Tick Fever in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Tick fever is a group of blood infections spread by ticks, mainly ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis, which are all common in India. Watch for fever, low energy, poor appetite, pale gums, nosebleeds or dark urine. It is treatable with prescription medicines, especially when caught early, so see a vet for a blood test if you notice these signs.
- Pale or white gums
- Bleeding from the nose or gums, or unexplained bruises
- Dark red, brown or orange urine
- Yellowing of the eyes, gums or skin
- Weakness, collapse or fast breathing
- Fever with no appetite for more than a day
What causes tick fever
When an infected tick feeds, it can pass tiny organisms into a dog's blood. In India the most common carrier is the brown dog tick, which thrives in warm weather and can live and breed indoors, in cracks in walls and floors, bedding and kennels. That is why dogs in cities and flats get tick fever too.
Cases rise in summer and during the monsoon, but in much of India ticks are active all year.
- Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) affects white blood cells and often causes a low platelet count, which leads to bleeding and bruising.
- Babesiosis (Babesia species) destroys red blood cells, causing anaemia, pale gums, weakness and dark urine.
- Anaplasmosis causes fever, joint pain and low platelets.
- Hepatozoonosis is caught when a dog swallows an infected tick, for example while grooming.
Symptoms to watch for
Signs can be mild at first and easy to miss. Some dogs have the infection for weeks or months before they look clearly unwell.
- Fever, lethargy and sleeping more than usual
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pale gums
- Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or small red spots or bruises on the skin
- Dark urine
- Swollen lymph nodes, stiffness or limping
- Cloudy or red eyes
Still unsure what's going on?Found a tick, or noticed your dog is off their food? Describe what you see and Joey helps you decide whether it can wait or needs a vet today.
Ask Joey freeHow vets diagnose tick fever
Tick fever is confirmed with blood tests, not by symptoms alone. Your vet may look at a blood smear under the microscope, run a complete blood count to check red cells and platelets, and use a rapid test kit or a PCR test to identify which infection is present. The exact organism matters, because the treatment is different for each one.
Treatment
Treatment is prescription only and depends on which infection your dog has. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are usually treated with a course of an antibiotic such as doxycycline, often for about three to four weeks. Babesiosis needs different anti-parasitic medicines. Dogs that are very anaemic or dehydrated may need fluids or a blood transfusion.
Give the full course exactly as prescribed, even if your dog looks better after a few days. Do not use leftover antibiotics or human medicines. Your vet will usually repeat blood tests to confirm the infection has cleared.
How to prevent tick fever
Preventing tick bites is far easier than treating tick fever.
- Use a tick preventive all year: a spot-on, a tick collar or a chewable tablet, whichever your vet recommends for your dog's age and weight.
- Check your dog after every walk, especially the ears, between the toes, the neck, the armpits and under the tail.
- Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick remover: grip close to the skin and pull steadily. Do not squeeze, burn or crush the tick.
- Wash bedding in hot water and clean kennel areas regularly. If you find many ticks indoors, treat the house as well.
- Avoid long grass and bushes during peak tick season.
Frequently asked questions
Can tick fever in dogs be cured?
Yes, most dogs recover well when tick fever is diagnosed and treated early. Long-standing or severe infections can be harder to clear and may need longer treatment and follow-up blood tests.
How long does tick fever treatment take?
It depends on the infection. Ehrlichiosis is often treated for about three to four weeks, while babesiosis treatment varies with the species involved. Your vet will tell you how long and will usually recheck blood tests afterwards.
Is tick fever contagious to other dogs or to people?
It does not spread through normal contact. It is passed on mainly by ticks, and some types can also spread through blood, for example through bite wounds or transfusions. People do not catch it from their dog, but ticks can carry diseases, so use gloves or tweezers when removing them.
What are the first signs of tick fever in dogs?
Early signs are often vague: a fever, less energy than usual and a smaller appetite. Pale gums, bruising, nosebleeds or dark urine are more serious signs that need a vet quickly.
What is the best way to protect my dog from ticks in India?
Use a vet-recommended tick preventive all year round, check your dog after every walk, remove ticks promptly, and keep bedding and living areas clean, since the brown dog tick can live indoors.
This guide is general information to help you decide what to do next. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. If your dog seems very unwell, contact a vet or an emergency animal hospital straight away.
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