Lyme Disease in Dogs Month: Prevention, Symptoms & Treatment | Express Vets Oakwood
April marks Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, a time to educate pet owners about the dangers of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can significantly impact your dog’s health. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is most common in areas where ticks are prevalent, especially during the warmer months, but it’s something every pet owner should be aware of year-round. At Express Vets Oakwood, we want to help you understand the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods to keep your dog safe.
The first step in protecting your dog is understanding how Lyme disease is transmitted. When an infected tick attaches to your dog’s skin to feed, it can pass the bacterium into your dog’s bloodstream. Although not every tick carries Lyme disease, it’s important to know that even a brief exposure to an infected tick can lead to the illness. This makes tick prevention a vital part of your dog’s routine care.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary, but some of the most common signs to watch for include lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and fatigue. The lameness is often caused by inflammation in the joints, which is one of the hallmark symptoms of Lyme disease. However, not every dog with Lyme disease will show all these signs, and some may even appear asymptomatic in the early stages. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease can travel through the bloodstream and damage organs over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term health problems. If your dog has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, additional medications may be necessary to address symptoms such as inflammation and pain.
Prevention is the best defense against Lyme disease. The most effective way to protect your dog is through regular tick prevention treatments. There are several options available, including tick collars, topical treatments, and oral medications. Each product has its advantages, and your veterinarian can help you determine the best option based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk of exposure.
In addition to using preventative treatments, it’s important to regularly check your dog for ticks, especially after spending time outdoors in areas where ticks are common, such as wooded or grassy areas. Remove any ticks you find promptly using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, making sure to grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. After removing the tick, clean the bite area thoroughly with antiseptic.
It’s also important to keep your yard as tick-free as possible by maintaining a tidy environment. Mowing the lawn, clearing away brush, and creating a barrier between wooded areas and your yard can help reduce the likelihood of ticks being present in your outdoor spaces.
During Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, we encourage all dog owners to take proactive steps in protecting their pets from ticks. At Express Vets Oakwood, we offer comprehensive tick prevention plans tailored to your dog’s needs, as well as diagnostic services if you suspect your dog may have contracted Lyme disease. Regular check-ups and open communication with your veterinarian are key to ensuring that your dog remains happy, healthy, and protected from Lyme disease.
If you suspect your dog may have Lyme disease or if you're looking for advice on tick prevention, reach out to Express Vets Oakwood today at (678) 989-4747. Our team is here to provide expert care and guide you through every step of keeping your pet safe and healthy!
