10 Tips To Spot Ehrlichiosis In Dogs Before It Spreads

A dog’s health can change in the blink of an eye, and many issues are easier to treat when caught early. Ehrlichiosis is one of those diseases that can quietly sneak up on your pet, but you can catch it if you know what to look for. These ten tips will help you stay proactive and keep your dog feeling their best.
Watch For Sudden Lethargy

Lethargy is often one of the first signs that something’s wrong with your dog. Ehrlichiosis can leave your pet feeling unusually tired or weak, even after a normal walk. If your dog seems listless or disinterested in activities they usually enjoy, it could signal an underlying issue.
Look For Loss Of Appetite

When Ehrlichiosis triggers fever and general discomfort, it can significantly affect your dog’s appetite. The discomfort associated with fever can make your dog uninterested in eating. A lack of appetite in your dog can often mean their body is hard at work defending against infection.
Monitor For Unexplained Fever

Fever often accompanies infections like ehrlichiosis as the body fights off the bacteria. If your dog is unusually warm to the touch or seems restless, a fever may be the cause. Check their temperature—normal is around 101 to 102.5°F. Any spike above this should prompt a vet visit.
Keep An Eye On Swollen Lymph Nodes

Your dog’s lymph nodes play a key role in filtering harmful bacteria. When infected by Ehrlichiosis, these nodes may become enlarged. This swelling could indicate that your dog’s immune system is under strain. Gently check their neck, groin, and underarms for any noticeable swelling.
Look For Nosebleeds Or Unusual Bleeding

Be on the lookout for unexplained bruising or spots on your dog’s skin. This could be a sign that Ehrlichiosis is affecting their ability to clot blood properly, leading to nosebleeds or other unexplained bleeding. If you notice this, take action and consult your veterinarian for a thorough checkup.
Check For Persistent Coughing

A visit to the vet is necessary if your dog develops a persistent cough. While coughing can sometimes be linked to colds, persistent or unexplained coughing may point to Ehrlichiosis. The infection can compromise the respiratory system, causing symptoms like breathing difficulties and an ongoing cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
Pay Attention To Weight Loss

Weight loss that can’t be explained may be caused by various health problems, and Ehrlichiosis is one of them. If your dog is losing weight quickly, don’t wait—schedule a vet visit. As the infection worsens, it can reduce your dog’s appetite and energy, leading to a further decrease in weight.
Observe For Joint Pain Or Stiffness

Ehrlichiosis can affect your dog’s joints, leading to inflammation or stiffness. Your dog may limp, be reluctant to play, or struggle with stairs. Painful joints might indicate that the infection has spread beyond the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body. Keep an eye on mobility.
Watch For Abnormal Gait Or Weakness

Weakness or a noticeable change in your dog’s gait can be another red flag. This could mean the dog’s body is struggling to fight off the infection. Difficulty standing or walking without support can result from wobbly movements in your dog. This can occur in severe cases of Ehrlichiosis.
Look for Red Or Swollen Eyes

Noticing redness or swelling in your pet’s eyes? These signs can be linked to Ehrlichiosis, though they are less frequent. The infection can cause an inflammatory response in the eyes, causing irritation or puffiness. Early treatment can help manage these symptoms.