Hey Canine Readers,
Lyme disease in dogs(Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species of ticks. When the spiral-shaped bacterium is carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or person’s bloodstream through a tick bite. Additionally, ticks with this disease are most common in heavily wooded areas and predominantly worse in the warmer months.
Where do Ticks Live?
They typically live in tall grass, thick bush, marshes, and woods.
How do ticks get on people and dogs?
Generally speaking, ticks wait on tips of places they live, and as you pass they crawl onto your clothing/skin. In fact, they do not jump or fly.
Prevention
Equally important make sure to inspect your dogs and yourself daily for ticks after walks through the woods or grassy settings
In the first place remove the tick stat. In fact, the quicker you find them the less likely your dog will contract secondary illness related to tick bites
Ask your vet to do a thorough tick check at their annual appt
Use Flea and Tick prevention
Keep grass mowed as short as possible
Vaccinate your Dog
Symptoms
If your dog is experiencing any of the below symptoms make sure you get them checked by a vet:
fever, loss of appetite, reduced energy, generalized stiffness, discomfort, pain, swelling of joints.
Tests for Lyme Disease:
C6 Test – detects antibodies against a protein called C6- the presence of these proteins suggests an active Lyme disease. Detected 3-5 weeks after the bite
Quant C6 Test – the test above plus a urinalysis will determine antibiotics for treatment
Treatment
In the event that your dog gets bit by a tick. Antibiotics are given for 30 days to resolve symptoms. y but other therapies may be needed. Ultimately Lyme disease is not a death sentence for dogs. Granted it can cause arthritis earlier on in life and other joint issues. Dogs can live with it for years.
If you have any further medical questions it is important to note I am not a vet or medical professional in any sense. Please contact your local veterinarian for the best advice.