Skip to main content

TBE

A representation of TBE

TBE stands for tick-borne encephalitis, a viral disease transmitted by ticks. It can lead to severe inflammation of the brain, meninges and spinal cord in humans and dogs. In this blog post, you can find out how you can protect your dog from TBE and what you should do if he is infected.

How do you recognize TBE in dogs?

The symptoms of TBE in dogs are similar to those in humans. They usually occur two to three weeks after the tick bite and can be as follows:

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • neck stiffness
  • muscle twitching
  • paralysis
  • seizures
  • impaired consciousness

Not all dogs show these symptoms, some only have a mild illness that heals on its own. However, others can suffer permanent damage or even die.

How can TBE be prevented in dogs?

The best way to prevent TBE in dogs is to protect them from ticks. There are various ways to do this:

  • Avoid walking in areas where ticks are abundant, especially in spring and summer.
  • Check your dog regularly for ticks and remove them as quickly as possible using tweezers or special tick tweezers.
  • Treat your dog with a suitable tick repellent, such as a spot-on product, collar or spray. Ask your vet for the right product for your dog.
  • Have your dog vaccinated against TBE if you live or travel in a risk area. The vaccination must be boostered annually and does not offer 100% protection, but it can reduce the severity of the disease.

What to do if your dog has TBE?

If you suspect that your dog has TBE, you should take him to the vet immediately. There he will be examined and, if necessary, tested for the virus with a blood sample. There is no specific treatment for TBE in dogs, only symptomatic therapy. This means that the vet will try to reduce the fever, relieve the pain and inhibit the inflammation. They will also provide your dog with fluids and nutrients and treat possible complications.

The prognosis for dogs with TBE depends on the severity of the disease and the animal's immune system. Some dogs recover completely, others have permanent consequences such as paralysis or epilepsy. In severe cases, TBE can lead to death.

TBE is a serious disease that is transmitted by ticks and affects both humans and dogs. To protect your dog, you should protect him from ticks, have him vaccinated against TBE and take him to the vet if you suspect it. This way you can give him a long and healthy life.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

We help you find the nearest vet → This way