Can Ticks Transmit Diseases to Dogs and Cats?
In short: Yes — pets are at risk too, though the relevant diseases in Germany differ somewhat from those affecting humans. Some genuinely occur here; others are almost always brought back from travel abroad. Unlike TBE in humans, there are no solid case-number statistics for pets — more on why below.
These diseases genuinely occur in Germany
- Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum): transmitted by the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus) — the same tick species that transmits Lyme disease and TBE to humans. Widely present across Germany.
- Canine babesiosis ("dog malaria," Babesia canis): transmitted by the ornate dog tick (Dermacentor reticulatus). Confirmed present in Germany, historically concentrated in the east (Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt) and southwest (Saarland, Baden-Württemberg), with a spreading trend. A Bavarian field study found only 1 of 301 ticks tested infected (0.3%) — markedly lower than in, for example, Hungary (8.2%) or Serbia (20.8%).
- Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis): dogs come into contact with Borrelia via the same vector as humans, but clinical disease is comparatively rare in dogs, even though pure pathogen exposure is more common.
This disease is almost always brought back from travel
Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) is transmitted by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) — this species isn't established in Germany's climate. Cases in dogs here are therefore almost always travel-associated, typically from the Mediterranean region, not acquired locally. Still, after traveling with your dog to southern countries, it's worth watching for relevant symptoms and mentioning the trip at the vet.
Why there are no case numbers like there are for TBE
In humans, TBE is nationally notifiable, which is why RKI maintains a complete annual statistic (see "Tick-Borne Disease Case Numbers in Germany: TBE and Lyme Disease"). No comparable central, nationwide tracking exists for tick-borne diseases in pets — so there simply is no official figure for how many dogs or cats in Germany fall ill with a tick-borne disease each year. We deliberately don't offer an invented estimate here.
What this means for your tick check
Without exact numbers, the practical takeaway stays the same: find and remove ticks on your dog or cat promptly after every outing in the green, regardless of how high the statistical risk happens to be right now. The right routine is in "Checking Your Dog or Cat for Ticks" and "Find Ticks on Dogs".
The coat check takes a minute: TickSpot makes ticks in fur visible — free, no sign-up.
Start the coat checkSources
- ESCCAP Germany: Recommendations on vector-borne diseases
- Bavarian field study on Babesia canis in ticks: Pathogens 9(7):541 (2020)
- Robert Koch Institute: FAQ on ticks
Note: This article does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet has symptoms, unusual behavior, or has traveled abroad with you, seek veterinary advice.