Lyme Disease Prevention Tips
April is Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, as parasites become more active during the transition from cold to warm weather. Reduce your pet’s chances of hosting ticks and learn to spot common signs of Lyme disease to ensure that your furry friend receives appropriate treatment.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can affect your pet’s health for the rest of their life, as well as your own. To avoid the serious consequences of this disease, take the following steps to protect both your family and pet:
- Thoroughly check your pet for ticks by searching prime spots such as near the ears, in the groin area, under the tail, and between the toes.
- Make sure to give your pet monthly tick prevention to ward off Lyme disease. This will work by killing ticks before they can transmit the disease.
- To reduce the likelihood of finding ticks, please make sure to regularly mow your yard.
- To avoid ticks, please avoid walking your pet in areas where ticks might live, such as tall brushes and leafy debris.
- Consult your veterinarian to determine if Lyme vaccination is appropriate for your dog, and make sure to have them vaccinated.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is a prevalent illness spread by ticks, but most affected dogs do not show signs, and it can take months after the initial bite for symptoms to appear. Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Painful, inflamed joints
Although antibiotics may decrease the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, it may not completely eliminate it, which can lead to the development of chronic disease in dogs. The symptoms can fluctuate as the illness reappears. It is uncommon, but kidney disease can also develop, which is indicated by vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.
Regular tick prevention can help defend your pet against Lyme disease, which can cause lifelong illness. Contact our team to determine the most suitable tick preventive for your four-legged friend.