Dog Health Info

Erlichia is a devastating disease that's passed on to dogs by the brown-dog tick.

It's an absolute epidemic in Mazatlan. It causes muscle weakness, fever, and neurological abnormalities and, left untreated, can lead to death. Any dog in Mazatlan that is not on a tick treatment program is at significant risk for erlichia.

Some of the tick preventatives used in Canada and the United States may not be as effective in preventing the transmission of erlichia. Symparica or Bravecto are the tick treatments currently most recommended by Mazaltan vets.

If you don't plan to use tick medications for your dog, you need to inspect your dog daily for ticks. Erlichia can be transmitted to a dog within 24 hours. Avoid walking your dog in long grass, as that's where ticks hide. Ticks should be removed with tweezers.

If you suspect your dog may have been exposed to erlichia, your vet can diagnose it with an inexpensive blood test. Erlichia has a variable incubation period, which means that it can take weeks, months or even years for symptoms to develop. The earliest symptom may be fatigue. Erlichia is easily treated with antibiotics except in very advanced cases.

Ticks often hide between a dog’s toes or inside the ears.

Distemper isn't unique to Mazatlan or Mexico, but this viral disease is not uncommon in Mazatlan's homeless dogs. Distemper is highly contagious and often fatal. All dogs in Mazatlan should be vaccinated for distemper. Usually, the distemper vaccination includes other important vaccines like Parvo and Coronavirus.

Leptospirosis is passed on through contact with rodent urine found and causes meningitis and bleeding in a dog's lungs, often without obvious symptoms. It has recently found its way into British Columbia and the northern US, courtesy of climate change. A vaccine against lepto is available: Ask your veterinarian.

Mexico has become the first country in the world to be free from dog-transmitted rabies, according to the Pan American Health Organization. So, rabies isn’t much of a concern in Mazatlan and we’ve never seen a case in many years of animal rescue. However, if you're crossing borders, you will need to show that your dog is up to date on the rabies vaccine.

Dog bites

It's pretty common for Mazatlan's pet owners to let their dogs wander outside. Male dogs may be unneutered. And while most of the dogs you encounter on the street are not looking for trouble, every once in a while there's one that acts aggressively towards your leashed dog. Use caution and remember that most dogs will back off if you yell and raise your arm at them.

Parasites.

“Scoop the poop” is not yet part of the local culture, although changes are happening. Poop and urine can spread parasites and disease. Be careful where you and your dog step when out for a walk.
Consider giving a broad-spectrum dewormer every few months or at the end of your stay.

Poison

Poison is sometimes used in Mazatlan for rats, scorpions, feral cats and occasionally roaming dogs. This is far more common in rural areas but can also happen in Mazatlan. It's a good idea to discourage your dog from eating those tasty items they find on walks.

Fireworks

Fireworks may be the thing that dogs hate most about Mazatlan! Most reports of missing and lost dogs happen after the big fireworks displays at Christmas, New Years, Carnival and Easter. Keep your pets secure during fireworks display and make sure they can't make a panicked dash out of a door, window or patio. If your pets are frightened by fireworks, see if you can create a quiet zone where they can feel safe. In a bedroom with the doors/windows closed and A/C on may work in some homes.