Dog lethargic and off food a week after a Chiang Mai trek. Tick fever?
We did a weekend hike near Doi Suthep and Bobby picked up a few ticks that I pulled off. Now, about a week later, he sleeps all day, skips meals and his gums look a bit pale. I know tick fever is common here but I don't want to panic. How fast did you act when your dog showed signs, and what did the vet actually do?
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Please go today, not tomorrow. Pale gums plus lethargy after ticks is exactly when our vet wants a blood test. Mine had a quick in-clinic tick panel and a blood count, results in under an hour, and then a course of antibiotics. Early treatment made a huge difference. Ask your vet about monthly tick prevention afterwards.
HelpfulMy dog had it twice. Both times the first sign was refusing his favourite grilled pork. The vet kept him on a drip for a day the second time because his platelets were low. Don't wait and see, it can go downhill quickly in a small dog.
HelpfulSeconding the others. One thing that helped me: I took a photo of the ticks I removed and the date, which the vet liked. Also check between toes and inside ears when you come back from hikes, that's where ticks hide on our guy.
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