This Dangerous Tick Disease Threat Is Spreading In West Texas

Here's something you may never have heard of before. The City of Odessa is warning West Texans of ticks infecting pet dogs with something called "tick fever." Yes, it's as unsettling as it sounds.

A Warning from Odessa

The City of Odessa has warned all West Texans that this summer is showing to be prime time for infected ticks latching on to pet dogs. The problem is that some ticks carry a very dangerous bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii, a condition commonly referred to as tick fever.

What is Tick Fever?

Also called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tick fever occurs when a host is bitten by an infected tick, typically from a Rocky Mountain wood tick/brown dog tick.

The bacteria transmitted from infected ticks can produce symptoms in pets as soon as 10 minutes after the initial bite. Don't worry; tick fever is not contagious.

Oh, and humans are indeed susceptible to tick fever... This is why dog parents need to be extremely careful when removing swollen ticks from their pets. Here in West Texas, if you attempt to remove a tick from your dog, avoid getting any of its blood or other fluids on your skin.

Tick Fever Symptoms to Look For

If you have recently removed a tick from your dog, here are the symptoms you want to be looking for:

• Fever (up to 105 degrees)
• Joint inflammation
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Facial swelling
• Enlarged lymph nodes

For more severe cases, some dogs with tick fever may even experience altered mental states like confusion, impaired balance, and a painful sensitivity in the spine.

Check Your Pets!

For all you pet-owners in and around Lubbock, make sure you keep an eye on your dogs after you go for walks. Regularly check tick hotspots like under the collar, armpits, and the top of the neck for these parasites.

If you need assistance in destroying ticks that have latched onto your pet dog, you can always visit GoodRX for some tried and true methods. Happy hunting!