Steps to Prevent Lyme Disease in Your Pet

April is Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month because as the weather gets warmer, parasites become more active. To reduce the chances of your pet picking up ticks and developing Lyme disease, it’s important to take preventative measures. It’s also essential to know the signs of Lyme disease and seek treatment for your furry friend if necessary.

Lyme disease signs in dogs

Lyme disease is a prevalent illness transmitted through ticks. However, only a small percentage of affected dogs, between 5% to 10%, display symptoms, and signs of the disease might not manifest until months after being bitten.

 

Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:

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

The bacteria that causes Lyme disease may not be completely eliminated by antibiotics, which can lead to chronic illness in dogs. Symptoms may come and go over time. While it is rare, kidney disease can also occur and may be noticeable through vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.

 

How to protect your pet from Lyme disease

Lyme disease can impact both you and your pets, and the effects may last a lifetime. To safeguard your family and pets from the disease’s severe consequences, take the following measures:

  • 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 prevention can protect your pet from getting lifelong illness because of Lyme disease. Reach out to our team to find out which tick preventive is suitable for your four-legged friend.