Defend Your Pet Against Lyme Disease
As the icy winter cold gradually vanishes and is replaced by the warm spring weather, slow-moving parasites arise. April is the perfect month to observe Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs Month because of this. Take precautions to reduce the likelihood that your dog may serve as a meal or a ride for ticks, and become knowledgeable about the signs of Lyme disease to ensure your dog gets the care they need.
Lyme disease signs in dogs
Lyme disease is one of the most common diseases spread by ticks around the world, although only 5% to 10% of affected dogs show symptoms, and the infection may not become apparent for months after the initial bite.
Lyme disease signs in dogs can include:
- Shifting-leg lameness
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Inappetence
- Painful, inflamed joints
Antibiotics can lessen the Lyme disease-causing bacterium, but they frequently do not completely eradicate it, which can lead to persistent illness. The symptoms of your dog’s illness may wax and wane as it recurs. Renal illness can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and increased urine and thirst, despite the fact that it is uncommon.
How to protect your pet from Lyme disease
Lyme illness may have a harmful effect on both your health and that of your pet. You can protect your family and pet from the disease’s potentially fatal effects by taking the following precautions:
- Cut 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.