Companion Animals

Dog Canine Tick-Borne Diseases Welfare

Tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and babesiosis are increasing in prevalence as tick populations expand with climate change.

Key Facts

Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi causes lameness, lethargy, and kidney disease in dogs
Babesiosis caused by Babesia canis destroys red blood cells, causing severe hemolytic anemia
Ehrlichiosis affects white blood cells and causes systemic illness across multiple organ systems
Effective tick preventives reduce transmission risk substantially
Climate change is extending tick season and expanding geographic distribution of tick species

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with tick-borne diseases experience debilitating illness including lameness, anemia, and organ failure. Prevention through effective tick control is far preferable to treating established disease.

What You Can Do

Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventive products year-round in tick-endemic areas
Check dogs for ticks after every countryside walk and remove them promptly using a tick hook
Discuss Lyme disease vaccination with your vet in high-exposure areas