Dog owners should take precautions to prevent Lyme disease
During this viral pandemic, we must remember that other diseases still pose a threat. Our pets are still flourishing, and as spring has sprung, so has the emergence of ticks and the many diseases they can carry, the most commonly known one being Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is an illness that affects both animals and humans — making it what’s known as a zoonotic disease — and is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pets infected with Lyme disease may not show any signs for 2-5 months. After that time, typical symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lameness/painful joints
- Joint swelling
- Decreased activity
The best way to protect pets from Lyme disease is to take preventive measures to reduce exposure to ticks. When possible, avoid areas where ticks might be found, such as tall grasses, marshes and wooded areas, including leaf and wood piles.
Tick detection and prompt and proper removal is the best way to prevent Lyme disease along with appropriate tick-preventative products. Check for ticks on yourself and your animals once indoors.
Speak with your veterinarian about what tick preventative is best for your pet.
Clear shrubbery next to homes and keep lawns well maintained.
There are preventive Lyme disease vaccines available for dogs, but they aren’t necessarily recommended for every dog. Consult your veterinarian to see if the vaccination makes sense for your pets. Your veterinarian’s advice may depend on where you live, your pet’s lifestyle and overall health, and other factors. If your veterinarian does recommend that your dog be vaccinated, the typical protocol will involve an initial vaccination followed by a booster 2-4 weeks later and annual boosters after that.
Thousands of cases of Lyme disease have been reported in humans and animals across the United States and around the world. By knowing about Lyme disease and how to prevent it, you can help keep all members of your family — human and animal -— safe.
