Bartonella Infection in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Commonly thought as a disease found only in cats, Bartonellosis can also affect dogs. Fortunately, Bartonella in dogs is not as common.  

However, the consequences of this infection can be deadly.  It’s important for pet parents to understand the risks of this bacterial infection and ways to prevent it. 

Let’s look at all you need to know about Bartonellosis in dogs—including what it is, and how veterinarians diagnose and treat it. 

What Is Bartonella Infection in Dogs?

Bartonellosis in dogs is a bacterial infection that canines can get in their bloodstream.   

There are many different species of Bartonella and only a few—like Bartonella henseale and Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffi—have been known to cause infection in dogs.   

This disease is carried and spread by fleas, ticks, lice, and sand flies. Once a dog is bitten by the insect, the bacteria are transmitted into the body.  

The bacteria either colonize the lymph nodes, liver or kidney but predominately affect the red blood cells. This causes widespread bacteremia. The bacteria can also affect the cells that line the blood vessels causing widespread fever and inflammation of several organs in the body, including the heart.   

Bartonella infections have a higher prevalence in the southern United States. Dogs that hunt, herd, or live in a rural area are more likely be exposed to bartonella infection. 

Symptoms of Bartonella Infection in Dogs

Symptoms of bartonella infection in dogs include: 

• Fever 

• Swollen lymph nodes 

• Sore muscles 

• Difficulty getting up or reluctance to run or jump 

• Nose irritation (discharge and/or nosebleeds) 

• Digestive upset (vomiting and/or diarrhea)  

• Anemia 

• Low platelet count, which may manifest as bruising  

• Uveitis, or inflammation of the eye 

• Inflammation of the heart, which may present through arrhythmias, coughing, difficulty breathing, or fainting 

Causes of Bartonella Infection in Dogs

Dogs become infected with Bartonella mainly through bites from fleas and ticks. Potentially, dogs can also become infected through a blood transfusion.   

There are six species of Bartonella known to infect dogs, but the most common is B. henselae, the strain that is responsible for cat scratch fever.   

Cat scratch fever is a zoonotic disease that occurs when bacteria is spread. Through wounds either through scratching or biting.  Similarly, Bartonella infections in dogs can be transmitted to people the same way. A less common route of zoonotic transmission is through needle sticks.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Bartonella Infection in Dogs

As Bartonella infection in dogs tends to have similar symptoms as many other diseases, a vet will perform a physical exam along with blood work and urinalysis to followed most likely by an EKG and/or chest X-rays. 

However, to diagnose the bacterial infection, the following additional tests are needed:  

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) 

• IFA (immunofluorescence antibodies) 

• Cultures, taken from blood and affected tissues (like lymph nodes or even heart valves in the case of infections causing endocarditis) 

Treatment of Bartonella Infection in Dogs

Treatment of bartonella infection in dogs includes a course of antibiotics.  

A four-to-six-week regimen of doxycycline, amoxicillin, or enrofloxacin is typically prescribed.  

Because of the long course of treatment with antibiotics and to prevent resistance to antibiotics, these medications are primarily recommended only for pets showing symptoms. 

It’s important to note that some infections may be self-limiting and require little to no treatment.  

Recovery and Management of Bartonella Infection in Dogs

Symptoms of bartonella infection in dogs usually resolve after two to four weeks of treatment. Mild swelling of the glands (lymph nodes) and generalized fatigue could continue for months—though this is uncommon. 

Throughout your dog’s recovery period, follow your veterinarian’s orders in terms of exercise, diet, and medication regimen.   

Do not discontinue any medication without speaking to your vet first.   

Exercise restriction is generally recommended along with a gradual return to play and walks once symptoms have resolved.   

During recovery, you will want to make sure your pup is comfortable. Plush dog beds—like the Bedsure Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed with Removable Cover or the Serta Orthopedic Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed—are good for sore and stiff muscles.

Discuss a nutrition plan with your vet. Your pup may benefit from an easily digestible diet like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Low Fat Dry Dog Food or Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food. 

Prevention of Bartonella Infection in Dogs

Bartonella infection in dogs can be prevented—however, there are no vaccines against this disease. 

Flea and tick prevention is important in preventing this disease. It’s also important to monitor your dog when they are in areas where these bugs are native or prevalent, and removing any visible fleas or ticks is always a good preventive measure. 

Humans who are immunocompromised should avoid rough play or being bit by dogs at risk for being infected with bartonella.