How to Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease
April is Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, which is important as the weather gets warmer and parasites become active again. It is crucial to take steps to prevent ticks from attaching to your pet and causing Lyme disease. You should also familiarize yourself with the signs of Lyme disease so that your furry friend can receive treatment promptly.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease, which is transmitted through tick bites, is a prevalent illness in the world. However, only 5% to 10% of affected dogs display symptoms, and the disease may not manifest for several months following the initial bite. Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
The use of antibiotics can shrink the Lyme-causing bacteria, but may not always eradicate it entirely, leading to the development of chronic disease. As your dog’s sickness relapses, the symptoms may fluctuate. Although rare, kidney disease may also emerge, which can be recognized by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme disease can have long-lasting impacts on your pet’s health and even affect your family’s well-being. To safeguard against the disease’s serious consequences, take the following precautions:
- Mow your lawn regularly to reduce the risk of ticks, as they are not commonly found in short grass.
- To protect your pet from Lyme disease, make sure to give them monthly tick prevention medication. This will kill any ticks before they can pass on the harmful bacteria.
- Avoid walking areas where ticks live – When taking your pet for a walk in the woods, be mindful that ticks are often found in tall grass and leafy areas.
- Thoroughly examine your pet for crawling or attached ticks, paying close attention to areas such as near the ears, in the groin, under the tail, and between the toes.
- To protect your dog from Lyme disease, consult your veterinarian about the suitability of getting them vaccinated.
Regular tick prevention can protect your pet from contracting Lyme disease, which can cause lifelong illness. Contact our team to choose the best tick preventive for your four-legged friend.