The Bitter Bite

Understanding Tick Bite Fever in Pets

If you’ve ever found a tick on your dog, you know the sinking feeling that comes with it. It’s not just about removing the tick—it’s the nagging worry about what kind of diseases it might have carried. One of the most concerning is Ehrlichiosis, also known as tick bite fever. It’s a bacterial infection that can make your pet seriously ill, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications.

What is Ehrlichiosis?

Ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria, which are transmitted through the bite of an infected tick—usually the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). It sneaks up on your pet in different stages:

Acute Stage: This is when symptoms first appear, usually a week or two after a tick bite. Your dog might run a fever, seem really tired, lose their appetite, or even have unexplained nosebleeds or bruising.

Subclinical Stage: This is the tricky part—some dogs don’t show any symptoms at all, but the bacteria are still lurking in their system. If left untreated, it can progress to something much worse.

Chronic Stage: If the infection isn’t caught early, it can lead to severe problems like anaemia, organ damage, and a weakened immune system. At this point, treatment becomes much more difficult.

How is Ehrlichiosis Treated?

Veterinarians diagnose Ehrlichiosis through blood tests, looking for signs of infection in the white blood cells. The go-to treatment is a course of antibiotics—most commonly doxycycline—which needs to be given for several weeks. In severe cases, supportive care like IV fluids or even a blood transfusion might be necessary.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best way to protect your pet is through tick prevention.

Here’s how:

Use tick preventatives regularly (whether it’s a spot-on treatment, collar, or chewable tablet).

Check your pet for ticks after outdoor adventures, especially in grassy or wooded areas.

Keep your yard as tick-free as possible by mowing the grass and using pet-safe treatments.

If you ever notice your pet acting strangely after a tick bite – don’t wait. A quick trip to the vet can make all the difference. Early detection and treatment are key to keeping your furry friend healthy and safe!