Ticks in Dogs

How to Treat Ticks

Tick treatment begins with removal of the parasite. A pet owner can safely remove a tick without the help of a veterinarian as long as they follow the proper procedures for tick extraction.

If your dog spikes a fever, acts lethargic, or experiences any sign of lameness, a vet may administer antibiotics for several weeks. If Lyme disease is detected, starting early, antibiotics should help your dog feel better in two to five days; however, the dog will need to remain on the antibiotics for several weeks to fully clear the infection.3 Dogs who suffer from the complication of kidney damage due to untreated Lyme disease need further management that may include hospitalization, nutritional support, and IV fluids

For tick paralysis, simply removing the ticks will usually resolve the symptoms within 24 hours, as the neurotoxins in a tick's saliva are the underlying cause.1 In a few cases, supplemental oxygen may be supplied to dogs who are showing difficulty breathing.

Prognosis for Dogs with Ticks

The prognosis for a tick-bitten dog depends on several factors, including the number of tick bites, the length of time a tick was embedded, the potential diseases transmitted by the tick, and the promptness of treatment. Most tick bites will heal with little more than a few days of itchiness. More serious conditions arise when disease is involved because tick-borne illnesses can be fatal if left untreated.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

If you live in a region where ticks are prevalent, check your dog every time you come in from the outdoors, especially after romps through wooded areas. There are also several different types of oral and topical preventative medications that help prevent ticks from biting a dog. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a tick preventative that will work best for your dog.