Tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis cause significant welfare harm in dogs, and prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for good outcomes.
Tick-borne diseases cause significant acute suffering - joint pain from Lyme disease, fever, lethargy and potentially life-threatening complications from babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Early diagnosis through appropriate testing and prompt treatment with the correct antibiotic or antiprotozoal drug prevents progression to severe disease. Prevention through effective tick control is the welfare priority.