The truth about ticks: they can transmit blood parasites to your dog 

Babesiosis is a dangerous and sometimes deadly disease that spreads through tick bites. Although this was once not a disease we saw in dogs in the UK, in recent years cases have been seen in dogs in South East England. Read on for important information on signs to watch for, disease treatments, and advice for keeping your precious pup protected from this blood parasite.

The Babesia parasite can sometimes infect dogs without causing disease. This is known as a subclinical infection. Even unaffected dogs with infection can spread the disease to other dogs- most likely via ticks.

Dogs with subclinical disease can still give the Babesia parasites to ticks when they are bitten, and these ticks can go on to infect other dogs who could become sick.

Generally, the parasite affects the dog’s blood cells leading to anaemia in many dogs that can progress to damage of the internal organs. Frequently, dogs also have reduced platelets, and this slows blood clotting.Babesiosis infection in dogs can cause signs that range from no effect (in a subclinical infection) to severe disease and even acute death (within hours).

Puppies tend to be more severely affected than adult dogs, and immunocompromised dogs may be more susceptible than healthier dogs.

Signs in the early stages are variable and may include lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness (possibly progressing to collapse and death), and loss of colour (particularly seen on membranes around the eye and in the mouth). These signs are not specific to Babesiosis and may be seen in other diseases. It is important to get a checkup from your vet to determine the diagnosis.

A dog that survives the first few days may start to get better and this is a good sign that recovery is likely.

Depending on the type of Babesia parasite causing the infection, some dogs may develop kidney disease. Sometimes diarrhoea and weight loss also occur.

If a dog has babesiosis that does not develop into a more serious problem, then the dog often recovers quite quickly, perhaps within 24-48 hours. Blood transfusions and medications to kill the Babesia parasite are very helpful.

Signs that indicate a dog is recovering include a brighter demeanor, return of appetite, temperature returning to normal (if the dog had a fever), and return of strength.

Medicines can be given to dogs to kill or inhibit the Babesia parasite in the dog’s blood stream. These need to be targeted at the particular type of Babesia that is present and need to be administered in a veterinary hospital. The medications can have potentially significant side effects, and medical supervision during treatment is very important.

Babesiois is not spread from a sick dog to people or cats in the household. It is unlikely to spread directly to other dogs either except through tick bite transmission or in the case of blood-borne transmission in the unlikely event of fighting between individuals. Effective tick control is therefore vital in any situation where this disease is identified.

The best way to protect your dog from tick bites is through safe, long-lasting protection that kills ticks when they try to feed. This is very important at any time of the year when there is a risk of tick bite. Ask your vet about flea and tick treatment options including spots-ons or chews lasting 1 to 3 months, or an injection which lasts a whole year.