Companion Animals

Dog Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Welfare

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a serious tick-borne rickettsial disease in dogs and humans, requiring early treatment to prevent severe outcomes.

Key Facts

Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii transmitted by Dermacentor tick species
Most common in the southeastern US despite its name
Signs include fever, vascular lesions, thrombocytopenia, and neurological signs
RMSF can kill within days without appropriate antibiotic treatment
Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for both dogs and humans

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with RMSF experience rapidly progressive vascular disease causing tissue damage, organ failure, and severe pain. Without early treatment, death occurs within days. Prompt tick removal and early doxycycline treatment are life-saving. Tick prevention is essential in endemic areas for both dogs and the humans who live with them.

What You Can Do

Use effective tick prevention products year-round in RMSF-endemic areas
Remove ticks promptly and properly from dogs
Seek emergency veterinary care if RMSF is suspected - do not wait for test results
Know that RMSF is a zoonotic disease posing risk to humans in the household
Report tick bites and fever to your physician in endemic areas