Tick fever in dogs in Singapore: symptoms and prevention

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

“Tick fever” is the everyday name for blood infections that ticks pass to dogs, most often babesiosis or ehrlichiosis. Vets in Singapore see it often enough that they may test for it when a dog is feverish, tired and off their food, especially after time in grassy areas. It is not one disease, and it is very treatable when found early.

Dog tick fever symptoms to look out for

• A sudden fever, tiredness, or a dog who does not want their usual walk.
• Pale or yellowish gums, or small bleeds such as nosebleeds or blood in the urine.
• Not eating, vomiting, or weight loss over a week or so.
• Ticks on the coat now or recently. No tick today does not rule it out, since the bite may have been earlier.

Some dogs have mild signs, while others become anaemic quickly, and it is hard to tell which at home. A vet can run a blood test to find out. Treatment is prescription medicine, and sometimes a drip or a blood transfusion. We would gently advise against using leftover antibiotics or copying another dog’s dose. The right medicine depends on the infection.

Prevention: regular tick control

Ask your clinic which tick prevention suits your dog’s weight and lifestyle, and keep to the schedule, even during rainy weeks with short walks. After walks, check around the ears, armpits and between the toes. If you find a tick, a proper tick remover (or your vet) can take it out without leaving the head behind.

Cats are bitten less often, but a cat that is suddenly unwell still needs a vet. Please never use a dog tick product on a cat, as several are toxic to cats.