Keep Your Pet Safe From Lyme Disease
As spring temperatures rise, parasites like ticks become more active. That’s why April is the month dedicated to preventing Lyme disease in dogs. Take measures to lower the risk of your pet picking up ticks and learn to recognize the common signs of Lyme disease so that you can help your furry friend receive timely treatment.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Although Lyme disease is a prevalent tick-borne illness worldwide, only 5% to 10% of dogs that contract it display symptoms, and the disease 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
L-causing bacteria can be reduced by antibiotics, but they may not be completely eliminated, and can lead to chronic disease. Your dog’s symptoms may come and go as the illness recurs. In rare cases, kidney disease may develop, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and more frequent urination.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-term effects on both you and your pet’s health. To protect your family and pet from the disease, take the following 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 use of tick prevention can protect your pet from getting Lyme disease, which can cause long-term health problems. Contact our team for advice on the most suitable tick preventive for your furry companion.