Prevent Lyme Disease in Your Pet
Slow-moving parasites awaken as the cold of winter slowly fades and the warmth of spring arrives. As a result, April is the ideal month to observe Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Take steps to lessen the risk that your pet may provide a ride—or a meal—for ticks, and learn how to recognize common Lyme disease symptoms to ensure your canine companion receives the care they require.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the world, but only 5% to 10% of affected dogs show signs, and illness may not appear for months after the initial bite.
Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
The bacterium that causes Lyme disease can be diminished by antibiotics, but it is not usually totally eradicated, and chronic sickness might result. If your dog’s sickness recurs, the symptoms may wax and wane. Even though it’s rare, renal disease can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination and thirst.
How you can protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme illness can have long-lasting repercussions on your pet’s health in addition to its effects on you. By taking the following precautions, you may shield your family and pet from the significant issues that the illness brings about:
- 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 tick prevention helps protect your pet from Lyme disease, which can cause lifelong illness. For advice on the best tick preventive for your pet, get in touch with our staff.