4 Most Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Florida #Seresto

You may recall from my post, Flea Bite Allergy in Dogs, that fleas and ticks are a year-round battle here in Florida.  But unlike fleas, the seasons affect the numbers and stages of tick growth throughout the year.

There are 5 types of ticks that live in Florida:  the Brown Dog Tick, the American Dog Tick, the Lone Star Tick, the Gulf Coast Tick and the Black-Legged Tick.  Though many are aware that ticks carry and spread Lyme Disease, it is far less common in Florida than in the northeastern United States.

Florida's Four Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Canine Ehrlichiosis is transmitted by the Brown Dog Tick and is one of the most dangerous tick-borne diseases known to infect dogs.  Symptoms may not surface for months after transmission and can include fever, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, runny eyes and nose, nose bleeds and swollen limbs.

Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis is far more common than Canine Ehrlichiosis in dogs that live in the southeastern and south-central United States.  It is transmitted by the Lone Star Tick (go back to Texas, I say).  Symptoms can include fever, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding and neurological symptoms like tremors and unequal pupil size.

Canine Anaplasmosis, also called Dog Fever or Dog Tick Fever, is transmitted from the Black-Legged Tick.  Symptoms are similar to other tick diseases including fever, loss of appetite, stiff joints and lethargy but also can include vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, dogs may suffer seizures.

Canine Babesiosis is an uncommon tick-borne disease typically transmitted by the American Dog Tick and the Brown Dog Tick.  The symptoms can include fever, decreased appetite and lethargy while severely affected dogs will have bleeding problems.

What's a Dog to Do?

Preventive methods for humans include wearing light-colored, long sleeved shirts and long pants.  We dogs however do not wear clothing and it is a bit difficult to change the color of your fur from dark to light.  So what is a dog to do?

You should be using some form of Flea and Tick Control to repel those pesky ticks.  As you know, for the last several months I have been using the new Seresto collar and I have been flea and tick free.

Seresto is easy to apply to your dog or cat and provides treatment that lasts up to 8 months.  Did you know?  Seresto kills ticks within 48 hours of the initial application thanks to the ingredient Flumethrin (which is safe for cats).

With Seresto, there is no need to remember monthly applications which is great for a dog like me who lives where it is Flea and Tick Season year-round.  The collar is non-greasy, odorless and water-resistant - so you do not have to take it off while swimming or bathing.

If you are interested in trying the new Seresto collar, you can sign up at PetParents.com for a $20 rebate off your purchase.

What kind of ticks live in your area?  

Has your human ever found a tick on you?  

Do you know a dog who got sick from a tick?

Post Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Bayer/Seresto and the Pet Blogger Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Seresto product, but Oz the Terrier only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Bayer/Seresto is not responsible for the content of this article.