Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they transmit serious diseases that can jeopardize your pet’s health. In Nigeria, tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Lyme disease are prevalent in dogs and cats. Recognizing the early symptoms of these diseases is crucial for prompt treatment and better recovery.
Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Cats
1. Babesiosis
- Caused by the Babesia parasite transmitted through tick bites.
- Affects dogs more frequently but can also impact cats in rare cases.
Symptoms:
✅ High fever
✅ Lethargy and weakness
✅ Pale gums (anemia)
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Dark-colored urine (blood in urine)
2. Ehrlichiosis
- Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria, primarily affecting dogs.
- Transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
Symptoms:
✅ Persistent fever
✅ Swollen lymph nodes
✅ Nosebleeds or bleeding disorders
✅ Joint pain and stiffness
✅ Sudden weight loss
3. Anaplasmosis
- Caused by Anaplasma bacteria, affecting both dogs and cats.
- Common in areas with high tick populations.
Symptoms:
✅ Lameness due to joint inflammation
✅ Lethargy and depression
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Vomiting and diarrhea
✅ Seizures (in severe cases)
4. Lyme Disease
- Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily affecting dogs.
- Transmitted by the Ixodes tick.
Symptoms:
✅ Sudden limping or shifting leg lameness
✅ Swollen joints
✅ High fever
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Kidney issues (in advanced stages)
How to Recognize Early Symptoms
- Regularly check your pet’s gums – Pale gums indicate anemia, a sign of tick-borne illness.
- Observe behavioral changes – Lethargy, restlessness, or refusal to eat can indicate an infection.
- Monitor urine color – Dark or reddish urine suggests blood cell destruction, common in babesiosis.
- Check for joint stiffness – Painful walking or difficulty standing can signal Lyme disease or anaplasmosis.
What to Do If You Suspect a Tick-Borne Disease
- Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
- Early diagnosis through blood tests improves recovery chances.
- Dulham Veterinary Clinic offers diagnostic screenings for tick-borne diseases.
- Early diagnosis through blood tests improves recovery chances.
- Do Not Self-Medicate
- Avoid using random antibiotics or herbal remedies without consulting a vet.
- Remove Any Ticks Found
- Use a tick remover tool to safely extract ticks and reduce further transmission risk.
- Start a Tick Prevention Plan
- Use Bravecto, NexGard, or tick collars for long-term protection.
- Keep your pet’s environment tick-free with proper cleaning and tick repellents.
Protect Your Pets with Dulham Veterinary Clinic
At Dulham Veterinary Clinic, we provide expert tick prevention and treatment solutions for pets in Nigeria. Our experienced veterinarians offer:
- Professional tick removal services
- Customized tick prevention plans
- High-quality tick control products
- Vaccinations and treatment for tick-borne diseases
Book an appointment today! Call us or visit our clinic for the best care for your dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses.
- Visit Us
- No 23 Crown Court Estate 2, Orunbe close , Oniru. Victoria Island, Lagos.
- Phone Us
- 0806 632 9826
- Mail Us
- help@dulhamvetclinic.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How soon do symptoms appear after a tick bite?
Symptoms may appear 1-3 weeks after a bite, depending on the disease.
2. Can cats get tick-borne diseases like dogs?
Yes, although cats are less affected, they can still contract anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
3. Are tick-borne diseases fatal to pets?
If left untreated, diseases like babesiosis and ehrlichiosis can be fatal. Early treatment improves survival rates.
4. Can humans get these diseases from their pets?
While humans can contract Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, direct transmission from pets is rare. However, infected ticks can bite both pets and humans.
5. What’s the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases?
Regular tick checks, veterinary-approved prevention products, and a clean environment help reduce the risk.