A dog was bitten by a tick, what to do and how to help your pet

An arthropod bite in itself cannot seriously harm a pet’s health. If a tick attaches itself to a dog, inflammation, itching, or a small abscess may occur at the site of the bite. But infectious diseases carried by parasites can cause health problems and cause the death of a dog. Therefore, you should carefully examine your pet after each walk and, if you find a tick, seek help from specialists.

Types of ticks and their level of danger

A tick is an arthropod arachnid that leads a parasitic lifestyle. It is often mistakenly classified as an insect. It's quite easy to remember their differences. Arachnids have an additional, fourth pair of limbs.

The arthropod occurs in 4 forms: egg, larva, nymph and adult. Only eggs are not adapted to self-feeding, so all other forms are dangerous for warm-blooded individuals and humans.

All known species are divided into 3 large groups:

1. External

   . They attach themselves to the outside of the body and are among the most dangerous. This group includes ixodic and encephalitic individuals that carry piroplasmosis, borreliosis and encephalitis.

2. Subcutaneous

   . They parasitize under the skin, penetrating into it from the external environment. Infection occurs locally or generalized, that is, it covers a certain area or the entire body of the animal.

3. Intradermal

   . They live inside the body in a dormant form from the moment of birth. They pose a danger when certain factors occur.

Ixodid ticks are held on to the fur by tiny spines covering 4 pairs of limbs. Their oval body is covered with a dark chitinous shell. While feeding, they cut the skin with teeth on their proboscis and inject an anesthetic. The body of the parasite, filled with blood, increases 3 times.

Subcutaneous include the white or yellowish-white sarcoptes scabiei, which causes sarcoptic mange, and the dirty gray notoedres, which causes notoedrosis (scabies). The size of these bloodsuckers does not exceed 0.45 mm.

The smallest representative is the subcutaneous demodex canis, which is light gray in color. The length of its cigar-shaped body is 0.2-0.3 mm. The parasite lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

What diseases do ticks carry?

If a dog is bitten by an uninfected tick, then its health is not in danger. But in cases where the parasite is a carrier of the infection, things become more serious.

A tick can carry not only the well-known borreliosis and encephalitis, but also other, less dangerous, but still unpleasant diseases.

Encephalitis

This is an inflammation of the brain, which often ends in the death of the infected person. The success of treatment depends on the strength of the immune system, as well as on the promptness of taking first measures. Symptoms of encephalitis in dogs include paralysis and convulsions, lethargy, loss of consciousness, and headache.

Borreliosis

The second name is Lyme disease. A dangerous neurological disease can cause complete or partial paralysis, as well as arthritis. The first signs are inflammation of the joints and, consequently, lameness. The dog is in pain, and this manifests itself in lethargy, decreased activity, and sometimes unfriendly behavior or whining.

Piroplasmosis (babesiosis)

Quite often, dogs avoid the first two dangerous diseases when bitten by a tick, but become infected with piroplasmosis. This disease is typical only for quadrupeds.

The first manifestations are lethargy, shortness of breath, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, a little later jaundice is detected, the dog may experience pain in different parts of the body.

Bartonellosis

An extremely unpleasant disease that can be fatal if it is asymptomatic. But most often it manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• apathy, loss of appetite;
• temperature increase;
• inflammation - from external to internal;
• sudden weight loss;
• disruption of the heart;
• capillary hemorrhages;
• in severe cases - pulmonary edema.

With timely treatment, the disease can be completely defeated.

Ehrlichiosis

This is a hematological disease (imbalance of blood cells) that manifests itself in a high fever. It is also accompanied by other severe symptoms depending on the variety: hemorrhages and bleeding, fever, cramps, inflammation, etc.

Hepatozoonosis

The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that an animal can become a carrier without manifestations. As soon as his immunity weakens, hepatozoonosis will manifest itself with fever and discharge from the eyes. They may be accompanied by severe pain in muscles and joints.

Treatment

The professional approach to the treatment of piroplasmosis in the Russian Federation and abroad is different.

The European approach is to inject an imidocarb-based drug if symptoms of piroplasmosis occur. The dog is monitored for 2 weeks. If your pet is feeling good, there is no need to do anything. Otherwise, the injection is repeated. Imidocarb protects the dog from subsequent arthropod attacks.

If the first injection coincides with darkening of the urine, an antimicrobial drug containing Doxycycline, Azithromycin or erythromycin is prescribed. Antibiotics destroy synergistic microflora. After completing the course, the dog is temporarily transferred to veterinary food with prebiotics to restore digestion.

In Russia, a different treatment regimen has been adopted. Diminazene aceturate derivatives are mainly used. To maintain the function of the liver, kidneys, and heart, maintenance therapy is carried out through droppers. Antibiotics are widely used. Veterinarians practice additional injections of antiprotozoal drugs. The liver suffers. The situation is corrected with hepatoprotectors.

I recommend using Hill's l/d high-calorie and low-protein veterinary nutrition for the treatment of liver pathologies to restore digestive functions.

Despite the dissimilarity of symptoms and pathogens, the treatment regimen for bartonellosis, borreliosis and ehrlichiosis is approximately the same. In all situations, a course of antibiotic therapy with Doxycycline is used.

If the causative agent of the disease is protozoan microorganisms, an injection of Imidocarb is given. General strengthening agents, hepatoprotectors, and B vitamins are used.

To restore digestive functions, use Hill's l/d or Royal Canin Hepatic medicinal food.

Can a person become infected?

Not only four-legged animals, but also humans can become infected from an arachnid. The list of the most dangerous diseases includes encephalitis and Lyme disease (borreliosis). They cause irreversible neurological changes that can only be treated in the early stages.

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It should be noted that the diseases mentioned are dangerous for people, but they are not transmitted from dogs to humans. The risk only arises when an infected tick brought by a dog bites a person. Therefore, anti-tick treatment of your pet should be carried out in completely covered clothing.

Rare types of encephalitis can be transmitted through saliva and other secretions of an animal. But usually tick-borne encephalitis is contracted only from a parasite bite. Borreliosis is not transmitted at all from animals to humans.

A less dangerous disease, ehrlichiosis, can also occur in humans and dogs when bitten by a tick, but they cannot become infected from each other.

But the scabies mite easily travels through the air between all mammals. Therefore, it is recommended to isolate a dog infected with a subcutaneous tick from other residents, and treatment measures should be carried out wearing gloves and special clothing.

Let's sum it up

1. Remember that a tick bite does not always lead to illness.
2. Use only high-quality and proven protective equipment.
3. Get your vaccinations up to date.
4. Study the first symptoms of piroplasmosis.
5. If you suspect a virus, do not delay an emergency visit to the veterinarian.
6. Do not try to cure the animal yourself (exception is force majeure).

You can also contact our site's staff veterinarian, who will respond to them as soon as possible in the comment box below.

Symptoms and signs of a bite

Most often, a tick bite in a dog causes burning and itching. More severe symptoms are explained by an infection transmitted through the parasite's saliva or a weak immune system. The resulting reactions are divided into 3 groups:

1. Are common

   . Problems with coordination arise, bowel movements are disrupted, activity and appetite decrease. The dog is constantly itching.

2. Local

   . Symptoms of a tick bite in a dog include swelling, redness or purulent inflammation, itching and pain at the site of the insect's attachment, and an increase in local temperature.

3. Neurotoxic

   . After a tick bite, a dog develops “tick paralysis.” The hind and front legs begin to fail, the swallowing reflex is disrupted, shortness of breath appears, and the volume and audibility of barking decreases. Without timely assistance, the animal dies from suffocation due to spasm of the larynx.

The signs that appear depend on the type of arachnid; you can see them in more detail in the example table.

“ The most dangerous signs of a tick bite in a dog are a change in the color of the urine and the appearance of seizures.

The first sign indicates piroplasmosis, and the second sign indicates encephalitis. If an animal becomes infected with one of these diseases, it must receive medical attention within 2-5 days. Otherwise it dies.

Causes of infection and possible consequences

External and subcutaneous mites are transmitted by contact with an infected mammal or contaminated items. The risk group includes puppies, elderly dogs, animals with chronic diseases and purebred pets with a good pedigree. The consequences of a tick bite in dogs from this group are always more severe.

Intradermal arachnids that cause demodicosis become pathogenic when the immune system is sharply weakened. This occurs when the following factors

:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• stress and mental disorders;
• estrus;
• docking of ears or tail;
• recent surgeries;
• change of teeth;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• poor quality nutrition;
• hypothermia or overheating of the body;
• infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Demodex canis is often seen in German Shepherds, Great Danes, Boxers, Afghan Hounds, English Bulldogs, Collies, Doberman Pinschers, Dachshunds, Bobtails, Cocker Spaniels and Chihuahuas. The disease is transmitted from mother to puppies, but is not considered dangerous to other animals or humans.

Demodicosis manifests itself in 2 forms: scaly and pustular. In the first case, redness and cracks appear on the skin, in the second - pustules and ulcers.

Symptoms of the disease are observed only in one place, but if left untreated, they spread to neighboring areas. The resulting wounds attract pathogenic microorganisms. Possible complications include sepsis from a secondary infection, which reduces the chances of recovery by up to 50%.

“ Symptoms of a tick bite in a small breed dog are more pronounced than in larger animals.

The effects of a neurotoxic reaction develop more quickly in small dogs. If an encephalitis tick has bitten a Spitz or Toy Terrier, then immediately seek help from the nearest veterinary clinic.

Other dangerous consequences include the following diseases: ehrlichiosis, hepatozoonosis and bartonellosis. They can be recognized by a delayed reaction, the appearance of purulent discharge from the eyes or bleeding from the nose. All these signs appear in late stages and are difficult to treat.

What should the owner do?

A tick bite on a dog is always accompanied by licking of the wounds left by the parasite's proboscis. If you are sure or at least suspect an infection, contact your veterinarian.

Dosages of acaricidal drugs used to combat arachnids are selected individually. Self-treatment is unacceptable. Most animals left without qualified help do not survive.

First aid and diagnostics

Most often, parasites attack weakly protected areas: the hind and front legs, armpits, ears, groin and abdomen. A bloodsucker that has eaten its meal grows to the size of a large bean, so it is easy to notice upon detailed examination.

If you are providing first aid to your dog for a tick bite, wear protective gloves. Do not forget that small arachnids are dangerous not only for your four-legged pet, but also for its owner.

For safe removal, a set of Tick Twister tweezers will be useful. This tool removes the attached parasite with minimal risk. If you don’t have tweezers at hand, you’ll have to do it the old fashioned way. For this you will need:

1. Fingers

   . Everyone has it, so there shouldn't be any problems. Wrap them in a clean cloth or bandage. Grasp the body of the arthropod in the place where it is attached and twist it in a certain direction. Move clockwise or counterclockwise without changing the original order.

2. Tweezers from a manicure set

   . Grab the body of the parasite where it enters the skin, placing the tips of the instrument horizontally. Without loosening your grip, begin to twirl the tweezers. Avoid direct upward pulls. After successful extraction, treat the wound with an antiseptic.

If a tick has bitten a dog, then it can only be helped with the tools listed above.

Kerosene, oil or gasoline form an impenetrable film or caustic vapor. The arachnid dies from lack of oxygen or poisoning immediately after transmission of the infection. Thread loops are also prohibited. Due to the tension, the tick often loses its head, so it has to be searched for and removed with a heated needle.

“Within 2 days, the insect can be transferred to the clinic for detailed diagnosis. For this, a tightly closed jar with wet cotton wool inside is useful.

If you do not have the specified time, burn it, scald it with boiling water, or simply crush the insect between several layers of thick paper.

After first aid, rush to the veterinarian for diagnosis. Immediately after a tick bite, your dog should not be given antipruritic medications. They will distort the clinical picture and prevent the correct diagnosis. Relieving itching with the help of drugs is only permissible if the victim cannot be taken to the clinic on the day of infection.

At the veterinary clinic, a visual examination and medical history is taken. After becoming familiar with the individual factors that can influence the development of the disease, the doctor takes a blood and urine test.

Their study determines the presence of toxins released during the life of parasites. Scraping is used to identify their type, and ultrasound and x-rays are used to track internal pathologies.

The duration of treatment depends on the type of disease, degree and duration of infection.

Features of treatment

The recovery period takes from 4 to 8 weeks. Therapy is based on detoxifying the body and eliminating secondary infections. Drug treatment includes taking:

• antihistamines that relieve itching;
• minerals and vitamins that stimulate the immune system;
• acaricidal drugs that act directly on parasites;

• hemostatic agents;
• diuretics that remove accumulated toxins;
• hepatoprotectors that ease the load on the liver.

A tick bite on a dog, accompanied by severe intoxication, requires a mandatory blood transfusion.

When handling a pet infected with notoedrosis or sarcoptic mange, you will need protective gloves. After handling this medication, wash your hands thoroughly. Acaricidal drops are always instilled into both ears, even when only one is affected.

“If affected by demodicosis, the pet is rejected from breeding and sterilized.

Regardless of the form of the disease, the dog is cut and treated with peroxide. After cleansing, wash it with antiseborrheic shampoo. The scheme for subsequent treatment of ulcers and suppurations is agreed with the veterinarian.

This disease is characterized by relapses. Visit the veterinary clinic for preventative purposes at least 2 times a year, even after recovery.

In addition to drug treatment, it is necessary to limit physical activity. Daily walks at a slow pace are welcome, but intense training will have to be abandoned until complete recovery.

“ During treatment, a gentle diet is recommended. Fatty and heavy foods are prohibited. The diet is based on oatmeal, chicken fillet and beef tenderloin. All food should be at room temperature. Avoid reheating. Familiar delicacies are replaced with rosehip decoction.

Of all the diseases considered, only the extreme stage of encephalitis, accompanied by extensive inflammation of brain tissue, cannot be treated. The only humane solution to such an infection is euthanasia.

How is piroplasmosis treated in dogs?

The sooner treatment for piroplasmosis begins, the higher the animal’s chance of survival. Recovery will last 4–5 weeks at best.

For proper treatment, it is important to exclude similar ailments: liver damage, poisoning, leptospirosis, glomerulonephritis, plague.

It is urgent to do blood and urine tests. A blood test will help quickly identify babesiosis by the many destroyed red blood cells and piroplasms in them. Hemoglobin in the urine of a sick dog confirms the diagnosis.

Stage-by-stage treatment:

1. Antiparasitic drugs: Veriben, Berenil, Azidine (diminazine) - less toxic. Stronger: Imidocarb, Imizol, Piro-stop.
2. Alkalization of urine for normal kidney function. Sodium bicarbonate is injected intravenously to prevent blockage of the renal tubules by hemoglobin crystals. The animal is also given a solution - 2 g of soda per 10 kg of body weight until the hemoglobin is completely removed from the urine. Instead of soda, you can give the drug blemaren - 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight per day.
3. Vitamins, diuretics, glucose, tonic, hemostatic.
4. Purification of blood by transfusion or filtering.
5. A recovered dog should be limited in movement for 10-15 days. Special care and diet will be required.

After the disease, unstable immunity lasts 4-6 months. Afterwards, there is a risk of becoming infected with piroplasmosis again.

Prevention recommendations

Infection cannot be ruled out, but the risk can always be reduced. Important for your pet's health

:

1. Don't neglect vaccination. Passive immunity lasts for six months. Even if infected, a vaccinated individual will tolerate the disease more easily.
2. Limit communication with unfamiliar four-legged animals. Most often, stray dogs and wild animals become carriers. And playing with a fluffy squirrel is fraught not only with invasion, but also with rabies.
3. Carefully inspect hard-to-reach places on your body after each walk. The speed at which the first symptoms appear varies from person to person. If no signs are found, then repeat the skin examination after a couple of hours.
4. Control your diet. A proper and balanced diet is the key to a strong immune system.
5. Contact a veterinary clinic for help with any questions or suspicions. It is better to make mistakes several times than to lose your beloved dog due to carelessness.
6. Use anti-tick agents during periods of increased parasite activity: from April to October. If the dog has long hair or profuse sweating, which requires frequent washing, increase the recommended dosage of medications.
7. Avoid mating if infestations are detected. Feel free to ask for information from the second owner.
8. Sterilize after infection with subcutaneous parasites. Not only future offspring can suffer, but also the bitch herself. Relapse of the disease occurs against the background of any hormonal changes.

Antiparasitic agents include vaccines, collars, sprays and drops. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Vaccine

Giving your pet a vaccine will reduce the likelihood of infection. The most popular include “Nobivak Pro” and “Pirodog”. These vaccines protect against piroplasmosis. Only healthy animals are allowed to be vaccinated. Vaccination after infection is pointless.

To consolidate the result, a second vaccination is given 1 month after the first vaccination. All subsequent ones are done once every six months independently or in a veterinary clinic.

Collars

Collars last for more than six months, but often cause local allergic reactions. If your pet's hair falls out, you will have to abandon the collar in favor of drops or sprays.

“ Due to the ingredients included, the collars are not suitable for nursing or pregnant women, puppies under 2 months of age, or animals with chronic illnesses.

The smell emitted by the product repels insects and remains on the body for some time even after removal. According to the method of exposure, they are chemical, biological and ultrasonic. The first two are repelled by the smell of chemicals or essential oils, and the last one is repelled by ultrasound, which is detected only by arachnids. An ultrasonic collar is more expensive than its analogues, but is considered safer.

Preventive measures

In order to protect your tailed friend from ticks in the spring and autumn, you need to use available means: drops on the withers, a special collar, spray for fur.

Many dog ​​owners, trying to protect their pet, use them at the same time. Drops are given, tablets are given, a collar is put on, and the animal is treated with a spray before each walk. This cannot be done!

All products are toxic. Follow the regulations for use. An excess of toxins can lead to poisoning.

After a walk, carefully examine your pet. Breeds with voluminous and thick hair require special attention.

Parasites do not thrive on well-treated wool; they either die or look for another victim. This is where the danger lies for a person that a dog can bring a viral insect into the house from a walk.