Prevent Lyme Disease in Your Pet
With the arrival of warm spring temperatures, parasites become more active after the cold winter weather. In April, it is important to observe Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Ensure that you take measures to prevent your pet from carrying or being bitten by ticks, and know how to identify common signs of Lyme disease to seek treatment for your furry friend.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is a prevalent illness transmitted by ticks, but most affected dogs do not display symptoms, and signs of the disease may not show up 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
Lyme-causing bacteria can be reduced by antibiotics, but it may not be completely eliminated and can lead to the development of chronic disease. Your dog’s symptoms may come and go as the illness recurs. In rare cases, kidney disease may also develop, which can be identified by vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-term consequences on your pet’s health and can also affect you. To safeguard your family and pet from the disease’s severe complications, follow the below 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.
If your pet gets Lyme disease, they may suffer from lifelong illness. However, you can protect your furry companion by using tick prevention regularly. Get in touch with our team to determine the most suitable tick preventive for your pet.