Tularemia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Guide

Tularemia, commonly called “rabbit fever,” is a bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis that primarily infects rabbits, hares, and rodents. However, dogs can also contract this zoonotic disease, either through direct contact with infected animals or via vectors such as ticks. Understanding this condition is important for dog owners, especially if their pets hunt or explore habitats frequented by wild animals.

What is Tularemia?

Tularemia is caused by bacteria that thrive in damp, humid environments. The bacteria can persist in the wild for extended periods, especially flourishing during the warmer spring and summer months in the UK. Dogs typically become infected by handling or consuming infected rabbits, rodents, or birds, or through bites from ticks and other insects carrying the bacteria.

This disease is rare in dogs and tends to be milder in healthy individuals, but it can rapidly become severe or even fatal in immune-compromised pets. Additionally, tularemia can also infect humans, and so dog owners should be cautious, especially if their dog is diagnosed with the condition.

How Dogs Contract Tularemia

Dogs are mainly exposed to tularemia in these ways:

• Eating or hunting infected rabbits or rodents
• Contact with infected animal tissues or carcasses
• Bites from infected ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, or flies
• Drinking contaminated water or food
• Inhalation of contaminated dust or aerosols from infected animals

Increases in insect activity and hunting during spring and summer raise the risk of transmission to dogs.

Symptoms of Tularemia in Dogs

Symptoms commonly appear within one day to two weeks after exposure and progress quickly. Watch for signs such as:

• Sudden high fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Poor appetite or refusal to eat
• Stiff or weak limbs
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially around the head and neck
• Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen due to enlarged spleen or liver
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums)
• Discharge from eyes or nose

Because symptoms develop rapidly, please seek veterinary advice promptly if your dog shows any of these signs.

Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment

Your vet will perform blood tests to check for infection and may send samples for specialist analysis to confirm tularemia. Because time is critical, treatment often begins based on clinical suspicion before final confirmation.

Treatment involves fast-acting antibiotics tailored to fight Francisella tularensis, alongside supportive care such as fluids to prevent dehydration. Your dog will likely need hospitalisation for close monitoring, possibly several days of inpatient care depending on severity.

Preventing Tularemia in Dogs

While there is no absolute prevention, you can reduce risk by following these steps:

• Apply effective, vet-recommended tick and insect prevention regularly
• Inspect your dog for ticks after outdoor walks and remove any promptly
• Prevent your dog from hunting or scavenging small wildlife, especially rabbits and rodents
• Avoid walking your dog through marshy or wet areas where bacteria may thrive
• Provide clean, fresh water and avoid letting your dog drink from standing water in the wild

Summary and Responsible Pet Ownership

Tularemia is a rare but potentially serious bacterial disease dogs may catch from wildlife or tick bites, especially during warmer months. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt veterinary care is essential for the best outcome.

Responsible dog ownership includes protecting pets from infection risks by using parasite preventatives, supervising outdoor activity, and avoiding contact with wild animals. If diagnosed, promptly informing your vet and taking precautions to prevent transmission protects both canine and human health.

For dog owners interested in adopting or purchasing a dog, always find puppies from reputable breeders or rescue organisations committed to ethical practices. Careful selection and lifelong commitment help keep your pet healthy and safe from preventable illnesses like tularemia.

Learn more about ticks and other parasites to keep your furry friend safe throughout the year.

Stay vigilant and enjoy many happy, healthy years with your beloved dog.