There are many diseases spread by ticks.  Tick saliva contains a multitude of microorganisms that cause many problems in dogs.  One thing most pet owners do not realize is that a tick must feed on a dog for at least 12 hours for him or her to become infected.  Prompt inspection of your pet and removal of any tick will help insure that your dog does not become infected with anything nasty that a tick could carry.  The following is a short list of some of the illnesses that a tick could inflict upon your dog:

Babesiosis - This disease causes anemia that has the potential to damage the liver, kidneys and spleen.  You will first notice a severe fever which could go as high as 107 degrees.  Your dog's urine will turn very dark due to the presence of blood.  Babesiosis may also cause neurological symptoms including but not limited to tooth grinding and a drunken behavior.  Death can happen in as little as 4 days.

Ehrlichiosis - This illness has a variety of symptoms that can range from a bloody nose to a high fever of up to 105 degrees.

Lyme Disease - This is probably the most well-know, most widely discussed and most common tickborne illness.  12 to 24 hours must pass after the tick has attached and sucked in order for the disease to be transmitted.  Symptoms of Lymes include limping, depression and high fevers.  Sometimes you may find a quarter-sized rash pattern around the tick bite.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - Symptoms of this disease include a high fever, joint stiffness, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, leg and face swelling and bleeding from the nose.  Blood will also be found in the urine and feces.  Symptoms can be reversed with proper treatment in 1to 2 days.

Tick Paralysis - It is believed that a neurotoxin found in the saliva of the tick will slowly paralyze the dog over a 48 to 72 hour time period.  After removal of the tick, paralysis will generally go away within a day or so.

If your dog is displaying unusual behavior and/or symptoms, we encourage you to seek immediate veterinarian attention.  Quick drug intervention is extremely important!