Companion Animals

Companion Dog Tick-Borne Disease Prevention

Tick-borne diseases cause significant suffering in dogs and are entirely preventable with appropriate prophylaxis.

Key Facts

Lyme disease causes joint pain, lethargy, and kidney failure in dogs
Babesiosis destroys red blood cells causing severe anaemia
Tick-borne diseases are expanding as climate change extends tick ranges
Most tick-borne diseases can be prevented with appropriate tick prevention products

Welfare Considerations

Dogs that contract tick-borne diseases experience significant suffering — Lyme disease causes chronic joint pain and debilitation; babesiosis causes acute anaemia requiring emergency transfusion. These diseases are preventable with appropriate, vet-recommended tick prevention. Late detection after tick-borne disease has established causes prolonged illness that preventive treatment would have avoided entirely.

What You Can Do

Use vet-recommended tick prevention products year-round in tick-endemic areas
Check dogs for ticks after walks and remove carefully with a tick hook
Know the tick-borne disease risk in your area and act accordingly
Consult your vet about Lyme vaccination in high-risk areas