Emerging Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Cats

Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in companion animal practice due to changing vector distribution, climate variability, urbanization, and greater movement of pets across regions. In dogs and cats, infections caused by organisms such as Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Borrelia can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, often making diagnosis challenging. Early recognition depends on a thorough understanding of epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, hematological and biochemical abnormalities, and appropriate laboratory testing. Effective tick control, timely diagnosis, targeted therapy, and preventive healthcare remain essential for reducing disease burden and improving outcomes in companion animals.