Prevent Your Pet From Getting Lyme Disease
April is the ideal time to prevent Lyme disease in dogs as the warmer temperatures awaken parasites. Be proactive in decreasing the chances of your pet transporting ticks, and familiarize yourself with the typical signs of Lyme disease to ensure that your furry friend receives appropriate treatment.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is a prevalent illness that is transmitted through tick bites. However, only a small percentage of infected dogs, ranging from 5% to 10%, display symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may not manifest until several months after the initial tick bite.
Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
Sometimes antibiotics may not completely eliminate the Lyme-causing bacterium, which can lead to the development of chronic disease in your dog. The signs of illness may improve and worsen periodically. Although rare, kidney disease can occur and can be identified by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-lasting effects on your pet’s health and can also affect you. To safeguard your family and pets from the disease’s severe consequences, take these steps:
- Cut your lawn — Ticks are rarely found in short grass, so regularly mow your yard.
- Refrain from walking in tick habitat — While walking in the woods can be a great adventure for your pet, tall brush and leafy debris are prime spots for ticks.
- Check your pet — Search your pet thoroughly for crawling or attached ticks. Prime spots include near the ears, in the groin, under the tail, and between the toes.
- Administer tick prevention — Monthly tick prevention will shield your pet against Lyme disease by killing ticks before they have a chance to transmit the pathogen.
- Vaccinate your pet — Ask your veterinarian if Lyme vaccination is right for your dog.
Regular prevention for your pet can help defend against Lyme disease, which can cause long-term illness. Please reach out to our team to find out which tick preventive is the most suitable for your four-legged friend.