Walking in nature can provoke tick attacks. Moreover, they are less dangerous for humans than for animals. Most often, it is dogs that suffer due to their activity in moving through the grass and low bushes, where parasites gather mainly in spring and autumn. If a dog is bitten by a tick, then the owner of the animal needs to be aware of the possible consequences and methods of treatment in order to save the animal from complete infection of the body.
What threatens the tick?
Ticks themselves are practically harmless. They feed on the blood of living beings, digging their small head into the skin of the victim. After the hunger is satisfied, the parasite falls off on its own without causing harm. If a dog has been bitten by a tick, then redness and a small swelling may form at this place, which gradually disappears. However, this type of parasite often carries extremely dangerous diseases. The dog is threatened with piroplasmosis -infection of the body with a possible fatal outcome.
Bite symptoms
If a dog is bitten by a tick, it shows. The parasite remains on the skin of the victim for a long time, and due to its large size it is not difficult to find it. Upon close examination of the animal, a swelling with a tick protruding from there will be noticeable. The dog may try to get rid of the parasite on its own: in rare cases, it causes itching or pain.
How to get rid of a tick?
If a tick is found on a dog's body, it must be removed. To do this, take the tweezers, grab the parasite by the body closer to the skin of the dog and pull it with a slight counterclockwise motion. The tick in this case should come out completely, along with the head. If part of it remains in the skin, then it is better to consult a doctor, as this can lead to serious suppuration. In some cases, the head falls off on its own. After removing the parasite, the bite site must be treated with an antiseptic and, just in case, show the dog to the veterinarian - to exclude the possibility of infection.
Dog bitten by a tick: symptoms of infection
Even after releasing a dog from a tick, it is too early to calm down. If a dog has been bitten by a tick, and there is no way to see a doctor, then you need to carefully monitor the animal. When the parasite is found to be a carrier of the disease, the symptoms of infection in the dog appear within a few hours after the bite. At this time, the animal becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, sleeps a lot, it increasestemperature. The eyes become reddened and dull, swelling of the extremities may appear. After a few days, blood forms in the urine, the dog begins to vomit bile. If help is not provided, the animal will die.
Dog bitten by a tick: treatment
You shouldn't self-medicate - it's a waste of time. Only a doctor is able to determine the disease and prescribe appropriate drugs. Moreover, the treatment should be prescribed by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The breeder will have to regularly monitor the condition of the animal in order to prevent its deterioration. The younger the dog, the easier it will tolerate the disease. Unfortunately, it is extremely rare to save old dogs.
