There are several diseases that ticks can transmit. Not all diseases occur equally often in the Netherlands, but due to global warming, there are now more ticks in the Netherlands that did not appear here before. You also need to be alert if you take your dog on vacation.

Diseases that can be transmitted by ticks

Here’s an overview of diseases your dog can contract from a tick bite.

Lyme disease: The best-known and most common tick-borne disease. Your dog may develop fever, lameness, lethargy, and even kidney problems. Sometimes it takes months before you notice anything is wrong. Lyme disease is also dangerous for humans. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia. It is generally assumed that the chance of infection is low during the first 12 hours of a bite, then the risk rises rapidly. That’s why it’s important to spot and remove ticks quickly – both on yourself and your dog!

Babesiosis / Piroplasmosis: This disease is sometimes called “canine malaria.” It attacks red blood cells, making your dog weak, pale, and listless. It is transmitted by the Dermacentor tick, which used to only be found in Southern Europe but is now present in the Netherlands due to climate change. Babesiosis no longer occurs only in dogs that have been to Southern Europe. The risk is still higher there than in the Netherlands. If detected in time, the dog can be treated successfully. Untreated, babesiosis can lead to severe illness or death.

TBE virus: TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) is a viral disease transmitted by ticks. The TBE virus has spread from Eastern Europe to the Netherlands and is mainly transmitted by the sheep tick, which can infest all mammals. TBE is dangerous for both humans and dogs, with humans being at the greatest risk. Encephalitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. It begins with symptoms such as headache, which may seem to disappear after two weeks but can return as a brain infection. There is a risk of death, but long-term complications are more common.

Anaplasmosis: This disease causes fever, joint pain, and fatigue. It resembles a severe flu and is not always recognized.

Ehrlichiosis: This disease often begins with fever and loss of appetite but can cause bleeding disorders in severe cases. Fortunately, it is treatable if detected early. It is rare in the Netherlands, as the tick that transmits it is not commonly found here.

Rickettsiosis: This bacterium is transmitted by ticks, fleas, lice, or sand fleas. The disease mainly occurs in the summer months, especially around the Mediterranean. Symptoms include fever, lameness, lethargy, weight loss, muscle pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes.

Get rid of those ticks!

To avoid tick-borne diseases, always check your dog after a walk in tall grass, bushes, heath, or forest. Most diseases are transmitted only half a day to two days after the bite. Pay special attention to bare skin in the armpits, groin, and around the head and ears. Remove ticks as quickly as possible with a proper tick remover. Pull the tick out slowly. Do not twist, squeeze, or disinfect beforehand! Once the tick is completely removed, you can disinfect the bite.

Prevent tick bites with healthy skin

Prevention is better than cure, so it’s wise to protect your dog against ticks. You can’t prevent every tick, but healthy skin and coat provide a solid foundation. Supplements that supply nutrients from within can help. Salmon oil is a tasty fish oil that can be added to food. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, adds shine to the coat, and helps with hair loss. Salmon oil also soothes dry and sensitive skin from within. A zinc and biotin supplement can support skin health from within, particularly for dull coats, dandruff, or weak nails. If your dog has itching, flakes, or crusts, a topical spray with beneficial microorganisms can help restore skin balance and reduce harmful bacteria.