The Ugly Truth About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is one of many diseases that infected ticks can transmit to both people and pets, making it a significant concern in our region. With tick populations rising across the United States, our beautiful state is no exception.

Of the 30 plus species of ticks that make their home in Colorado, there are several that have the potential to make your pet, and you, very sick.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Dogs

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever affects several regions across the United States. The bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii causes the disease, spreading primarily through bites from infected ticks. The American Dog Tick and the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick are the primary carriers responsible for its transmission.

The symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to be vague. It often mimics the symptoms of other illnesses. An infected dog may experience fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, or depression. Other signs include abnormal bruising, especially of the gums, but may also be noted on the skin.

Other Tick-Borne Illnesses

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever isn’t the only tick-related disease putting our pets at risk. Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever, is prevalent in our area and can be spread via tick to both people and pets.

Ehrlichiosis is another dangerous tick-borne disease that is present throughout the United States. While Lyme disease has become more prevalent in eastern, southern, and coastal areas of the country, it still is not as common in Colorado.

Pets can often be infected with more than one tick-borne illness when bitten by a tick. These “co-infections” are especially common with Ehrlichiosis.

Make Tick Prevention a Habit

Preventing your pet from being exposed to a tick-borne illness, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is far better than treating an infection. To protect your pet, keep them on a flea and tick preventive medication from spring through fall. You can also reduce their risk by:

• Keeping your pet on a leash at all times and avoiding grassy, twiggy, or overgrown areas.
• Inspecting your pet for ticks after every outdoor outing. If you find a tick, use tweezers to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out. Dispose of it by drowning it in rubbing alcohol.
• Making your property less inviting to ticks by mowing the lawn, removing weeds, and clearing leaf or debris piles.
• Preventing contact with wildlife, which often harbor ticks. Keep your pet away from dead or living wildlife and use fencing or barriers to keep animals out of your yard.

If you haven’t started your pet on a seasonal parasite prevention protocol, or need a refill, please contact us at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, and we’ll be happy to help you.