Tick-borne diseases are a growing threat to dog welfare globally; climate change is expanding tick ranges, making prevention and early detection increasingly important.
Tick-borne diseases cause significant suffering in affected dogs — Lyme disease leads to episodic lameness and chronic pain; Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal within days if untreated. Prevention is far more effective than treatment. Modern tick preventatives (isoxazolines such as fluralaner, afoxolaner) are highly effective, convenient, and safe for most dogs. Environmental management — keeping grass short, avoiding tick habitat during peak season, and checking dogs after outdoor activity — complements chemical prevention. Early detection and prompt veterinary treatment dramatically improves outcomes. Annual Lyme vaccination is recommended for dogs in high-risk areas.