Tick Fever in Dogs: Signs Owners Should Not Ignore

Tick fever is a general name for diseases spread by ticks, such as ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, which are a known concern for dogs in India.

The short answer

Signs of tick fever can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, weight loss, nosebleeds, swollen glands, bruising and weakness, and may appear days to weeks after a tick bite. A vet can diagnose with examination and blood tests and treat accordingly. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Prevent it with vet-advised tick products, regular checks, prompt tick removal and treating the home and kennel areas.

Signs

• High fever and tiredness.
• Poor appetite and weight loss.
• Pale gums.
• Nosebleeds, bruising or bleeding.
• Swollen lymph nodes, stiffness or lameness.

What to do

1. Take your dog to a vet quickly if signs appear.
2. Tell the vet about any tick exposure.
3. Follow the treatment plan fully.

Prevention

• Use vet-advised tick preventives.
• Check for and remove ticks promptly.
• Control ticks in the home, garden and kennel.
• Avoid tick-heavy areas where possible.

When to call a professional

Contact a vet immediately if your dog has signs of tick fever. Call a pest professional for tick control at home.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs recover?

Many do with prompt treatment.

Is tick fever contagious to people?

Different ticks and diseases vary. Ask a doctor about health concerns.

Does one tick cause fever?

One infected tick can.

How soon do signs appear?

Days to weeks.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on tick and flea control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full tick and flea control guide for Bangalore.