Companion Animals

Dog Ehrlichiosis Regional Prevalence and Prevention

Ehrlichiosis affects dogs across tropical and subtropical regions globally, with significant variation in species, severity, and treatment outcomes.

Key Facts

Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick across most tropical regions
Chronic ehrlichiosis causes bone marrow suppression and profound immune dysfunction
Dogs in the southern US face increasing exposure as ticks expand their range
Some dogs clear infection spontaneously while others develop chronic disease
A combination of doxycycline for 28 days is the standard of care

Welfare Considerations

Dogs in regions with limited veterinary access suffer most from ehrlichiosis, as chronic disease develops when acute cases go untreated. Chronic disease causes debilitating anemia, bleeding disorders, and weight loss. Tick prevention is the cornerstone of welfare protection in endemic areas.

What You Can Do

Use year-round tick prevention products in tick-endemic areas and climates
Test dogs for ehrlichiosis if unexplained illness develops after tick exposure
Complete the full 28-day course of doxycycline treatment
Support veterinary access programs in regions with high ehrlichiosis burden
Advocate for tick surveillance programs as tick ranges expand