Lyme Disease is not something you do not want to deal with, in both humans and dogs. Lyme disease occurs when a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi travels throughout a dog’s body, affecting organs and joints along the way. A dog’s overall health declines and can be life threatening if not treated. The disease is caused by the bite of a tick who is also infected.
So, what can we do to prevent Lyme Disease from occurring? There is no all-in-one prevention for Lyme disease; but rather, small steps we can take to help our pups.
-Though ticks are starting to be found in every season lately, in spring, early summer and fall, avoid wooded areas, tall grass and shrubs.
-Use tick preventative products that are safe for your pet. Speak with your veterinarian. There are many options out there including medication that is administered orally or applied topically to the skin, and there are even some more natural products and sprays that are becoming popular and are effective as well. Do what makes sense for you and your dog.
-After a walk, tick check! Frisk your dog daily, especially around the ears and tail. These are hot spots for ticks! You can even use a roll of sticky tape to move around your dog right after a walk to see if you catch any ticks. Ticks must be latched on for 24-48 hours before Lyme Disease can be transmitted.
-If you find a tick on your dog, make sure you remove it properly (do your research!). Keep the tick in case your dog develops any symptoms so it can be sent in for testing.
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
