Tick fever, also known as Ehrlichiosis, is a serious disease in cats and dogs. It is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria transmitted through tick bites. Proper care and treatment are crucial to ensure the pet recovers. Here’s how you can take care of tick fever in cats and dogs:

1. Seek Veterinary Care Immediately

• Diagnosis: The vet will perform blood tests to confirm tick fever. These tests can include a complete blood count (CBC), antibody tests, or PCR tests.
• Medication: Antibiotics (usually doxycycline) are commonly prescribed to treat the infection. Your pet may need the medication for several weeks.
• Supportive Therapy: Severe cases might require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or other supportive care.

2. Manage Medications as Prescribed

• Antibiotics: Ensure the full course of antibiotics is given. This is important even if the pet starts to improve before the medication is finished.
• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs: The vet may also prescribe medication to manage pain, fever, and inflammation.

3. Observe Symptoms

• Common symptoms of tick fever include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and bruising. Watch for improvements or worsening of symptoms.
• If symptoms like high fever, bleeding, or excessive lethargy worsen, take your pet back to the vet immediately.

4. Give Nutritious Food and Fluids

• Hydration: Ensure your pet drinks enough water, as dehydration is common in pets with tick fever. You may need to offer fluids using a syringe if they are not drinking on their own.
• Nutritious diet: A balanced and nutrient-rich diet helps the immune system fight the infection. Your vet might recommend special food to help with recovery.

5. Tick Control and Prevention

• Tick prevention: Regularly use tick control products. These include spot-on treatments, tick collars, or oral medications prescribed by your vet. These methods prevent future infections.
• Tick checks: Frequently check your pet’s body for ticks, especially in areas like the ears, neck, and between the toes.
• Clean environment: Ensure your pet’s living area is clean and treated for ticks, as they can remain in the environment.

6. Give Rest and Careful Monitoring

• Let your pet rest and recover in a comfortable, quiet environment. Limit physical activity until fully recovered.
• Keep an eye on their energy levels, appetite, and any changes in their condition.

7. Follow-up Vet Visits

• Follow-up appointments: Your vet schedule follow-up blood tests. This is to ensure the treatment is working. It also checks that the infection is clearing up.
• Long-term care: In some cases, tick fever can cause long-term issues such as anemia or immune system problems. Regular vet check-ups may be needed to monitor ongoing health.

Preventing Tick Fever:

• Use effective tick preventatives year-round.
• Regularly groom your pet and inspect for ticks.
• Keep the yard and home environment free from ticks by mowing the grass. Use tick sprays. Enlist professional pest control if necessary.

Prompt treatment and diligent care can lead to a full recovery for pets affected by tick fever.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0