Ticks Are a Year-Round Threat in Dubai
Ehrlichiosis is a serious disease that affects dogs, caused by a parasite found in their blood cells. This parasite is spread by tick bites, specifically from the brown dog tick. In Dubai’s warm climate, ticks are around all year, making it vital to protect your pets consistently.
What is Ehrlichiosis?
Ehrlichiosis happens in three stages:
Acute Phase: This first stage starts 1-3 weeks after a tick bite. The parasite multiplies in your dog’s white blood cells, which can lower their platelet count. Symptoms may include lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. While this phase is generally mild, if untreated, the disease can progress to more severe stages.
Subclinical Phase: During this stage, dogs may look healthy, but the parasite is still present, hiding in the spleen. This phase can last months or even years and is often only detected through regular blood tests.
Chronic Phase: If not treated, the disease moves into the chronic phase. Symptoms get worse and can include:
- Abnormal bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
- Eye problems like inflammation (uveitis)
- Swollen joints
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosing and Treating Ehrlichiosis
Diagnosing ehrlichiosis can be tricky, often needing a combination of tests. Treatment typically involves a 4-week course of antibiotics, and you’ll usually see improvement in your dog within a few days. However, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal. If you notice any signs of illness in your pet, bring them to our clinic right away.
Year-Round Tick Prevention with Bravecto
In Dubai, ticks are a year-round issue, not just a seasonal one. Ticks can even live indoors, where they can easily find your pet. That’s why it’s so important to protect your pet from tick bites to prevent diseases like ehrlichiosis.
We recommend Bravecto for tick prevention. It’s a long-lasting solution that kills ticks before they can spread disease. With Bravecto, you only need to treat your dog once every three months (chew) and once every four months (spot on) for cats, giving them continuous protection.
It also stays effective even after grooming or swimming.
Check out these videos to learn more about Bravecto:
Bravecto Chew for Dogs
Bravecto Spot On for Cats
Preventive Care is Key
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for keeping your pets healthy and free of ticks. Consider joining our 2FEET4PAWS CLUB to enjoy annual membership at different levels. Membership offers immediate benefits, including discounts on vaccinations, tick treatments, and routine care.
Alongside using Bravecto, keeping your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date and ensuring regular parasite treatments will help protect them from the dangers ticks pose.
Contact us today to make your pet’s booking.
