How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Pets
Slow-moving parasites awaken as the frigid winter weather eventually disappears and is replaced by the warm spring weather. Because of this, April is the ideal month to recognize Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs Month. Take steps to lessen the probability that your pet may provide a ride—or a meal for ticks, and get familiar with the symptoms of Lyme disease to ensure your canine companion receives the proper care.
Canine Lyme disease symptoms
One of the most widespread illnesses transmitted by ticks in the globe is Lyme disease, however only 5% to 10% of afflicted dogs exhibit symptoms, and the sickness may not manifest for months after the original bite.
Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
The bacterium that causes Lyme disease can be diminished by antibiotics, but it is not usually totally eradicated, and chronic sickness might result. If your dog’s sickness recurs, the symptoms may wax and wane. Even though it’s rare, kidney disease can also develop, evidenced by vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination and thirst.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Your health and the health of your pet may both be negatively impacted by Lyme disease. By taking the following precautions, you can shield your family and pet from the disease’s potentially fatal effects:
- Cut your lawn — Short grass is rarely where ticks are found, so mow your lawn frequently.
- Avoid strolling into tick habitat — While taking your dog for a walk in the woods might be a lot of fun, tall brush and leafy debris are ideal hiding places for ticks.
- Check your pet — Check your pet carefully for ticks that are attached or crawling. Prime locations include between the toes, under the tail, and next to the ears.
- Administer tick prevention — By eliminating ticks before they have a chance to spread the disease, monthly tick prevention helps protect your pet against Lyme disease.
- Vaccinate your pet — Ask your veterinarian if the Lyme vaccination is right for your dog.
Regular tick prevention can protect your pet from developing a chronic illness from Lyme disease. To find out which tick preventive is ideal for your pet, get in touch with our team.