Canine Tularemia: Insights from Dr. Catherine Barnette, DVM, reviewed by Dr. Brittany Kleszynski, DVM on July 31, 2025, and published on July 25, 2024. Share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Print.
Tularemia, a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis, poses a potential threat to dogs. This disease is most commonly contracted when dogs hunt or eat infected wild animals, particularly rabbits, squirrels, or rodents.
Symptoms of Tularemia in Dogs
The incubation period for tularemia in dogs is approximately 3-5 days. Common signs of the infection include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, enlarged/swollen lymph nodes, draining skin wounds, dehydration, increased salivation (drooling), vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), discharge from eyes, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, and oral ulcers.
Prevention Methods
To prevent exposure to the bacterium, it's essential to:
- Not allow dogs to roam unsupervised outdoors where they might hunt or eat wild animals or their carcasses.
- Avoid contact with wild animals and their habitats.
- Prevent dogs from drinking from potentially contaminated water sources.
- Promptly remove ticks and seek veterinary care if ticks are found.
- Report unusual wildlife die-offs to local authorities.
- Keep cats indoors as they can also be exposed by hunting.
Treatment
Early veterinary intervention is crucial due to the zoonotic nature of tularemia and the potential severity of the infection. Treatment for canine tularemia involves:
- Administration of appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian; tularemia is typically responsive to antibiotics if treated early. Doxycycline or enrofloxacin are common antibiotics used, with a treatment duration of 10-14 days.
- Supportive care such as intravenous fluids if necessary.
- Surgical removal of abscesses if present.
- Isolation of infected dogs to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
Tularemia is often diagnosed with blood antibody tests or PCR testing. Many cases of tularemia in dogs are mild and self-limiting, while other dogs show significant signs of illness. The prognosis for tularemia in dogs is good, with less than half of infected dogs requiring hospitalization and all surviving treatment.
If your dog is showing any signs of tularemia, seek veterinary care immediately. A thorough physical examination is performed by the veterinarian to assess signs of illness in the dog. Increased or decreased white blood cell counts and increased liver values are common blood test abnormalities in infected dogs.
It's important to note that tularemia is a zoonotic infection, and dogs can spread this infection to humans. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices when handling your pet, especially if they show signs of illness.
Tularemia has been reported in every U.S. state except for Hawaii, as well as in Canada, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. By following preventive measures and seeking prompt veterinary care when necessary, you can help ensure your dog's health and wellbeing.
*Incorporating the given words into new sentences:
- Science plays a vital role in understanding the mechanisms and causes of medical-conditions like Tularemia, helping veterinarians to devise effective treatments and prevention strategies.
- Adopting a pet-friendly health-and-wellness lifestyle that prioritizes regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment can contribute to maintaining a dog's overall health and reducing the risk of various pet-related ailments, including Tularemia.
