Tick Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms, Testing, & Treatment

Ticks aren’t just annoying pests; they can carry bacteria and parasites that cause serious bacterial infections in dogs. Across the U.S., tick-borne diseases in dogs are on the rise, partly because warmer weather now lasts longer each year. That means ticks stay active for more months, increasing the chance that your dog could be bitten by infected ticks.

The tricky part? Many tick diseases don’t cause obvious symptoms right away. That’s why early testing matters; a simple blood test not only gives you peace of mind, it also helps catch disease before it causes lasting damage. Knowing the signs, testing early, and sticking with prevention are the best ways to keep your pup safe from tick-borne diseases.

What Are Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs?

Tick-borne diseases are illnesses passed to dogs through the bite of an infected tick. When a tick attaches and feeds on your dog’s blood, it can transmit bacteria or parasites directly into the bloodstream.

The five most common tick-borne diseases in dogs are:

• Lyme disease

• Ehrlichiosis (also known as canine ehrlichiosis)

• Anaplasmosis

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever

• Canine Babesiosis

Other tick-borne illnesses exist, but these are the ones veterinarians see most often. Even one tick bite can be enough to transmit disease, making prevention and early detection essential.

1. Lyme Disease

Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted mainly by black-legged ticks (also called brown deer ticks).

Symptoms:

• Fever and lethargy

• Swollen or painful joints

• Shifting lameness (limping that changes from leg to leg)

• Loss of appetite

• In rare cases, the kidneys can be damaged, leading to increased thirst, urination, and urinary accidents

Testing and treatment: Some dogs exposed to Lyme disease never show obvious symptoms, while others may have recurring joint pain or lameness that comes and goes. In rare cases, Lyme nephritis, a type of kidney inflammation, can develop, making it much harder to manage. The breed that is most prone to Lyme nephritis are Golden Retrievers.

Because the disease behaves differently from one dog to another, your veterinarian may recommend regular follow-up testing even after successful treatment, or that your dog be vaccinated against Lyme disease and stay on year-round prevention to protect against the disease in the future. Staying on top of monitoring helps catch any complications before they become serious.

2. Ehrlichiosis

Caused by several species of Ehrlichia bacteria, spread by the brown dog tick, lone star tick, and American dog tick.

Symptoms:

• Fever, weight loss, and lethargy

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Bruising or nosebleeds

• Decreased appetite

• Neurologic symptoms in severe cases

Testing and treatment: Testing often includes antibody panels and complete blood counts to check for changes in white blood cells and platelets. Ehrlichiosis can become chronic if not treated, but most dogs respond well to antibiotics when caught early.

3. Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is caused by bacteria spread through the bite of black-legged ticks or brown dog ticks.

Symptoms:

• Fever and fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Vomiting or diarrhea in some cases

• Low platelet counts, leading to bruising and abnormal bleeding if injured

Testing and treatment: A combination of antibody testing and PCR (DNA testing) can confirm infection. Treatment usually includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, and Petfolk veterinarians may recommend follow-up bloodwork since some dogs develop recurring or chronic infections.

4. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick, this tick-borne disease spreads quickly.

Symptoms:

• High fever

• Muscle pain and joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Neurological signs (seizures, imbalance, vision problems)

• Swelling of the legs and face

Testing and treatment: Veterinarians may confirm RMSF with PCR testing or paired antibody tests. Because the illness can cause organ damage, supportive care such as fluids may be needed in addition to antibiotics.

5. Babesiosis

Canine babesiosis is a parasitic infection caused by protozoal intracellular parasites of the Babesia species, which invade and destroy a dog’s red blood cells. Spread mainly by black-legged ticks and brown dog ticks.

Symptoms:

• Pale gums from blood loss

• Weakness and fatigue

• Fever

• Dark urine

• Weight loss

Testing and treatment: Specialized blood smears or PCR testing help identify the parasite. Treatment often combines anti-parasitic medications with supportive care. Severe cases may require hospitalization to stabilize your pup.

Common Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Although each disease has unique features, they share many overlapping signs. Watch for:

• Fever, lethargy, or mild symptoms that seem to come and go

• Loss of appetite, poor appetite, or poor weight gain

• Swollen joints, stiff joints, or shifting lameness

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Bruising, abnormal bleeding despite a minor wound, or nosebleeds

• Neurological symptoms such as imbalance, tremors, or seizures in severe cases

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially after recent outdoor activity, schedule a visit with your veterinarian as soon as possible. At Petfolk, our care teams use advanced testing to identify tick-borne diseases early, giving your pup the best chance for a smooth recovery.

Preventing & Treating Tick-Borne Illnesses in Dogs

The best defense against tick-borne diseases is prevention. Ticks are active year-round in many regions, so protection shouldn’t stop in winter. Indoor dogs are also at risk, as the brown dog tick prefers to live inside people’s homes.

Prevention Tips

• Use year-round, veterinarian-approved tick preventives (oral, topical, or collar). This is the most reliable tick prevention method to prevent ticks year-round.

• Check your dog daily, focusing on ears, armpits, and groin, especially after being in tall grass or wooded areas

• Remove ticks promptly and safely with tweezers or a tick removal tool.

• Keep your yard tidy: mow grass, clear leaf litter, and trim shrubs.

• Avoid tall grass, wooded trails, or areas known for high tick activity where dogs encounter infected ticks

• Veterinarians can help pet parents decide whether the Lyme vaccination makes sense in their region.

Treatment Options

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics: Doxycycline is the most common and is usually prescribed for 2–4 weeks, depending on the specific tick disease being treated.

• Pain relief: NSAIDs may be used for swollen or painful joints.

• Supportive care: IV fluids or hospitalization for severe infections.

• Blood transfusion: for severe cases due to blood loss from numerous tick bites or a bleeding disorder caused by tick disease.

• Yearly blood tests help detect recurring tick-borne conditions or chronic infections.

Early diagnosis and consistent treatment help protect a dog’s immune system and prevent chronic infections. Veterinarians can recommend the right combination of testing, treatment, and ongoing monitoring based on your dog’s lifestyle and health history.

How to Properly Remove a Tick From Your Dog

If you find a tick on your dog, safe removal is just as important as prevention. Knowing how to properly remove ticks reduces the risk of infection. Always use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasping the tick as close to the dog’s skin as possible. Pull straight up with steady pressure. Do NOT twist because twisting can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. 

After removal, clean the area with mild soap and water. Never try to burn a tick off or apply petroleum jelly, as these methods are ineffective and can harm your pet.

Taking a picture of the tick or bringing the tick in a sealed bag to your local animal hospital can help your local veterinarian identify the type of tick and what diseases it can transmit to dogs.

Keeping Your Dog Safe from Tick Diseases

Tick diseases in dogs may sound intimidating, but knowledge and prevention go a long way. With routine testing, year-round tick control, and prompt care if symptoms appear, your pup can live a full, healthy life without ticks getting in the way.

While it’s impossible to avoid every tick in the environment, consistent protection makes a big difference. Think of it as layering safety nets: daily tick checks, year-round preventives, and routine blood tests all work together to reduce risk.

You don’t have to manage tick protection alone. Your Petfolk care team is here to guide you every step of the way. For a prevention plan tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and your pup’s health, schedule a visit today. Petfolk provides the best care for your best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs

What Are the Symptoms of Tick Disease in a Dog?

Fever, lethargy, appetite loss, swollen joints, and enlarged lymph nodes are the most common signs. Severe cases can cause bleeding problems or neurological issues.

How Soon After a Tick Bite Do Symptoms Appear in Dogs?

Symptoms usually appear within 1–3 weeks, but some infections may not cause noticeable signs for months. Regular testing helps catch hidden infections.

How Do Veterinarians Test for Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs?

Most veterinarians will run an annual heartworm test, which also screens for Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, and Lyme Disease. More extensive tick panels can be run to screen for a larger selection of tick diseases if symptoms support a tick disease, but the heartworm test is negative for the tick diseases it tests for.

Does Anaplasmosis in Dogs Ever Go Away?

Most dogs recover fully with antibiotics, but some may experience recurring infections. That’s why follow-up testing and monitoring are important.

Is Anaplasmosis Worse Than Lyme Disease?

Both can cause serious illness if untreated. Lyme disease often affects joints and kidneys, while anaplasmosis targets blood cells. Early treatment improves outcomes for both.

How Are Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs Treated?

Treatment usually includes antibiotics, pain relief for joint issues, and supportive care if needed. Severe cases often need to be referred to a 24-hour emergency hospital for a blood transfusion and intensive care. Your Petfolk veterinarian will design the best plan for your dog’s condition.