Keep Your Pet Safe From Lyme Disease

As spring temperatures arrive, parasites become active again. To prevent Lyme disease in dogs, April is the designated month for awareness. You can take measures to decrease the chances of your pet picking up ticks and developing Lyme disease. It is essential to learn the common signs of Lyme disease in dogs to ensure they receive appropriate treatment. 

Lyme disease signs in dogs

Lyme disease is a prevalent illness spread by ticks. However, it is important to note that only a small percentage of dogs with the disease show symptoms, and these may not appear until several months after the tick bite. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs may include:

  • Shifting-leg lameness
  • Lethargy
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Inappetence
  • Painful, inflamed joints

Lyme-causing bacteria may not be completely eradicated by antibiotics and can lead to chronic illness in dogs. Symptoms may come and go as the disease reoccurs. While rare, kidney disease can also occur, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.

 

How to protect your pet from Lyme disease

Lyme disease can have long-lasting effects on your pet’s health, and it can also affect you. You can take preventive measures to protect both your family and pet from the serious problems caused by the disease by following these 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 tick prevention can help protect your pet from lifelong illness caused by Lyme disease. Contact our team to find out the best tick preventive option for your four-legged friend.