Canine Ehrlichiosis Welfare and Prevention

Ehrlichiosis from tick-transmitted Ehrlichia bacteria causes fever, bleeding disorders, and severe illness in dogs. Tick prevention and early treatment are essential.

Key Facts

Ehrlichiosis is common in tropical and subtropical regions and increasingly in southern Europe
Ixodes and Rhipicephalus ticks transmit the bacteria
Signs include fever, lethargy, bleeding from nose or gums, and thrombocytopenia
Chronic ehrlichiosis causes bone marrow suppression and can be fatal if untreated
Doxycycline is highly effective when started early in the disease course

Welfare Considerations

Canine ehrlichiosis causes significant suffering, with acute phase fever and haemorrhage causing pain and debility. Chronic cases develop progressive bone marrow failure causing profound anaemia and bleeding disorders that are difficult to treat and often fatal. Dogs travelling from UK to southern Europe or imported from overseas are at risk. Monthly tick prevention products effective against Rhipicephalus ticks, combined with tick checking, prevent transmission. Early antibiotic treatment achieves good welfare outcomes in acute cases.

What You Can Do

Apply tick prevention treatments appropriate for tick species in travel destinations
Check dogs for ticks daily when in tick-endemic regions
Seek veterinary care for any dog showing fever or abnormal bleeding
Ensure dogs imported from overseas are tested for tick-borne diseases on arrival