What Should I Do If My Dog Shows Tick Bite Symptoms?

Just like mosquitoes cause deadly diseases to humans after a successful bite or sting, in the same way, tick bites in animals trigger fatal diseases. 

You should act immediately if you notice any tick bite symptoms in your dogs. These parasitic insects attach to your pet’s skin or any exposed body parts and feed themselves from blood.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), ticks spread diseases to over 300,000 pets in the U.S. each year, with Lyme disease being the most commonly reported. 

In this post, we’ll discuss the following things in detail; 

• Symptoms to watch for
• Diagnostic methods
• Treatment options
• Prevention strategies

 

What Are the Symptoms of a Tick Bite in Dogs?

Some tick bite symptoms in dogs, however, can go unnoticed for some time, but these are common signs that you can look for:

• Redness or swelling at the bite site
• Scratching or irritation around the specific area
• Lethargy or a general lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
• Fever (higher than 102.5°F in dogs)
• Lameness or stiffness in limbs
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty walking (indicate joint pain or weakness)

Since ticks can hide in thick fur or obscure areas like the groin, neck, or ears, checking for physical signs and behavioral changes is critical.

Hence, early identification of tick bite symptoms in dogs is critical to keeping them healthy and active.

 

How Long After Tick Bite Do Symptoms Appear in Dogs?

The time it takes for symptoms to manifest after a tick bite depends on the type of disease the tick carries. 

Here’s a breakdown:

• Lyme disease: Appears approximately 2-5 months after the bite.
• Anaplasmosis: Usually around 1-2 weeks after the bite.
• Ehrlichiosis: 1-3 weeks is the duration.
• Rocky Mountain Fever: 5-10 days after exposure.

 

Necessary Steps to Take if You Notice a Tick

In the event that a tick is found on your pet dog, do not hesitate to carry out the required actions forthwith.

1. Grab the tick using tweezers and carry it away from your dog’s skin.
2. Try to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and always pull it straight out with gentle pressure.
3. Never rotate and squish the tick during its removal process.
4. To reduce the chances of infection, clean the area surrounding the bite using antiseptic lotion or rubbing alcohol.
5. If your pet shows clinical signs, you should always store the tick in a sealed jar for future inspection to determine the type of bacteria the tick might infect it with. 
6. Check for any signs of potential fever, lack of activity, or muscle soreness for the rest of the week.
7. If tick bite symptoms in dogs show up, see your veterinarian as soon as possible, even if they are relatively mild. Prompt measures help in preventing serious situations.

 

Can a Tick Bite Cause Pinched Nerve Symptoms in Dogs?

A tick bite can sometimes cause pinched nerve symptoms. This condition occurs primarily in the distal portions of the extremities and is related to tick-borne diseases. Tick paralysis is often associated with the secretion of tick saliva and motor neurotoxic effects. 

Some indicators of tick paralysis include:

• Weakness and muscles shivering 
• Loss of balance
• Inability to walk or stand
• Difficulty with breathing (in extreme occurring)

Considerations should be given to tick paralysis, as it is acute and can lead to unfathomable consequences if not treated at the right time. 

Fortunately, the removal of the tick tends to resolve symptoms within hours to days. 

 

How to Diagnose Tick Bite Symptoms in Dogs 

If there are signs of tick-borne disease transmission, the veterinarian will perform several diagnostic tests to determine the causative agent.

 

Physical Examination

• Inspect for ticks or bite marks.
• Check for skin redness or irritation.
• Palpate for swelling or inflammation.
• Look for signs of pain when touching affected areas.

 

Blood Tests

• These tests aim to detect antibodies for diseases.
• Identify antigens from pathogens.
• Check blood count for abnormalities.
• Measure levels of organ function enzymes.

 

Urinalysis

• Measure protein levels in urine.
• Check for signs of kidney issues.
• Detect infection-related markers.
• Evaluate overall kidney function through concentration tests.

 

X-rays or MRI

• Assess joint swelling or damage.
• Examine spinal health for neurological symptoms.
• Rule out other underlying conditions.
• Identify soft tissue inflammation or fluid buildup.

 

Possible Treatment Options for Tick-Related Issues in Dogs

Below are common treatment options if you effectively diagnose tick bit symptoms in dogs:

 

Antibiotics

Most often, treatment for many of the tick-borne illnesses is antibiotics. The treatment period usually ranges between a few weeks to several months.

• Ehrlichiosis 
• Lyme disease 
• Anaplasmosis with Doxycycline

 

Anti-Inflammatory Medication – Best Option After Seeing Tick Bite Symptoms in Dogs

Your veterinarian might recommend NSAIDs to relieve discomfort for dogs that suffer from joint pain or stiffness. 

Such medication may make your dog more comfortable combating the infection.

 

Hospitalization

There is a possibility that the vet may have recommended hospitalization for your dog, such as in cases of tick paralysis or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. 

Supportive care, such as IV fluids and oxygen, and close observation, are also required until the symptoms prompt some improvement. 

 

Pain Management

Pain management options are sometimes available to dogs who experience pain associated with inflammation or nerve-related problems. 

This can also include the use of pain relief medication, such as Gabapentin, for nerve pain.

 

Long-Term Monitoring

Following treatment, it is possible that some dogs will need to undergo additional check-ups or tests in the future to confirm whether the observed infection has successfully cleared out. 

Given that Lyme disease is a chronic condition, there can be sequelae that make void dire important in the context of how to approach such patients.

 

Best Tick Prevention Methods for Dogs

Preventing tick bites is crucial to protect your dog from these harmful parasites. 

Here are effective prevention strategies:

1. Tick Preventatives

There are several types of preventatives available if you notice tick bite symptoms in dogs, including:

• Topical treatments

These medications are applied directly to your dog’s skin and repel and kill ticks for up to a month.

• Oral medications

These pills, given monthly, kill ticks before they can transmit diseases.

• Tick collars

They offer long-time protection and can repel ticks for several months.

Always consult your veterinarian before making any decision to purchase products.

 

2. Regular Tick Checks

After returning from outdoor activities, especially your tour in wooded or grassy areas, check your dog for ticks. 

Focus on areas like:

• Under the collar
• Inside the ears
• Between the toes
• Around the groin area

Early detection can help prevent disease transmission.

 

3. Yard Maintenance

Ticks live in tall grass and bushes. So, maintaining your yard can reduce the risk of tick exposure. 

• Keep your grass short
• Remove leaf litter
• Create barriers between your lawn and wooded areas

 

4. Tick Repellents

Some dog-friendly sprays and shampoos contain tick repellents that can be used before outdoor activities. 

 

To Sum Up!

Ticks are serious threats to pets. So, it’s important to recognize tick bite symptoms in dogs as part of a daily or weekly routine.

In the event of a tick bite or associated illness, responding promptly by removing the tick, watching for signs of meningitis, and consulting a pet doctor is critical. 

At DVM Central, veterinarians can buy quality dog-related products and address common disease concerns. 

Moreover, we conduct RACE-approved Virtual Expos to help veterinary professionals stay current with trends and improve their practice workflow. Register for the upcoming one and earn 1.5 CE credits. 

 

FAQs

 

1. What are the symptoms of a tick bite in dogs?

Common tick bite symptoms in dogs include: 

• Swelling
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Joint pain
• And loss of appetite. 

Neurological symptoms, such as muscle weakness or difficulty walking, may also occur in cases of tick paralysis.

 

2. How long after a tick bite do symptoms appear in dogs?

The timeline for symptom development varies. Lyme disease shows symptoms for up to 5 months; Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis typically cause symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks.