At North Fork Veterinary Clinic, we know how much your dogs mean to you—they’re family. Here in Pennsylvania, we also know how common ticks are, especially in the warmer months when our beautiful trails, fields, and backyards become prime habitats for these pesky parasites.
One of the most serious illnesses ticks can transmit is Lyme disease. Fortunately, it’s preventable—with the right combination of vaccination and tick control, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). Once infected, some dogs may never show signs of illness, while others may develop painful and potentially long-term symptoms.
Common Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs:
- Limping or shifting leg lameness
- Joint swelling and stiffness
- Lethargy or reluctance to move
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
If your dog spends time outdoors—whether in wooded areas, fields, or even your backyard—it’s important to be on the lookout for these symptoms.
Why We Recommend the Lyme Vaccine
While no vaccine is 100% effective, the Lyme vaccine significantly reduces your dog’s risk of developing clinical Lyme disease. For dogs living in or traveling through high-risk areas (like much of Jefferson County and surrounding regions), we strongly recommend including the Lyme vaccine as part of their core preventive care.
At North Fork Veterinary Clinic, we tailor vaccine recommendations based on your dog’s lifestyle, risk factors, and health history. If you’re unsure whether your dog needs the Lyme vaccine, our team is happy to talk it through with you.
Tick Prevention Is Essential
Vaccination is just one piece of the puzzle. Effective tick prevention is critical year-round.
Tips for Tick Protection:
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives—oral, topical, or collars.
- Check your dog daily for ticks, especially after walks or outdoor play.
- Pay close attention to areas around the ears, armpits, neck, and between toes.
- Keep your yard well-trimmed and remove leaf litter.
- Stick to clear paths and avoid tall grass or brush during walks.
Ticks can be active even during cooler months, so we recommend year-round protection for most pets.
We’re Here to Help
Lyme disease is a real threat to pets in our community—but it’s also one we can fight together. With vaccination, effective tick prevention, and regular veterinary care, we can protect your dog from this potentially serious illness.
If your dog isn’t vaccinated against Lyme disease or is due for a refill on tick preventatives, give us a call today at (814)715-7498 or schedule an appointment online. We’ll help you build the right protection plan for your pet.
Because here at North Fork Veterinary Clinic, your dog’s health is our priority.