Lyme disease is a serious condition that can affect your furry friend if not taken seriously. It can cause your dog to suffer from a debilitating illness that can lead to poor quality of life and even death. Luckily, there are many things you can do to protect your pet from contracting this disease. Here's why Lyme disease in dogs must be taken seriously and what you can do to prevent it.
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the Borrelia bacteria that live in deer ticks. It can affect both pets and humans alike, but in dogs, it can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Typically, the tick must be attached to the dog for at least 48 hours for the dog to get Lyme disease. In nearly every state in the nation, dogs and people are being affected by this relatively recent illness known as Lyme disease.
Since Lyme disease can affect multiple organs, systems, and functions in dogs, including the kidneys, heart, and joints, it's critical to understand symptoms and contact us right away if you see any of the following.
After your dog has contracted Lyme disease, there is a chance that neurological disorders, though rare, might manifest. Increased irritability and aggressiveness, sadness, bewilderment, binge eating, nerve damage in the limbs, and facial paralysis are examples of possible neurological problems.
There are two main ways to prevent Lyme disease in dogs: tick control and immunization. Your puppy can be vaccinated as soon as they're 12 weeks old. They'll need two doses spaced three weeks apart, accompanied by yearly boosters.
You can buy topical drops or flea and tick collars to protect your dog against tick bites. These products will adequately protect most dog breeds in the majority of circumstances. Keeping your dog away from tick-infested areas is the simplest approach to keep ticks away from your dog. With the cold comes an increase in tick activity, so you should also try and restrict your dog's outside activity during the fall and winter months. Make sure to keep your dog away from densely forested or very grassy places if you must let your dog go outside.
Additionally, checking for ticks after spending time outdoors can help prevent an infestation from occurring in the first place. If you don't consistently check for ticks, your dog stands a greater chance that ticks will go unnoticed until symptoms become more severe.
No matter how small the sign is, if your pup shows any indication of having contracted Lyme disease, contact Onalaska Animal Hospital immediately. Proper diagnosis and treatment are needed right away to ensure that your pet doesn't suffer any long-term damage due to this potentially life-threatening condition. Dr. Nicole can provide professional care and advice on how to proceed with treatment options.
Protecting our furry friends from Lyme disease should always be a top priority for pet owners everywhere! With this blog, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your pup safe and healthy. Help them stay happy and live life to the fullest by safeguarding against Lyme disease!
