This time of year ticks can be a problem for our pets. We see animals with infestations of ticks that bother you and your pet!

 Ticks can cause a host of problems for our dogs. Many dogs will scratch and rub their skin since the ticks are irritating. This leads to skin inflammation and skin infections. Medications are then needed to treat the skin problem. A most serious problem we have in South Florida is that the ticks have their own parasite called Ehrlichia. When the ticks feed, the Ehrlichia enters the dog’s body from the tick. This parasite infects the blood cells and can cause serious and life threatening problems. The platelets or “clotting cells” are often infected and the dogs can get fevers and bleeding from this parasite. Also, nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding from other areas of the body can be other symptoms to look for. Lethargy is often a primary sign. Once the Ehrlichia is diagnosed by a blood test, medication is given to try to clear the parasite. Another tick borne parasite we see here is Anaplasma, which behaves a lot like Ehrlichia.

Other problems the ticks can cause in puppies is anemia. Also, there is a form of paralysis of the hind limbs that can occur if a certain species of tick attaches onto a dog’s neck.

To avoid all these problems, strict tick control is important.