Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Ticks may be tiny, but the diseases they carry can have a major impact on your pet’s health. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-time dog or cat owner, understanding the risks of tick-borne illnesses is key to protecting your furry friend. From recognizing symptoms to learning prevention tips, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about tick borne diseases in dogs and cats.
Common Canine Tick-Borne Diseases
- Lyme Disease: Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, this is one of the most well-known and widespread tick-related diseases in dogs. Symptoms include joint pain, fever, and lethargy.
- Anaplasmosis: Transmitted by deer ticks, this bacterial infection can cause fever, joint pain, and loss of appetite.
- Ehrlichiosis: Spread by the brown dog tick, this disease affects white blood cells and can lead to anemia, bleeding disorders, and weight loss.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Though less common, this disease is potentially life-threatening and can cause high fever, muscle pain, and neurological symptoms.
- Babesiosis: A parasitic infection that invades red blood cells, leading to symptoms like pale gums, dark urine, and weakness.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
While less common, cats can get tick-borne diseases, too. Feline cases of Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Cytauxzoonosis (a serious and often fatal illness in the Southern U.S.) have been reported. It’s worth noting that cats are much less likely to get Lyme disease, but it’s still important to check them for ticks regularly.
Tick Life Cycle and Disease Transmission
Ticks go through four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. It’s during the nymph and adult stages that they’re most likely to bite and transmit disease. Ticks often attach for 24–48 hours before passing pathogens, which is why early detection is crucial.
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs & Cats
Recognizing symptoms early can make a major difference in recovery. However, symptoms of tick borne diseases in dogs can be vague or mimic other illnesses.
Early Signs in Dogs
- Lethargy or low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Stiffness or limping
- Swollen lymph nodes
Advanced or Disease-Specific Signs
- Lyme Disease in Dogs: Lameness that shifts between legs, joint swelling
- Ehrlichiosis: Nosebleeds, bruising, eye problems
- Anaplasmosis: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures in rare cases
- Babesiosis: Pale gums, dark-colored urine, jaundice
Signs in Cats
Cats with tick-borne diseases may show fever, loss of appetite, and depression. Tick disease in cats can progress quickly, especially with Cytauxzoonosis, which often causes difficulty breathing and jaundice.
If you notice any of these symptoms or have recently removed a tick from your pet, contact your vet right away.
Preventing Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs & Cats
The best defense against tick-related illness is consistent prevention.
Tick Prevention Products
Use preventatives like spot-on treatments, collars, or sprays. All Zodiac products labeled to kill ticks will be effective but some formulations work faster. The quickest way to kill a tick is to expose them directly to a wet insecticide product such as Zodiac Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats or Zodiac Flea & Tick Shampoos.
Regular Grooming and Tick Checks
After walks or time outdoors—especially in wooded or grassy areas—run your fingers through your pet’s coat and inspect common tick hiding spots:
- Under the collar
- Behind the ears
- Between toes
- Around the tail and groin
Use a fine-tooth comb or tick remover to check thoroughly.
How to Create a Tick-Safe Environment
- Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter in your yard
- Use pet-safe insecticides in tick-prone areas
- Limit access to dense woods or brush during peak tick season (which is primarily during the spring and summer)
Diagnosis of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs & Cats
If your vet suspects a tick-borne illness, they’ll perform a thorough exam and possibly run diagnostic tests.
Common Diagnostic Tools
- Blood tests: Identify antibodies or organisms linked to tick diseases
- Complete blood count (CBC): Detects anemia or low platelet levels
- PCR tests: Detect specific DNA of pathogens
- Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney and liver function, which may be affected
Timely diagnosis is critical to starting treatment before complications arise.
Treatment Options for Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
Fortunately, there are several options for treating tick-borne diseases — especially if caught early.
Antibiotics
Many bacterial infections, including Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis, respond well to doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic. Treatment usually lasts 2–4 weeks.
Supportive Care
Pets with advanced symptoms may need fluids, pain management, or nutritional support.
Ongoing Monitoring
Even after symptoms disappear, regular checkups help ensure your pet’s immune system is fully recovered. Some pets may carry long-term antibodies or experience flare-ups.
Unfortunately, there are no vaccines for all tick diseases, but a Lyme disease vaccine is available for dogs and may be recommended in high-risk regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common tick borne diseases in dogs?
Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Babesiosis are among the most common.
How can I tell if my dog has a tick borne disease?
Watch for symptoms like lethargy, joint pain, fever, and loss of appetite—especially after recent tick exposure. Only your vet can confirm with a blood test.
What treatments are available for tick borne diseases in dogs?
Antibiotics like doxycycline are effective in most cases. Supportive care may be needed for more serious symptoms.
Can cats get tick borne diseases?
Yes. Cats are susceptible to several tick-related illnesses, though less commonly than dogs.
Can cats get Lyme disease?
While rare, it is possible. However, Lyme disease in cats is extremely uncommon and not well-documented. Although the bacteria that cause Lyme disease is capable of infecting cats, the disease has never been seen in a cat outside of a laboratory setting.
Tick borne diseases in dogs can be serious. But with awareness, early detection, and prevention, they’re manageable. Protect your pet from tick-borne diseases with Zodiac Flea & Tick Control solutions. From sprays to monthly spot treatments, our products are the quickest ways to kill fleas and ticks before they can transmit harmful diseases. Learn more today and take control of your pet’s health.