Canine malaria: everything about babesiosis in dogs

Ticks are not only annoying – their bites can be life-threatening for dogs. One of the most malicious diseases they transmit is babesiosis – also known as canine malaria. A single tick bite is enough to introduce parasites into a dog's bloodstream. There they destroy red blood cells, which,if left untreated, can lead to the death due to anaemia.

But where is the danger lurking? Wherever dogs roam outside: in fields, forests, on river banks or even in city parks. Due to mild winters and climatic changes, ticks are also spreading further and further – even at altitudes.

How can you recognise the symptoms at an early stage? What protective measures can you take? And can vaccination protect your dog from canine malaria?

What is babesiosis (canine malaria)?

Babesiosis, often referred to as ‘canine malaria,’ is a tick-borne disease. Until a few years ago, babesiosis was mainly found in southern Europe. These days, more and more cases are also occurring in Central Europe – including Germany and Austria.

The disease is caused by single-celled parasites of the genus Babesia, which enter the dog's bloodstream after a tick bite. There, they attack the red blood cells and destroy them. The result: anaemia, organ damage and, in the worst case, death.

A tick on a finger and a dog in the background

How is babesiosis transmitted?

The ornate cow tick and the brown dog tick are known carriers. Babesia need an intermediate host to spread – they infest ticks and are passed on by them.

Transmission takes place via the tick's saliva – but not immediately. Only when the tick feeds on the dog for several hours do the parasites enter the dog's bloodstream. This means that the faster a tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection.

The danger is particularly high in the warmer months and in areas with a high tick population. Dogs that travel to southern Europe on holiday or spend a lot of time in forests and fields should be examined particularly thoroughly after each walk.

Babesiosis in dogs: Recognising symptoms at an early stage

The disease is sneaky because the first symptoms are usually non-specific. The first signs of babesiosis occur 7 to 21 days after the tick bite – but sometimes only after weeks or months. This is what makes diagnosis so difficult.

Typical symptoms of canine malaria:

Fever – often above 40°C, accompanied by general weakness.
Weariness & loss of appetite – the dog seems tired and apathetic.
Pale or yellowish mucous membranes – an indication of anaemia or jaundice.
Dark urine – from reddish to coffee brown due to the breakdown of red blood cells.
Weight loss & muscle weakness – the dog rapidly loses strength.

In severe cases, organ failure, respiratory problems or neurological failures occur. If left untreated, the acute form of babesiosis can be fatal – that is why quick action is required!

Treating babesiosis in dogs: how can canine malaria be treated?

If there is a suspicion of babesiosis, parasites can be detected with a blood test at the vet's. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the better the chances of recovery.

The treatment is carried out in several steps:

Drug therapy: the dog receives special medication (e.g. with the active ingredient imidocarb) that kills babesia.
Symptomatic treatment: depending on the dog's condition, a blood transfusion or infusion therapy may be necessary.
Recovery & monitoring: after the treatment, the dog needs time to regain strength. A healthy diet supports the immune system and helps dogs recover from illness.

With the right therapy, a dog can fully recover – in rare cases, the pathogens remain in the body and can become active again later. That is why close veterinary monitoring is important.

Canine malaria vaccination: can you prevent babesiosis?

Yes, there is a vaccination for canine malaria, but it is not available in all countries. In Germany, it is not routinely recommended, as it does not offer 100% protection, but can only slow the progression of the disease. As such, effective tick protection is still the best precaution.

How to protect your dog from babesiosis

Because babesiosis is only transmitted by ticks, the best protection is consistent tick prevention.

Tick repellent with spot-ons or tablets: treatments available from the vet kill ticks before they even bite or directly after they begin feeding.
Promote coat and skin health: high-quality omega-3 and -6 fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier from within. In addition, selected herbs can support the natural defence against ticks from the inside.
Check their coat regularly: the faster a tick is removed, the lower the risk of infection.
Caution in risk areas: in southern European countries such as Spain, Italy or France, the risk is particularly high. Dogs should only travel there with good tick protection.

After a stay in a risk area, a blood test at the vet may be useful in order to rule out undetected infection early on.

After effects of canine malaria – can babesiosis cause long-term damage?

If left untreated or detected late, babesiosis can have long-term consequences for your dog's health. Especially common is chronic anaemia, which permanently weakens a dog and makes him more susceptible to infections. Organ damage, especially to the liver and kidneys, can be persistent. Relapses due to surviving pathogens are also known to occur.

Therefore, the sooner babesiosis is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery and the lower the risk of serious long-term damage.

Canine malaria – an underestimated danger

Babesiosis is a serious condition that is often fatal if left untreated. But with the right protection, a quick diagnosis and targeted therapy, the chances are good that your dog will survive the infection.

The most important measures at a glance: