Ways to Prevent Lyme Disease in Your Pet
April is designated as Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month to raise awareness about ticks that become active during the warm spring temperatures. It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent your pet from getting ticks and to recognize common signs of Lyme disease so that your furry friend can receive timely treatment.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is a prevalent illness transmitted by ticks, however, only a small percentage of affected dogs (5% to 10%) exhibit symptoms and the illness may not become apparent until 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
Sometimes antibiotics are not enough to completely get rid of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, which could lead to the development of chronic illness in dogs. Symptoms may come and go as the illness returns. It’s rare, but dogs can also develop kidney disease, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-term effects on your pet’s health, as well as affecting you. To safeguard both your family and your pet from the disease’s significant repercussions, follow 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 use of tick prevention can help protect your pet from lifelong illness caused by Lyme disease. Get in touch with our team to find out which tick preventive is most suitable for your four-legged friend.