Ticks transmit multiple serious diseases to dogs, causing significant welfare harm that is largely preventable with appropriate parasite control.
Tick-borne diseases cause significant suffering through fever, joint pain, profound weakness, and in severe cases, organ failure. Lyme nephritis (kidney disease from Lyme) is a particularly serious welfare concern in dogs, causing irreversible kidney damage that leads to chronic kidney failure. Many dogs suffer for weeks with undiagnosed tick-borne disease as early symptoms are non-specific and can be confused with other conditions. In regions with high tick burden, consistent preventive treatment is among the most important routine welfare interventions available to dog owners. Early diagnosis through serological testing allows prompt antibiotic treatment that dramatically reduces disease duration and severity.