Ways to Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease
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 observe 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 Lyme disease symptoms to ensure your canine companion receives the proper care.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
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 manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urination and thirst.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can not only affect you but also can have lifelong effects on your pet’s health. You can protect your pet and family from the severe problems that the disease causes with the following steps:
Mow 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 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.