What is Tick Fever in Dogs: 12 Symptoms and Treatment at Home

Tick fever in dogs, also known as canine Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii. This bacteria is carried by certain types of ticks, and it can infect dogs if they are bitten by an infected tick. Tick fever is easy to avoid, diagnose and treat. To understand more about tick fever let’s read on!

How Do Dogs Become Infected With Tick Fever?

Dogs can become infected with tick fever in a number of ways. The most common way is through contact with an infected tick. Ticks can pick up the infection from other animals, and then pass it on to dogs when they bite them. Dogs can also become infected if they eat an infected animal, such as a mouse or deer.

There are two types of tick fever that dogs can get: Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is the more serious of the two, and can be deadly if not treated promptly. Ehrlichiosis is less serious, but can still make dogs very sick.

1) Tick Fever Symptoms

Tick fever can cause a number of different symptoms in dogs. It may take up to 14 days after your dog contracts the germs for symptoms to appear. The symptoms of canine tick fever are incredibly diverse and hazy in nature, making a diagnosis of tick fever difficult in some circumstances. The following are a few of the most typical canine tick fever symptoms:

• Up to 105°F (40.5°C) of fever

• Reduced appetite

• An increase in lymph nodes

• Joint inflammation

• diarrhea and vomiting

• body or facial edema

• Coughing

• Breathing problems

• Continent pain

• Tick fever can also cause anemia and bleeding. In severe cases, tick fever can be fatal

2) The Acute Phase

The acute phase of tick fever usually lasts for two to three weeks. During this time, it is important to keep your dog hydrated and rested. You should also contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. Treatment during the acute phase typically includes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

3) The Subclinical Phase

The first phase of tick fever is called the subclinical phase. During this phase, your dog may not show any symptoms at all. However, the disease is still present in their system and they are contagious to other dogs. This phase can last for 2-3 weeks.

During the subclinical phase, the tick that transmitted the disease will still be attached to your dog. You may not be able to see it due to its location or because it is buried under your dog's fur. It is important to check your dog for ticks regularly during this phase and remove any that you find.

If you think your dog may have tick fever, it is important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Blood tests can be used to confirm the presence of the disease. Treatment during this phase is typically not necessary unless your dog is showing other signs of illness.

Also Read About: Home Remedies for Ticks in Dogs

4) The Chronic Phase

The chronic phase of tick fever in dogs can last for months or years. During this phase, the dog may have a recurrent fever, as well as weight loss, anemia, and lethargy. In some cases, the dog may also develop kidney disease.

Treatment for the chronic phase of tick fever typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy. In some cases, the dog may also need to be hospitalized for supportive care.

5) Diagnosing Tick Fever

There are a few ways to diagnose tick fever in dogs. The first is through a physical examination. Your veterinarian will look for signs of ticks on your dog's body. They will also check for signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

The second way to diagnose tick fever is through a blood test. This test can detect the presence of antibodies that are produced in response to the infection.

Treatment for tick fever usually involves antibiotics. Your dog may also need to be hospitalized if they are very ill. In some cases, tick fever can be fatal. That's why it's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you think they may have this disease.

6) Treating Tick Fever

The most common symptom of tick fever is a high temperature, which can reach up to 106°F. If your dog has a fever, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Other symptoms of tick fever include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

There is no specific treatment for tick fever. However, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. They may also recommend giving your dog pain relief medication to help with any discomfort.

If your dog has tick fever, it is important to keep them hydrated. You can do this by offering them small amounts of water or ice cubes to lick. It is also important to keep an eye on their temperature and monitor for any other symptoms. If you are concerned about your dog's condition, it is best to contact your vet for advice.

What’s The Prognosis For Dogs With Tick Fever?

The prognosis for dogs with tick fever is generally good if the condition is caught early and treated promptly. Most dogs make a full recovery and do not experience any long-term health problems. However, some dogs may develop complications from tick fever, such as pneumonia or kidney disease. These complications can be serious and may even be fatal. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary care for your dog as soon as possible if you suspect that he or she has tick fever.

Preventing Tick Fever

There are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from getting tick fever.

• keep your dog's vaccinations up to date.

• This will help protect them from the disease.

• Avoid taking your dog to areas where there are known cases of tick fever.

• Use tick prevention products on your dog, such as tick collars or spot-on treatments.

• Check your dog for ticks regularly, especially after they have been in an area where ticks are present. If you find a tick on your dog, remove it immediately.

• Lastly but most importantly make sure you use the best dog shampoo! Dogsee Veda shampoos are made out of natural ingredients. Bid adieu to itching and inflammation and say aloe to healthy skin. Your dog can get rid of any skin irritations with the help of Dogsee Veda's aloe vera itch treatment shampoo. This aloe vera shampoo will keep your dog's skin moisturized and itchy-free. Applying it topically causes circulation to be stimulated, which has a cooling effect that reduces edema.

Can Humans Get Tick Fever From Dogs?

No, humans cannot get tick fever from dogs. Tick fever is a disease that is specific to dogs. It is caused by a bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii. This bacteria is found in the saliva of certain ticks. When a tick bites a dog, the bacteria are transmitted into the dog's bloodstream.

Tick fever can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and joint pain. In some cases, tick fever can lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia or meningitis. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.

There is no specific cure for tick fever. However, it can be treated with antibiotics. The sooner you catch the disease and start treatment, the better the chances are for a full recovery.

In addition to taking your dog to the vet, there are also some things you can do at home to help treat tick fever. Make sure your dog has plenty of rest and give them lots of fluids to stay hydrated. You can also give them over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to help with pain and inflammation.

Conclusion

Tick fever is a serious illness that can affect dogs of all ages. If you think your dog may have tick fever, it's important to take them to the vet right away. In the meantime, there are some things you can do at home to help ease your dog's symptoms and make them more comfortable. With proper treatment, most dogs with tick fever make a full recovery. Don’t forget to keep our dog healthy and nourished by giving them tasty and delicious natural treats for dogs!

Also check out Lucy with her tasty and healthy dog treats on our Instagram!