Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know
written by Jessica Titchenal DVM
Ticks are a common part of the outdoor environment in many areas of Eastern Washington. Dogs who spend time hiking, hunting, running through fields, or living on acreage are especially likely to encounter them.
While most tick bites do not lead to illness, certain ticks can carry bacteria that cause disease in dogs. Understanding these diseases—and how prevention works—can help pet owners protect their pets while still enjoying time outdoors.
How Dogs Get Tick-Borne Diseases
Ticks attach to animals in order to feed on blood. During this feeding process, certain ticks can transmit bacteria into the bloodstream of the animal they are attached to.
Importantly, disease transmission usually requires the tick to remain attached for several hours or longer. This is why regular tick checks and preventative medications are both helpful in reducing risk.
Not every tick carries disease, and not every tick bite leads to illness. However, prevention remains the most reliable protection.
Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs
Several tick-borne diseases are known to affect dogs in North America. The ones veterinarians most commonly test for include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by certain species of ticks.
Many dogs exposed to Lyme disease show no obvious symptoms, but some may develop:
Fever
Lethargy
Joint pain or shifting lameness
Decreased appetite
Swollen lymph nodes
In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and lead to more serious illness.
Anaplasmosis
Anaplasmosis is another bacterial disease transmitted by ticks. It can cause symptoms such as:
Fever
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Joint discomfort
Occasionally bruising or bleeding abnormalities
Some dogs with anaplasmosis may have mild symptoms, while others may appear more noticeably ill.
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is also transmitted through tick bites and affects white blood cells.
Symptoms may include:
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Bruising or bleeding problems
Like other tick-borne diseases, ehrlichiosis can range from mild to more serious depending on the case.
How Veterinarians Test for Tick-Borne Diseases
Many veterinary clinics routinely screen dogs for tick-borne diseases during annual wellness visits, particularly for dogs who spend time outdoors.
At Cheney Veterinary Clinic, we use in-clinic screening tests developed by IDEXX Laboratories to check for exposure to several important diseases at once.
For dogs, we use the IDEXX SNAP 4Dx Plus Test, which screens for:
Lyme disease
Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis
Heartworm disease
This test requires only a small blood sample and provides results during your pet’s visit.
These screening tests help us identify exposure to certain diseases early so that appropriate monitoring or treatment can be recommended if necessary.
If you would like to learn more about these tests, you can explore the informational resources provided by IDEXX:
Many dogs who test positive for exposure to tick-borne disease may never develop symptoms, which is why routine screening is helpful for dogs who spend time outdoors.
Treatment
When tick-borne diseases are identified, treatment often involves antibiotics and supportive care. Many dogs respond very well when the condition is detected early.
Your veterinarian may also recommend follow-up testing or monitoring depending on the specific disease and your pet’s health.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
The most effective way to protect dogs from tick-borne diseases is to reduce the chance of ticks attaching in the first place.
Pet owners can help protect their dogs by:
Using veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventatives
Performing routine tick checks after outdoor activities
Keeping pets on trails and avoiding heavy brush when possible
Contacting a veterinarian if signs of illness appear after tick exposure
For dogs who frequently spend time outdoors—such as hunting dogs, ranch dogs, or hiking companions—consistent prevention is especially important.
Questions About Tick Prevention?
Ticks are a natural part of the environment, but preventative care can greatly reduce the risks they pose to pets.
If you have questions about flea and tick prevention or tick-borne diseases, the team at Cheney Veterinary Clinic is always happy to help.
📞 Cheney Veterinary Clinic
509-235-6860
Each March, Cheney Veterinary Clinic also offers a Bravecto promotion — Buy One, Get One 50% Off — to help make preventative care more accessible for pet owners as parasite season begins.
