If you live in Texas, you’ve probably had the misfortune of dealing with ticks at some point in your life. But while it’s easy for you to spot and remove one from your own skin, your dog doesn’t have that luxury. Ticks bury themselves in thick fur, feed for hours, and spread dangerous bacteria into your dog’s bloodstream.
At Penny Paws, we help pet owners recognize the early signs of tick disease in dogs before lasting damage sets in. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the different tick species, the symptoms to watch for, and when you should call Penny Paws at (817) 993‑1234 to schedule testing or treatment.
The Many Tick Species of Texas
Did you know there are more than 80 species of ticks in the United States? Eleven live in Texas, and six cause harm to both dogs and people. Each species spreads different infections that affect your dog’s blood, joints, or organs. Some infect through a bite, while others cause illness when swallowed during grooming.
- The American dog tick spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
- The blacklegged deer tick transmits Lyme disease and canine anaplasmosis.
- The brown dog tick targets dogs and spreads ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
- The Lone Star tick bites dogs and spreads ehrlichiosis and rickettsial infections.
- The Amblyomma mixtum infects dogs with Hepatozoon americanum when they ingest the tick.
- The Gulf Coast tick carries both Hepatozoon and Rickettsia infections.
Knowing which ticks live in your area helps you respond quickly and get your dog the care they need.
Six Signs of Tick Disease in Dogs
Spotting the early signs of tick disease in dogs gives your pet the best chance to recover. Below are the most common symptoms you should watch for after tick exposure.
Fatigue, Fever, and Missed Meals
Tick disease usually starts with energy loss, temperature changes, and appetite shifts. Fatigue develops when bacteria enter the bloodstream and lower oxygen levels in the muscles. Fever builds as the immune system fights the growing infection. Appetite drops when inflammation begins affecting the stomach, liver, or kidneys.
These dog tick-borne illness symptoms typically show up a few days after the bite. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis and help your vet choose the right treatment. Early signs of tick disease in dogs respond well to antibiotics. If left untreated, the infection spreads deeper and begins damaging the joints. Identifying these signs early is key to keeping your dog healthy.
Limping and Swollen Joints
Tick infections that reach the joints often cause limping, stiffness, and pain that shifts from one leg to the other. Lyme bacteria travel through the bloodstream and settle in joint tissue, where they trigger swelling and inflammation. Dogs may walk stiffly, avoid stairs, or struggle to get up after resting.
Lyme disease in dogs indicators include limited range of motion, joint sensitivity, and lameness that comes and goes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys or heart. Blood tests and physical exams can confirm the diagnosis.
As bacteria continue circulating, they begin to affect platelet levels and blood flow.
Bruising, Bleeding, and Pale Gums
Ehrlichia affects the bone marrow and stops the body from making enough platelets. Once clotting slows down, dogs may develop nosebleeds, dark bruises on the belly or legs, and pale gums. These are signs that the blood isn’t circulating or clotting properly.
Ehrlichiosis symptoms in dogs can also include fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Low platelet counts raise the risk of internal bleeding and delay recovery.
Vets diagnose ehrlichiosis through bloodwork and tick disease panels. Without treatment, the infection spreads and weakens other systems, leading to even more serious complications in dogs already struggling to stay stable.
Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Tremors
Canine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne infection that targets a dog’s white blood cells. As it spreads, it often affects the gut and nervous system.
Canine anaplasmosis signs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and loss of coordination. Inflammation in the intestines causes nausea and loose stools. Dogs stumble, shake, or collapse when the infection reaches the nervous system.Â
Blood tests can confirm the infection by checking platelets and screening for tick-borne pathogens. Treatment includes antibiotics, fluids, and anti-nausea medication. If the infection continues unchecked, it begins to destroy red blood cells and strain the organs.
Yellow Gums, Bloody Urine, and Dark Eyes
Tick-borne infections like Babesia and Hepatozoon destroy red blood cells and put intense pressure on the liver and kidneys. As more cells break down, the liver struggles to process the waste, leading to jaundice.
The gums and whites of the eyes may turn yellow, and urine can appear dark or bloody as damaged cells pass through the kidneys. These signs often appear once the infection has spread beyond the bloodstream.
The vets at Penny Paws can confirm the diagnosis with a blood smear or PCR test. Treatment includes antiparasitic medication, fluids, and liver support. Without early care, the infection can begin to affect the brain.
Seizures, Collapse, and Loss of Balance
The following signs of tick disease in dogs are the most severe and mean your dog needs emergency care right away.Â
When tick-borne infections reach the brain or spinal cord, dogs may collapse, lose control of their legs, or suffer seizures. Rocky Mountain spotted fever and late-stage ehrlichiosis can often cause brain swelling, which cuts off oxygen to nerve tissue. This leads to confusion, disorientation, and sudden neurological decline.
Vets confirm brain involvement through reflex tests, blood work, and physical exams. Treatment may include anti-seizure medication, fluids, and corticosteroids.
Think a Tick Bit Your Dog? Call Penny Paws Today
At Penny Paws, our veterinarians understand that Lyme disease isn’t the only tick-borne illness that threatens dogs in our area. That’s why, when you notice the signs of tick disease in dogs, it’s important to bring in your furry friend as soon as possible for proper dog tick bite disease detection.
The earlier we identify the infection, the better the chances are for a full recovery. If you suspect that a tick bit your dog, call Penny Paws at (817)-382-9229 today to schedule a visit.