When it comes to tick-borne diseases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease grab most of the attention. But there are other threats to your pet’s health in the form of tick-borne diseases, including Ehrlichiosis – a tick-borne infectious disease transferred to dogs through bites from infected ticks. Below please find important information to assist you in keeping your pets healthy, as provided by the TickZapper® team.
Ehrlichiosis Facts
Ehrlichiosis (and various forms of it) is a tick-borne, infectious, bacterial disease, which infects the white blood cells, in people and animals. On rare occasions it may be transmitted through blood transfusions. Although humans and pets can contract various forms of Ehrlichiosis, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that there is “no evidence that Ehrlichiosis is transmitted directly from dogs to people.” The contraction of this disease is typically a result of being bitten by either an infected brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)…the primary carrier of Ehrlichia, or, an infected lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). That being said, other species have been reported to transfer the disease, including Ixodes, Otobius, and Amblyomma. This disease manifested in the 1970’s when infected military dogs returned to the U.S. from Vietnam. As such it is commonly referred to as a “tropical canine pancytopenia” or a “tracker dog disease.” German shepherds and greyhounds are most prone to this infection.
Although the brown dog tick may be found throughout the United States, it is most prominent in the southern areas. Controlling the brown dog tick may be tricky, and require multiple steps, including costly treatments for pets, home, and yard.
Ehrlichiosis Symptoms
Symptoms to be aware of in regards to Ehrlichiosis:
- Fever
- Low/No Energy
- Confusion/Neurological Problems
- Eye Inflammation
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight Loss
- Enlarged Lymph Nodes
- Abnormal Bleeding (Nose Bleeds, Under the Skin – Patches Resembling Bruises)
- Enlarged Spleen
- Coughing
- Discharge from Eye and/or Nose
- Possible Kidney Issues
Pay close attention to your pet’s behavior. See your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has symptoms associated with Ehrlichiosis. In order to confirm a case of Ehrlichiosis, monocytes, a type of white blood cell, can be of assistance with diagnosis. Confirmation may require antibody tests, such as an ELISA that also looks for Anaplasma, Lyme disease, and heartworm infection. Medications that may be recommended by your veterinarian include but are not limited to Doxycycline, Minocycline, or Tetracycline. Treatment is typically fours weeks in length.
Timely tick removal is vital to preventing tick-borne disease transmission, including Ehrlichiosis. The revolutionary, patented TickZapper® enables you to fully capture and securely contain the tick, while also removing the entire tick – without human contact.
The best prevention strategy starts with a common-sense approach to your pet’s outdoor lifestyle. Brown dog ticks thrive in tick-friendly environments. Learning to create an anti-tick environment will provide your pet with a better chance of having healthy, happy year-round living!
Ehrlichiosis prevention tips & tricks – these habits and behaviors will reduce the chance your pet contracting tick-borne diseases!
- Keep your lawn grass short, and cut down high grasses around yard perimeter.
- Avoid dense forested areas, and heavy leaf litter.
- Always check your pet for ticks after anytime outdoors.
- Frequently bathe your pets, especially outdoor pets.
- Keep a TickZapper® on hand to quickly, safely, and easily remove brown dog ticks and lone star ticks – without risk of human contact!
Ehrlichiosis prevention is easier than you think. Like most tick-borne disease, Ehrlichiosis can be limited or avoided altogether with a smart, disciplined game plan in place for you and your pet!
Grab a TickZapper® Today!
Tick infestations are on the rise! Many times tick prevention methods will fail. Timely tick removal is key in avoiding tick-borne disease transmission. If you notice a tick on your pet, the TickZapper® is the tool you need for extra peace of mind. Our self-energizing, lightweight (1 oz!) tick removal tool removes the entire tick from your pet (including mouthparts), all without the risk of human contact!
Click here to purchase your TickZapper® today! It’s a must-have accessory for every pet and pet parent!
