Are ticks dangerous? Diseases they can spread to dogs and humans

If you have been outside, it does not matter if it was the woods, the park, or just your backyard, then it is highly likely that you have met ticks. These little blood-suckers may be so tiny that they are barely noticeable, but still known as the most efficient nature’s disease transmitters. The real question is: are ticks dangerous? The answer, sadly, is yes, ticks are dangerous.

Ticks are capable of infecting humans and dogs with a variety of diseases that could even progress to the level of those beings’ lungs and hearts. Though in general, canine pals are blamed for the outcome of their outdoor exploits, thus becoming the usual suspects for tick-borne diseases, still, humans are not far behind.

Are ticks dangerous?

Ticks, by themselves, are not harmful. The danger is, however, in what they carry. In contrast to fleas or mosquitoes, ticks attach tightly to the fur and feed for a long time on blood, sometimes up to several days. At that time, they can also implant bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the host animal’s blood.

Since ticks live in tall grass, forests, and even city backyards, the risk of contact is very high. They do well in hot and moist places, but are still able to stay alive in cold areas. What makes them very dangerous is that the bite is usually not painful, so you may not have the tick on you until it has taken a leave and started to cause a problem. Humans and dogs can both catch ticks, but the symptoms and diseases may not be exactly the same.

Diseases caused by Ticks in dogs and humans

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is the most acknowledged tick-borne illness that comes from the bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The main vector of this disease is the black-legged tick, which is also called the deer tick.

In dogs: 

Most of the infected dogs are asymptomatic, which makes Lyme disease difficult to confirm. The general symptoms that are observed include fever, lack of energy, swollen lymph nodes, lameness due to the inflammation of the joints, and a decreased appetite. Some dogs may become stiff due to recurring joint pains, and they may become reluctant to move.

In humans: 

Usually, the warning sign for people is the typical “bull’s-eye” rash around the bite area, although not everyone gets it. Other early symptoms are exhaustion, headaches, fever, and muscle pains.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a disease that is brought about by a group of bacteria from the Ehrlichia genus, and these bacteria are mainly the ones that are found in the brown dog tick and the lone star tick. This disease has the ability to become different phases in both dogs and humans, and it is a serious one.

In dogs: 

Usually, the symptoms of dogs start to show after a few weeks of infection. In the beginning, the symptoms may be fever, loss of appetite, inflamed lymph nodes, and breathing problems. Some dogs may also have the problem of eye inflammation or bleeding caused by the retina.

In case the disease gets to its chronic stage, the dogs can become anemic, they can have bleeding disorders, and the nervous system may be affected, and the dogs may have seizures or find it hard to walk. Chronic ehrlichiosis may be very difficult to treat and, in some situations, can even be a cause of death.

In humans: 

People with Ehrlichiosis very often confuse it with the flu in the beginning. Symptoms are fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, nausea, and sometimes, the patient may feel confused. Unlike dogs, humans may not have the chronic stages of the disease.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is among the most lethal diseases that can be passed through ticks. It is a disease of the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, which is carried by ticks like the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick.

In dogs: 

Dogs suffering from the disease mostly have symptoms of high fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, vomiting, and swelling of the limbs. Along with these, some dogs may present depression, lethargy, and photophobia.

In such cases, as the disease advances, nervous signs like seizures, inability to coordinate movements, and confusion may be present. RMSF can develop very quickly, and with no treatment, it can be lethal within days.

In humans: 

A person infected with RMSF will get the symptoms of the disease within a week of being bitten. These symptoms are high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, and chills.

A red, spotted rash is the common sign, and it usually appears on the wrists and ankles and then spreads to other areas. However, not all patients who get the disease develop this rash. Thus, the diagnosis at the early stage is quite difficult.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection of the Anaplasma genus and is typically transmitted by the same ticks that carry Lyme disease. Often, it is a hidden illness as its symptoms match those of several other diseases.

In dogs: 

The usual symptoms of dogs are fever, lethargy, lameness, loss of appetite, and stiffness. Digestive tract symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea may also develop in dogs.

If the disease is very serious, it can cause a decrease in the number of platelets, thus leading to symptoms of abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose or bruising under the skin. Because of joint pain, dogs may show symptoms of weakness, tiredness, or lack of acceptance of motion.

In humans: 

People with anaplasmosis typically have flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Others may suffer from abdominal pain, cough, or nausea.

The majority of cases are mild, but individuals with weakened immune systems, older adults, or people with certain health conditions might become severely infected and require hospital treatment.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis stands out as the most distinct of tick-borne diseases due to the fact that it is a parasite-based disease rather than bacterial. The Babesia parasite that comes from ticks infests the red blood cells, which causes a series of health issues in dogs and humans alike.

In dogs: 

If a dog is diagnosed with babesiosis, anemia symptoms will be evident. The dog will be weak, tired, and its gums will be pale. In addition to this, the dog can have a fever, urine of a dark color, jaundice, and swollen lymph nodes.

If the situation worsens, the dog can be affected with organ damage, have seizures, or even pass away if the disease is not treated. Besides that, blood transfusions or bite wounds can transmit babesiosis to another dog, which is why the disease is considered very dangerous in a kennel or shelter situation.

In humans: 

The infected person may just feel minor flu-like symptoms, yet in an intense case, red blood cell destruction may lead to anemia, jaundice, night sweats, and dark urine. The risk of the disease-causing complications rises in immunocompromised cases, aged persons, or patients who have undergone spleen removal surgery.

How to Safeguard Dogs and People Against Tick-Borne Illnesses

Regular tick checks

After any outdoor activity, perform a tick check not only on your dog but also on yourself. Hidden spots like behind the ears, under collars, between toes, and in armpits are usually overlooked, so ticks may be there. Early removal lowers the chances of transmission of the disease.

Use tick preventatives

The veterinarians definitely prescribe some tick preventatives for dogs, such as spot-on treatments, oral medications, and tick collars. For people, employing insect repellents with DEET or permethrin-treated garments can be a great way to lessen the risks.

Clean outdoor spaces 

By keeping the grass short, raking the leaves, and making tick-free areas in your yard, you can get rid of tick shelters. Besides, the fences will help prevent animals, which are the best friends of ticks, from getting to your place.

Vaccinations and Veterinary Care

For instance, the Lyme disease vaccine for dogs is among the vaccines that can help lower the risks. Besides that, the vet’s regular visit and blood tests serve as early detection of tick-borne diseases.

Proper Tick Removal

In case you have discovered a tick, do it with fine-tipped tweezers. Get a grip on the skin nearest to it, and pull it out steadily. Do not destroy the tick because, in doing so, it may release harmful bacteria. Clean the area with an antiseptic at the end.