A popular disease among dogs that tends to scare many owners is “tick disease.” However, what many people do not know is that in reality, it is not a single disease, but rather a collection of serious arachnid-borne illnesses.
Two examples are ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, both transmitted by the brown tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). In Brazil, they are common and can have serious consequences on the animals’ bodies, even leading to death if they are not treated immediately.
Understanding diseases
Due to the country’s tropical and subtropical climate, brown ticks are easier to multiply, increasing the risk to pets. Ehrlichiosis – bacteria Ehrlichia canis — targets cells of the immune system. Babesiosis – protozoan Babesia spp. — destroys red blood cells, which carry oxygen.
“Many keepers imagine that these parasites only cause discomfort, when in reality they can cause serious illness. As the first signs can be very subtle, diagnosis can be delayed, significantly increasing the severity of the case and the risk of death,” explains veterinarian Kathia Soares.
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Diseases are serious because the damage and symptoms are extreme. In both cases, fever, poor appetite, fatigue and apathy may occur. In ehrlichiosis, for example, some dogs bleed because of a drop in platelets. On the other hand, babesiosis can lead to anemia, jaundice, and dark-colored urine.
Stay tuned for essential care!
The MSD Animal veterinarian also adds that approximately 95% of the brown tick cycle takes place in the environment. For this reason, there are some basic but extremely important precautions to protect dogs.
Discover some expert advice:
- Keep the house clean, especially cracks, corners and places where the animal usually rests;
- Use products adapted to the environment and regularly inspect outdoor areas to avoid proliferation and reinfestation;
- Regularly use effective and long-lasting parasiticides;
- Examine the dog’s body, especially after walks or contact with external environments;
“Continuous prevention significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission through ticks. Simplifying the care routine is essential for the owner to be able to protect their pet in an uninterrupted manner, and this makes all the difference when we are talking about such serious diseases,” adds Kathia.
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