Tick Safety in North Central Arkansas: A Guide for Dog Owners

Living in North Central Arkansas means we have access to scenic views and lots of woods to explore. But if you’re a pet owner in areas like Mountain View, Fifty Six, or anywhere nearby, you already know about one major downside to our gorgeous landscape- TICKS! Those bad boys don’t give a damn if you're near a body of water or deep in the woods. If you’re outside, there are ticks.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about tick-borne illnesses. A couple weeks ago, a pet parent ask me about tick-borne viruses. I told her that I recently learned the most common tick threats to dogs in our region aren’t viral at all….they are bacterial and parasitic infections and can be very serious.

Because your dog's health and safety are my top priorities when they’re in my care, I’ve broken down the four most common tick-borne illnesses in Arkansas, their warning signs, and how they are treated.

1. Canine Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichea)

Widely considered the most common tick-borne illness for dogs in Arkansas, this bacterial infection is primarily transmitted by the Lone Star tick and the Brown Dog tick.

What to look for:

Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained bruising or nosebleeds. If left untreated and it becomes chronic, it can lead to severe weight loss and joint problems.

How it’s treated:

A 3 to 4 week course of the antibiotic doxycycline. Caught early, dogs usually make a full, fast recovery.

2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

Even though we are nowhere near the Rocky Mountains, Arkansas is still a major hotspot for RMSF. This bacterial disease is spread by American Dog ticks and Brown Dog ticks, and it hits hard and fast.

What to look for:

A sudden, super high fever, extreme lethargy, joint and muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and visible swelling in the face or legs.

How it’s treated:

Because RMSF is so time sensitive, veterinarians will often start a dog on doxycycline immediately if they suspect it based on symptoms alone, rather than waiting days for the official blood test results to come back. When caught in time, the turnaround can be dramatic, but early intervention is absolutely lifesaving.

3. Canine Anaplasmosis

Often referred to as "dog tick fever," this bacterial infection is closely related to Ehrlichiosis and is primarily carried by the deer tick.

What to look for:

High fever, severe lethargy, and stiff, painful joints. A telltale sign is a dog that suddenly looks like they are walking on eggshells because their joints hurt so badly.

How it’s treated:

Like the other bacterial threats, this is highly responsive to a routine course of doxycycline.

4. Canine Babesiosis

Unlike the others on this list, Babesiosis is caused by a protozoan parasite that is spread by the Brown Dog tick. Canine Babesiosis attacks and destroys a dog’s red blood cells.

What to look for:

It causes severe anemia, so look for pale gums, extreme weakness, a rapid heart rate, and dark, orange to brown colored pee.

How it’s treated:

The usual antibiotics won't work here. Vets treat this with specialized antiprotozoal medications, and severe cases may require a blood transfusion or IV fluids to support recovery.

How I Keep Your Pups Safe

When your pups and I are out playing in the yard or relaxing on the grass, I practice strict tick safety. I do tick checks after every time outside.

Just keep in mind that preventatives are your absolute best line of defense! Please make sure your dog is on a year-round, vet-approved oral or topical tick preventative to keep them fully shielded from these regional pests.

Have an upcoming trip or a busy work week ahead? Contact me today to book your next pet sitting or dog walking session. Rest easy knowing your sweet furry family members are in safe, highly observant hands right in the comfort of their own home!

www.auntvalspetpals.com

678-751-9453

val@auntvalspetpals.com

Call one of our local veterinarians for more information about how to get your dog tested and how to prevent any of these illnesses.

Mountain View Animal Hospital- 870-269-5400

Irvin Animal Hospital- 870-269-7199

Nixon Animal Hospital- 870-269-4242

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet is ill.