Ways to Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease
Slow-moving parasites awaken as the cold of winter slowly fades and the warmth of spring arrives. As a result, April is the ideal month to observe Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month. Take steps to lessen the risk that your pet may provide a ride—or a meal—for ticks, and learn how to recognize common Lyme disease symptoms to ensure your canine companion receives the care they require.
Indications of canine Lyme disease
Although just 5% to 10% of infected dogs display symptoms, Lyme disease is one of the most widespread tick-borne infections in the world. The condition may also take months to manifest after the initial tick bite.
Canine Lyme disease symptoms can include:
- Leg lameness that shifts
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Lymph nodes with swelling
- Inappetence
- Aching, swollen joints
Antibiotics help lessen the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, but they don’t usually entirely eradicate it, and chronic illness might result. If the illness in your dog recurs, the symptoms may wax and wane. Vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased need to urinate are signs of kidney disease, which can also occur although it is less prevalent.
How to guard your pet against Lyme illness
Lyme illness can have long-lasting repercussions on your pet’s health in addition to its effects on you. By taking the following precautions, you may shield your family and pet from the significant issues that the illness brings about:
Make sure to routinely mow your lawn because ticks are rarely seen in short grass.
Avoid walking through areas where ticks are likely to be present. While taking your pet for a walk in the woods might be a lot of fun, tall brush and leafy litter are breeding grounds for ticks.
Check your pet—Extensively check your pet for crawling or adhering ticks. The groin, under the tail, between the toes, and close to the ears are also excellent locations.
Use monthly tick prevention to protect your pet from Lyme disease by eliminating ticks before they have a chance to spread the illness.
Vaccinate your pet—Ask your vet if the Lyme vaccine is appropriate for your dog.
Regular tick prevention helps protect your pet from Lyme disease, which can cause lifelong illness. For advice on the best tick preventive for your pet, get in touch with our staff.
