Guard Your Pet Against Lyme Disease

As frigid winter weather gradually disappears and warm spring temperatures arrive, dormant parasites become active. This makes April the ideal month for Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs Month. Take steps to reduce your pet’s likelihood of providing ticks with a ride — or a meal — and learn to identify common Lyme disease symptoms to ensure your companion receives the necessary treatment.

Lyme disease symptoms in dogs

Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent tick-borne illnesses in the globe, but only 5 to 10 percent of affected dogs exhibit symptoms, and the illness may not manifest until months after the initial bite.

Lyme disease symptoms in canines may include:

Shifting-leg lameness

Lethargy Fever

Swollen lymph nodes

Inappetence

Inflamed, painful joints

Antibiotics can reduce, but not always eradicate, the Lyme-causing bacterium, allowing chronic disease to develop. The symptoms may fluctuate as your dog’s illness recurs. Although kidney disease is uncommon, it can manifest with vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and excretion.

How to safeguard your companion against Lyme disease

Lyme disease can affect not only you, but also your pet’s health for a lifetime. You can safeguard your pet and family from the disease’s severe consequences by taking the following precautions:

Mow your lawn — Ticks are uncommon in short vegetation, so mow your lawn frequently.

Refrain from walking in tick habitat – While a walk in the woods can be an exciting experience for your pet, tall brush and leafy debris are ideal tick habitat.

Examine your pet – Thoroughly examine your pet for crawling or affixed ticks. Near the ears, in the pelvis, under the tail, and between the toes are prime locations.

Monthly tick prevention will protect your pet from Lyme disease by eliminating parasites before they can transmit the pathogen.

Vaccinate your pet – consult your veterinarian to determine if Lyme vaccination is appropriate for your canine.

Lyme disease can cause chronic illness in your companion, but regular tick prevention can protect him or her. Contact our team to determine the most effective insect preventative for your pet.