Pet health in Pattaya
Tick-borne disease: the hidden danger of ticks
A tick is more than an itch. In the tropics, ticks carry blood-borne diseases that can make a dog seriously, sometimes lastingly, unwell.
Last updated 30 May 2026
This is general health orientation, last reviewed May 2026, and is not veterinary advice or a diagnosis. PattayaPets is an editorial publication, not a veterinary practice. If you are worried about your pet, see a qualified veterinarian — early advice is always better than waiting.
More than a parasite
Ticks are a year-round fact of life in Pattaya’s climate. The real concern is not the tick itself but what it can transmit: a group of blood-borne diseases — including ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis — sometimes spoken of together as ‘tick fever’. These can make a dog genuinely ill, and some can become long-term problems.
Signs an owner might notice
Tick-borne illness can be vague and easy to miss at first. Signs an owner may notice include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, weakness, pale gums, bruising or bleeding that seems unusual, lameness or stiffness, and weight loss. None of these is proof of tick disease — but all of them are reasons to see a vet, and to mention any recent tick exposure.
Why early action matters
Caught early, tick-borne diseases are often treatable. Left to run, some can do lasting damage. So the rule is simple: if your dog seems unwell and has been around ticks, do not wait it out — have a vet look. Only a vet can diagnose these conditions, usually with blood tests.
Prevention: the real defence
The way to win against tick-borne disease is to not let it start. That means consistent, year-round tick prevention on your vet’s plan, plus checking your dog over for ticks after walks and removing any you find promptly and properly. Our guide to ticks and fleas covers prevention in more detail.
Removing a tick
If you find a tick, remove it promptly: grasp it close to the skin with fine tweezers or a tick tool and pull steadily, without twisting or crushing it. Do not use heat or chemicals. If you are unsure, or the tick is awkwardly placed, a vet or vet nurse can do it — and can advise on prevention while you are there.
Frequently asked
What is 'tick fever'?
It is an informal term for the group of blood-borne diseases ticks transmit - such as ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis. They can make a dog seriously unwell, and only a vet can diagnose them, usually by blood test.
What are the warning signs?
Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, weakness, pale gums, unusual bruising or bleeding, lameness or weight loss. Any of these, especially after tick exposure, is a reason to see a vet promptly.
How do I protect my dog?
Consistent year-round tick prevention on your vet's plan, plus checking your dog for ticks after walks and removing any promptly. Prevention is far more reliable than catching disease early.