Are ticks dangerous to dogs, and what are the common signs of tick bites or tick-borne illnesses?
Health & Wellness
Yes, ticks are dangerous to dogs as they can transmit serious tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Anaplasmosis, similar to the risks they pose to humans. Ticks are commonly found in brush-filled areas, tall grass, and near bodies of water. Signs of a tick bite can include finding a tick attached to your dog’s skin or fur (they vary in size and color, and can be engorged with blood). You might also observe a small, red bump or irritated, swollen skin at the bite site, increased licking or scratching in the affected area, or head shaking if a tick is in or around the ear. Symptoms of a tick-borne disease, which may not appear for seven to 21 days or longer, can include lethargy, changes in mobility, fever, and loss of appetite.
