Anaplasmosis and how to protect your pet

We are all familiar with Lyme disease—a bacterial infection that is transmitted when a tick attaches to a host. But did you know another tick-borne disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in our area?

Anaplasmosis is being diagnosed in surprisingly high numbers. Similar to Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis is also transmitted when an infected tick bites a host. Symptoms may include:

• Fever

• Decreased appetite

• Low energy

Many dogs have no symptoms at all.

Not every dog that has been exposed to Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis will need treatment. However, it is important to know that a pet has been exposed in case symptoms appear later.

What can you do to protect your pet?

First, keep your dog on tick prevention year-round. Ticks thrive in cold, wet climates so they may be active even in the winter. Routinely check for ticks.

Second, be sure your dog has an annual blood test that checks for heartworm and tick-borne diseases.

To learn more about Anaplasmosis, click here: Cornell University: Anaplasmosis