Defend Your Pet Against Lyme Disease
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
Antibiotics help lessen the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, but they don’t usually entirely eradicate it, and chronic illness might result. As the illness in your dog recurs, the symptoms may wax and wane. Vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased need to urinate are signs of kidney disease, which can also occur although it is less prevalent.
How to 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.
Lyme disease can lead to lifelong illness in your pet, but regular tick prevention can defend your four-legged friend. Contact our team to determine which tick preventive is best for your pet.