Have you ever thought about how the tiniest organisms can pose such large risks to your pup? Take ticks, for example. These small parasites hop aboard your dog like ninjas, potentially infecting them with a dangerous disease.
You’ve likely heard of Lyme disease, but another common tick-borne illness is Anaplasmosis, which many pet parents don’t hear about until their dog ends up with it. Luckily, early treatment and good tick prevention practices are very effective at keeping dogs healthy.
What Is Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through tick bites that affects dogs, people, and other animals. The primary causes are Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys, bacteria that attack a dog’s blood cells and immune system.
Anaplasmosis doesn’t discriminate, affecting dogs of any age or breed, though dogs that spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors tend to be at higher risk.
How Do Dogs Get Anaplasmosis?
Dogs usually contract anaplasmosis after being bitten by an infected tick. The bacteria enter the body, potentially spreading through the bloodstream and causing a variety of health problems.
Ticks get the infection when they feed on wild animals that carry the bacteria, such as deer, rodents, or other wildlife. Later, when the tick bites a dog, the bacteria can pass into the dog’s bloodstream.
The ticks most commonly associated with anaplasmosis are the brown dog tick and deer tick. You can find these ticks in many parts of the United States and other countries. Dogs can pick up ticks when they walk through tall grass, along wooded trails, in parks, and even in backyards.
Furthermore, although ticks are most active during warmer weather, they can survive year-round in some places. Therefore, don’t assume ticks are only a problem in the spring and summer.
A tick usually needs to remain attached for several hours before it can transmit bacteria to the dog. However, because ticks can be very small, many pet owners do not notice the tick or the bite right away.
Common Signs of Anaplasmosis in Dogs
Some dogs with anaplasmosis may not show signs immediately, and some may remain asymptomatic, making it tricky to know if your dog is infected. However, others may become ill within one to two weeks after a tick bite.
The symptoms range from mild to severe. In some cases, signs may come and go, and many symptoms mimic other tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease, making the illness even harder to recognize.
Some call the disease “dog tick fever” because fever is one of the most common symptoms. Dogs may also seem tired or weak and lose interest in food or play. Joint pain is also very common, so your dog might limp or seem stiff when they walk.
Other possible symptoms of anaplasmosis include:
- Appetite loss
- Swollen joints
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Pale gums
- Trouble breathing
Because anaplasmosis affects the blood, some dogs experience clotting problems, which can lead to unusual bleeding or small red spots on the skin. In severe cases, dogs may develop neurological issues, such as confusion or difficulty walking. These cases are less common but can become serious quickly.
Early Diagnosis Makes a Big Difference
Getting a diagnosis early is important because treatment works best before complications develop.
Anaplasmosis can look like many other illnesses, including Lyme disease or arthritis. Therefore, it’s extremely important to contact your dog’s veterinarian if your pup develops symptoms after exposure to ticks.
Your vet will most likely ask about your dog’s recent activities and check for signs of ticks or tick bites. Additionally, they’ll likely run blood tests to diagnose the disease.
Some tests can detect the bacteria, while others look for antibodies that show the dog’s immune system is reacting to the infection. The vet may also check your dog’s blood cell counts, since infected dogs often have low platelets.
Treatment Options for Dogs With Anaplasmosis
The good news is that anaplasmosis is usually treatable, especially when you catch it early.
The most common treatment is an antibiotic called doxycycline. You’ll likely notice improvements within just a few days of giving your dog medication. Even if your dog seems to recover quickly, it’s critical to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
Some dogs may also require supportive care, especially if they are dehydrated or very weak. This care could include fluids, pain relief medication, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dogs with severe bleeding problems or other complications may need hospitalization. Thankfully, though, most cases do not become this serious.
After treatment, many dogs recover fully and return to normal activities. However, some dogs may continue to test positive for exposure because antibodies can stay in the body for a long time. In this situation, if your dog is no longer having symptoms, your vet will likely not recommend another course of antibiotics.
Can Dogs Get Anaplasmosis More Than Once?
Recovering from anaplasmosis doesn’t give lifelong protection, so dogs can get it more than once. This is one reason why prevention is so important. If your dog spends a bunch of time outdoors, they’re going to be around infected ticks throughout their life.
How to Prevent Anaplasmosis in Dogs
Preventing tick bites is the best way to protect your dog from anaplasmosis and other tick-borne diseases.
Many safe and effective tick prevention products are on the market, including chewables, topical treatments, collars, sprays, and shampoos. These products help kill ticks before they can spread disease. Talk to your veterinarian about which option is best for your dog.
Checking your dog for ticks every day is also very important, especially after outdoor activities. Run your hands through your dog’s fur and look carefully around the ears, neck, armpits, toes, and tail area. Ticks like to hide in warm, hard-to-see spots.
(If your dog gets impatient, offer them a tasty distraction, like a treat licking mat.) If you find a tick, remove it promptly using a tick removal tool or some fine-tipped tweezers, not your fingers. When removing the tick, grab it close to the skin and pull straight out gently but firmly. Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, since this may push bacteria into the bite wound.
After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic.
Making Your Yard Less Tick-Friendly
Ticks thrive in damp, shady environments, but you don’t have to be in the woods to be around ticks.
These little buggers can hang out in your very own backyard. Therefore, keeping your yard clean can help lower the risk of tick exposure.
Effective strategies to help keep your yard tick-free include:
- Mow the grass regularly
- Pick up leaf piles
- Trim bushes
- Get rid of tall weeds
- Keep wood piles away from the house
- Create barriers between wooded areas and your dog’s play spaces
- Use a professional yard treatment service if ticks are a major threat
When to Call the Vet for Suspected Ticks
If your dog develops a fever, limps, shows unusual tiredness, or loses their appetite after being outdoors, call the vet. Remember, ticks can be hard to spot, so don’t wait to find one on your dog.
It’s also a good idea to call if you remove a tick and your dog starts acting differently later. Even mild symptoms can become more serious if you don’t start treatment.
Dogs living in areas with high tick populations may benefit from routine screening tests at annual wellness visits. Early detection can help prevent bigger health problems down the road.
Don’t Let Ticks Put a Stop to Your Dog’s Outdoor Fun
Anaplasmosis sounds like a big, scary disease, but the good news is that most dogs recover with prompt veterinary care and proper treatment. The key is recognizing the signs early and taking tick prevention seriously.
Regular tick checks, year-round prevention products, and keeping your yard safe and tidy can greatly reduce your dog’s risk of infection. Staying alert and proactive helps your dog enjoy safer outdoor adventures without you fretting about the invisible dangers of ticks.
You love your pets, and we love helping you take care of them! Read more tips and tricks on all things pet-parenting on the Neater Pets blog.