What is rocky mountain spotted fever?
Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite known as Rickettsia rickettsii. RMSF impacts humans as well as dogs and other mammals. The disease is transmitted by tick bites.

What will rocky mountain spotted fever look like in my dog?
Rocky mountain spotted fever is broken down into two stages: the subclinical stage and the acute stage. In the subclinical phase, your dog may test positive for RMSF, but will often show no visible symptoms. During the acute stage, your dog may exhibit any combination of the following symptoms: red skin rashes, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen joints, joint pain, dizziness, seizures, heart problems, and respiratory problems.

How does my dog get rocky mountain spotted fever?
RMSF is transmitted by tick bites. A tick becomes a carrier when it bites and draws blood from an infected animal such as a dog, cat or rodent. When an infected tick bites your dog, the parasite is released into your dog’s blood stream.

How is rocky mountain spotted fever diagnosed?
Your vet will perform a blood test on your dog to check for the antibodies formed by the body to combat this disease. In some cases, your vet can also make a diagnosis by performing a biopsy of your dog’s skin at the precise tick bite location. With more severe cases of RMSF, your vet may want to do further testing to identify possible secondary health effects of this disease.

How is rocky mountain spotted fever treated?
There are several antibiotics used to combat RMSF. Recovery generally takes about 2 weeks. Secondary conditions that may arise from RMSF may require further medications and hospitalization.

How is rocky mountain spotted fever prevented?
There is no prevention for the disease itself other than the use of tick preventatives.

Can I get rocky mountain spotted fever from my dog?
You can get RMSF from ticks that may be on your dog. However, this disease cannot spread directly from your dog to you.