Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

When we think about protecting our dogs, fleas and ticks are often the first things that come to mind. But did you know that these tiny parasites can carry and spread serious diseases to your pet? These illnesses are called vector-borne diseases, and they’re an important reason why year-round parasite prevention is so important.

Blood test positive for Anaplasmosis, Lyme Disease and Heartworm Disease

🦟 What Are Vector-Borne Diseases?

Vector-borne diseases are illnesses that are transmitted by parasites like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes. When these pests bite your dog, they can pass along bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause disease. Some of these conditions can become serious — even life-threatening — if left untreated.

🐾 Common Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs

Lyme Disease (Tick-Borne)

• Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

• Spread by the blacklegged (deer) tick.

• Signs in dogs: lameness that shifts from leg to leg, fever, lethargy, swollen joints, decreased appetite.

Anaplasmosis (Tick-Borne)

• Spread by ticks, including the deer tick.

• Signs in dogs: fever, joint pain, low energy, loss of appetite, low platelet count (which can cause bruising or bleeding).

Ehrlichiosis (Tick-Borne)

• Spread by the brown dog tick and others.

• Signs in dogs: fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nosebleeds, eye changes, weakness.

Heartworm Disease (Mosquito-Borne)

• Spread by mosquito bites.

• Signs in dogs: coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and in severe cases, heart failure.

• This disease is preventable but can be very costly and risky to treat once developed.

How Are Vector-Borne Diseases Diagnosed?

If your veterinarian suspects a vector-borne disease, they may recommend:

• Blood tests to detect infection.

• Tick-borne disease panels to check for multiple pathogens.

• Heartworm tests (simple blood test).

• Imaging or additional diagnostics if organ involvement is suspected.

  
  

Prevention Is the Best Protection

The good news is that most vector-borne diseases are preventable. Here’s how to keep your dog safe:

• Use year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives as prescribed by your veterinarian.

• Check your dog for ticks after outdoor activities.

• Avoid areas with heavy tick populations when possible.

• Keep your yard tidy to reduce tick and mosquito habitats.

• Have your dog tested for vector-borne diseases as part of routine veterinary care.

  
  

Takeaway

Vector-borne diseases can be serious, but with the right prevention and routine veterinary care, you can keep your dog safe. If your pet is showing signs of illness like fever, lethargy, lameness, coughing, or decreased appetite — especially if they’ve been exposed to ticks or mosquitoes — don’t wait. Bring them to your veterinarian or Lifeline Veterinary Urgent Care for evaluation.