Key facts
- Tick activity is at a decade high, increasing emergency department visits.
- Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and bobcat fever to pets.
- Owners should regularly check pets for ticks in specific areas.
- Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in pets can include appetite loss, fever, lethargy, and joint pain.
- While many tick-borne diseases are treatable, some can be fatal.
- Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has a tick-borne illness.
Tick activity has surged this year, leading to a significant increase in emergency department visits related to tick-borne illnesses in pets. Experts are urging pet owners to be vigilant in checking their dogs and cats for ticks, as these pests can transmit serious diseases.
The lone star tick, in particular, is associated with 'bobcat fever' in cats and can also spread Lyme disease to both dogs and cats. Other tick-borne diseases that can affect dogs include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, canine anaplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, babesiosis, and canine ehrlichiosis. While cats are largely resistant to Lyme disease, they can contract conditions like hemobartonellosis, tularemia, cytauxzoonosis, and anaplasmosis.
Owners should inspect their pets thoroughly, paying attention to areas around the ears, eyelids, collar, and between the legs. If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly. Symptoms of tick-borne diseases may not appear for days or months, but common signs include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and lameness. While many of these conditions are treatable, some can be fatal, and not all tick bites lead to illness.