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My dog has severe diarrhea after a tick. Could the tick cause it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 66 lbs

Hey Recently we pulled a tick off of my dogs neck. The next day she got severe water-like diarrhea that has been lasting an entire weekend. She is not dehydrated, and she drinks frequently. I was wondering if its possible to get diarrhea from a tick? Or is it something she ate, she hasnt eaten anything out of the ordinary. We have tried to give her a bowl of rice but it just flushed out.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2018

Hello and thank you for reaching out to our consultation service. although it is possible to get diarrhea from a tick related disease, it is not common at all.

it would be more likely that she has either eaten something that is not agreeing with her or she has a disease or condition unrelated to the tick. If she continues to eat and drink normally as well as wants to play, I would wait for 48 to 72 hours with feeding her regular diet. If after the 72 hours, the diarrhea is still present, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian. If at any point, she starts to act lethargic or vomit, etc., I would take her to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can do a physical examination and possibly some diagnostic testing.

Thanks a lot for your question. I hope I have helped.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 11th, 2017
Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I don't think the removal of the ticks is related to Zoey having diarrhea. If the ticks had any diseases that they could pass to her it wouldn't show up yet.

Diarrhea can be from anything-if she received vaccines at your Vet, ate something gross, caught a virus or has intestinal parasite.

If she isn't vomiting you can try to with hold food but not water for 12-24 hours then start feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice (about 4-5 cups per day) until 1-2 normal stools. If the diarrhea doesn't improve, worsens, she stops eating or starts vomiting I recommend you see your veterinarian.

I wish you and Zoey the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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