Tick-borne diseases are caused by infectious agents living within the tick, being transferred to your dog through the tick salivary fluids. Signs of a disease transmitted by ticks may appear either when the tick is still present or after it has dropped off. The incidence of tick-borne diseases in British dogs has been rising.
Lyme disease (borreliosis) is the only disease commonly carried by UK ticks. Infected dogs may develop a fever, lose their appetite, or show signs of lethargy or arthritis. In chronic cases, Lyme disease can cause kidney, heart or nerve problems which can become fatal. These symptoms may not show for a long time after the infected tick has fallen off. If you are at all concerned that your dog is showing symptoms of Lyme disease book an appointment with your local vet. Humans can get Lyme disease too if bitten by an infected tick.
If your pet becomes ill after travelling abroad, ensure your vet is informed about where they have been in case they need to consider other tick-borne diseases not usually present in the United Kingdom.