What symptom may suggest a tick-borne illness in dogs?

The symptoms of fever, lethargy, or joint swelling are classic indicators of a tick-borne illness in dogs. Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis, often present with these specific signs due to the body’s immune response to the infection.

Fever typically occurs as the body fights off the pathogen, leading to an increase in body temperature. Lethargy indicates that the dog may be feeling unwell and is less active than usual. Joint swelling can occur due to inflammation as the disease affects the joints, which is particularly common in Lyme disease.

While nausea, excessive thirst, and bright red gums may suggest other health issues in dogs, they are not the hallmark symptoms associated with tick-borne illnesses. Therefore, the combination of fever, lethargy, and joint swelling is the most relevant in detecting potential tick-related infections.