Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite known as Rickettsia rickettsii.

It can be transmitted to both dogs and humans from tick bites.

RMSF in Dogs

If an infected tick bites your Miniature Schnauzer the rickettsia rickettsii parasite is released into your dog’s blood stream spreading the tick disease. note: Although humans can get RMSF from a tick bite too, the disease itself cannot directly spread from your dog to you. But then again, the tick on your dog could infect you too.

Dogs infected with RMSF may, at first, show no visible symptoms of infection, but as it progresses your Miniature Schnauzer could have any combination of the following symptoms:

RMSF Symptoms in Dogs

RMSF Treatment & Prevention

Luckily there are several antibiotics used to combat Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Recovery generally takes about 2 weeks. Further medications and even hospitalization may be required if your Miniature Schnauzer suffers with further complications or conditions that may arise from the tick-borne disease. The only prevention is not to get bit by an infected tick. By using tick repellents or tick control products and preventatives you can rest assure you are doing what you can to help your dog remain tick-free. (see tick control products information below)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Humans

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) - the bacterial infection which can also be transmitted to people by tick bites - occurs most often in the spring and summer, the months when ticks are the most active. It can be a serious disease if not properly treated.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever gets its name from the trademark rash it causes — small red spots and blotches that begin on the wrists, ankles, palms, and soles of feet. In addition to the rash, the infection can cause high fever, severe headaches, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, and nausea. The symptoms of RMSF typically develop within 1 to 2 weeks of a tick bite.

Typically, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is treated with antibiotics and patients recover without any complications. But with late or no treatment, RMSF can cause serious health problems that involve the heart, lungs, and brain. In the most severe case, it can be fatal.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the symptoms associated with RMSF (high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, red eyes, rash).

Flea & Tick Control Products for Dogs

Flea & Tick Product Ingredients:
What You Should Know

Before buying over-the-counter flea and tick products to use on your Miniature Schnauzer, read what the "Humane Society of the United States" had to say:

Use topical flea & tick treatments with caution: Topical flea and tick preventatives are pesticides and all pesticides pose some health risk to our dogs. There have been many reported cases of poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning by flea/tick treatments may include allergic reactions (hives, itching, other skin irritations, and respiratory distress), excessive salivation, dilated pupils, shaking, twitching, vomiting and diarrhea.

To Recap:

1. Read the product label carefully to ensure the topical flea product is designed for your dog and your dog’s weight.
2. Avoid the cheaper Grocery Store topical treatments.
3. Consider using holistic & natural flea treatments instead of chemicals.
4. Always seek advice from your Veterinarian before using any flea or tick treatment on your dog.

Other things you can do to help your Schnauzer remain pest-free:

1. Feed your Miniature Schnauzer a healthy diet and consider adding a good dog supplement to boost your Schnauzer’s immune system.
2. Bathe your Schnauzer with a non-toxic, natural herbal defense flea shampoo to keep pests away.
3. Thoroughly vacuum your home regularly, especially around your Schnauzer’s bedding.
4. Use an all natural flea and tick spray for protection in your yard.
   
5. Use a flea comb to remove fleas and flea eggs and other small insects or annoying debris on your dog.

Vet's Best Flea & Tick Yard & Kennel Spray kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on contact. Completely safe on turf grass and other outside surfaces.

Contains absolutely no pyrethrins or cedar oil.

Not harmful to trees, shrubs or flowers. Easily attaches to garden hose nozzle for easy administering. Concentrated spray treats 4,500 sq. ft. when attached to the garden hose, the sprayer mixes the product with water at the proper 30 to 1 dilution rate.

Safe for use around dogs and cats 12 weeks or older.

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