Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 11:41 – Laura Weissmantel – Source: Free University of Berlin, RKI
© Adobe Stock
Tick bites can be especially dangerous to dogs.
The meadow tick bite is especially dangerous for dogs. The cause is a blood parasite that is transmitted through a bite and can be fatal. What dog owners should know.
The so-called canine babesiosis is an infectious disease that can have serious consequences for the health of dogs. Transmitted through tick bites – and in the worst case, can lead to death.
A dangerous blood parasite is spreading: this tick is becoming increasingly dangerous for your dog
Ticks can be more dangerous to dogs than many owners realize. In addition to well-known diseases such as Lyme disease, another disease is becoming increasingly important in Germany: canine babesiosisjust like “Canine malaria” known.
Experts from the Free University of Berlin are observing more and more diseases – and warn about a type of tick that has now spread across a large area of Germany. We are talking about the so-called Wizenzeck (Dermacentor reticulatus).
Canine babesiosis: what is “canine malaria”?
The infectious disease babesiosis in dogs is caused by blood parasites. Babesia canis caused. The pathogen is transmitted through the bite of an infected meadow tick. If the dog is infected, parasites multiply V red blood cells animal and destroy them. Severe anemia may result. life-threatening without treatment becomes.
Just a few years ago, this disease was primarily considered to be motion sickness from Southern and Eastern Europe. However, infections affecting dogs in Germany are now becoming more common.
Typical signs of illness: Dog owners should take these symptoms seriously.
According to scientists from the Free University of Berlin, these are among the most most common symptoms:
- fatigue and weakness
- dark colored urine
- high temperature
- Loss of appetite
- pale mucous membranes
- Circulatory problems and anemia (as the disease progresses)
If these signs occur after a tick bite, your dog should examined by a veterinarian immediately become. Canine babesiosis is diagnosed using a blood test.
According to the Small Animal Clinic of the Free University of Berlin, more and more dogs are suffering from infestation with blood parasites. were intensively treated become. Many other veterinary practices and clinics in Berlin and Brandenburg also reported increasing number of treatments for this disease.
So be careful: you need to hurry! Without prompt treatment, the disease can also affect your four-legged friends. fatal.
Infection with canine babesiosis can be life-threatening for dogs. (Adobe Stock)
Why does the meadow tick continue to spread?
die Wiesenzeck has increased in recent years installed in many regions of Germany. Experts explain this for several reasons. In addition to milder and rising temperatures, increasing wildlife populations and large areas of fallow as suitable habitat, this is also due to the import of already infected dogs from overseas. spread of disease.
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), climate change may contribute to the activity and spread of ticks in general. It also increases the risk of diseases such as canine babesiosis occurring more frequently.
Experts call to action: Here’s how you can properly protect your dog
“Anyone who has ever seen a dog acutely ill with babesiosis will not forget how much animals suffer. The good news is that with constantly updated protection against ticks, the disease can be reliably prevented,” says Professor Dr. Georg von Samson-Himmelstierna, Managing Director of the Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Free University of Berlin.
The best defense is to prevent tick bites as much as possible. That’s why veterinarians recommend one year-round protection against ticks. This is important because the meadow tick can be active during the cooler months.
Be available different types protection against ticks. Something like this:
- Tick collars
- Spot preparation
- Pills for menstruation
- Injections
Since there is no scientific evidence for them, Experts advise against using home remedies to protect yourself from tickssuch as coconut oil, garlic or essential oils. Some of these products can even be used on dogs. harmful to health be.
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