As a pet parent, nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing your dog fall sick. One moment they’re wagging their tail happily, and the next, they’re tired, refusing food, or just dont feel themselves. In cities like Mumbai, tick fever in dogs is one of the most common illnesses go through, due to the humidity and the weather.
The good news? With early detection and proper care, tick fever can be treated effectively. So let’s break it down in simple terms: what it is, how to spot it, and how to help your dog recover with love and the right treatment.
What is Tick Fever in Dogs?
Tick fever, or canine ehrlichiosis, is a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected tick—especially the brown dog tick, which thrives in warm and humid environments. Once inside the dog’s bloodstream, the bacteria (most commonly Ehrlichia canis) start attacking white blood cells, which are essential for immunity.
If left untreated, the disease can become life-threatening, so timely care of ticks is crucial.
Symptoms of Tick Fever: What to Watch Out For
Tick fever doesn’t always look the same in every dog, which can make it tricky to catch early. However, here are the most common symptoms pet parents should look out for:
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever (you may feel their ears or body unusually warm)
- Weight loss
- Pale gums or nose
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Nosebleeds or unexplained bruising
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain or limping
- Eye discharge or cloudiness
In some cases, dogs may show only mild signs at first. If your pet has recently had ticks or spends time outdoors, don’t ignore subtle changes in behaviour or appetite.
How is Tick Fever Diagnosed?
If you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t wait. Book a vet consultation as soon as possible. At Mumvets, our veterinarians offer at-home blood tests, which are usually required to confirm tick fever. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a special test for Ehrlichia help determine if your dog is infected.
Early diagnosis can truly make the difference between a smooth recovery and a complicated illness.
Treatment Options for Tick Fever
The moment tick fever is diagnosed, treatment begins. Thankfully, most dogs respond very well to the right medication when started on time.
Here’s what treatment usually involves:
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, often given for 3–4 weeks.
- Supplements: To boost immunity and support recovery.
- Supportive care: Fluids, liver protection, and appetite stimulants may be prescribed.
- Follow-up blood tests: To ensure the infection has cleared.
In severe cases, where platelet levels are dangerously low or there’s internal bleeding, hospitalisation and blood transfusions might be necessary. But again, most dogs recover well with early home treatment.
Preventing Tick Fever
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can keep tick fever at bay:
- Use tick preventives regularly—like spot-ons, tick collars, or oral medications.
- Check your dog’s coat daily, especially after outdoor walks.
- Groom regularly—a clean coat makes it easier to spot ticks early.
- Keep your home and surroundings clean, especially your dog’s bedding and resting areas.
You can also schedule regular grooming and vet check-ups at home with Mumvets, making prevention part of your everyday pet care routine.
Final Woof
Tick fever might sound scary, but with awareness, quick action, and professional guidance, it is totally manageable. Remember—you know your dog best. Trust your instincts if something feels off and don’t delay consulting a vet.
At Mumvets, we’re here to help your furry family members recover in the comfort of their own home—because there’s no better place to heal than where they feel safe and loved.
Suspect tick fever or want to start tick prevention? Book a home vet consultation with Mumvets today.