How Do I Keep My Pet Safe From Lyme Disease?
April is the perfect time for Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month as the warm spring temperatures wake up parasites. To reduce the chances of your pet carrying ticks and getting Lyme disease, take action and learn how to identify common symptoms to ensure they receive proper treatment.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Although Lyme disease is a prevalent tick-borne illness, the symptoms only appear in 5% to 10% of infected dogs. Additionally, the onset of the disease may take several months after the tick bite.
Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
Lyme-causing bacterium can be reduced by antibiotics, but it may not be completely eliminated, leading to the development of chronic disease in dogs. The illness can recur and the signs may come and go. Sometimes, dogs can also develop kidney disease, which can be identified by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination. However, such cases are not very common.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-lasting impacts on your pet’s health and also affect your family. To safeguard against the disease’s severe consequences, take the following measures:
- 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.
Regularly checking your pet for ticks can prevent them from getting Lyme disease and other lifelong illnesses. Contact our team to learn about the most effective tick prevention methods for your furry companion.