Tick fever is a serious disease of dogs which is common in Hong Kong. It is an infection which is carried by ticks. Here is a picture of a tick:

If you see ticks on your dog, then you should check with the vet what to do to prevent tick fever.

How can I tell if my dog has tick fever?

Tick fever causes a range of symptoms which may not appear very serious at first, but if they are not treated may progress to very serious disease and even death. The early signs are a loss of energy and reduced appetite. If the disease is not treated then more serious symptoms can develop, like to pale gums, severe weakness, blood in the urine or complete collapse.

If your dog has ANY of these signs, especially if you have seen ticks on the dog, then the vet can do a quick and simple blood test to check whether the dog has tick fever.

How can tick fever be treated?

The success of treatment depends on the exact strain of tick fever involved, and how early the disease is diagnosed. If detected early, the disease can often be treated with some simple oral medicine at home. If a dog is seriously ill with tick fever, the treatment is much more intensive, and the chances of recovery are much reduced.

How can prevent my dog from getting tick fever?

Prevention is much better than cure. Ticks can easily be prevented by a combination of a long-acting tick collar and monthly insecticidal sprays. We recommend this regime for all outdoor dogs and any dog on which ticks have been observed.