Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: What Every Owner Should Know
Ticks carry dangerous diseases that can make your dog seriously ill. Learn about the most common tick-borne diseases and how to prevent them.
Ticks are not just a nuisance — they're vectors for serious diseases. In Macau and Asia, the main tick-borne threats include ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. These diseases can cause chronic illness, organ damage, and death if not treated. Year-round tick prevention is your best defense.
- Ticks transmit diseases through their saliva during feeding
- Diseases can appear weeks to months after a tick bite
- Ehrlichiosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Macau
- Early treatment leads to much better outcomes
- Year-round tick prevention is the best protection
- Check your dog for ticks after outdoor activities
Ehrlichiosis
Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria transmitted by the brown dog tick. Acute phase: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and bleeding (nosebleeds, bruising). Chronic phase: severe anemia, weight loss, kidney failure, and eye problems. Early treatment with doxycycline is usually effective; chronic cases are much harder to treat.
Babesiosis
Caused by Babesia parasites that destroy red blood cells. Signs include fever, dark urine (from destroyed red blood cells), jaundice (yellow gums), weakness, and anemia. It can be fatal without treatment. Diagnosis requires blood smears or PCR testing. Treatment includes anti-parasitic medication and supportive care including blood transfusions in severe cases.
Prevention
The best prevention is consistent, year-round tick control using modern oral or topical products. After walks in grassy or wooded areas, check your dog thoroughly — pay attention to ears, between toes, under the collar, and in the armpits and groin. Remove attached ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out with steady pressure.
When to Suspect Tick-Borne Disease
Any unexplained fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint stiffness — especially after outdoor exposure — should raise suspicion. Blood work can reveal low platelet counts, anemia, or elevated proteins that suggest tick-borne infection. If your dog has been in tick-prone areas and develops these signs, tell your vet about the exposure.
- Unexplained fever or lethargy
- Loss of appetite lasting more than a day
- Nosebleeds or unusual bruising
- Dark brown or red urine
- Yellow gums or eyes
- Stiffness or reluctance to move
RVC
RVC tests for and treats all major tick-borne diseases. We offer rapid in-house testing, targeted antibiotic therapy, and comprehensive tick prevention programs. Call +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611