these methods with prescription medications for your pet.

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.