With warmer weather and more time spent outdoors, it’s time for those pesky ticks to start coming alive! Keeping yourself informed on the who, what, where and how of Lyme disease can help keep you and your pet safer during the summer. Take a look at our breakdown of what Lyme disease is and how to help with prevention for your pup.

What is Lyme Disease?

According to the U.S. Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), the bacterial agent that causes Lyme disease is called borrelia burgdorferi and is one of the most common infections transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease, which affects both animals and humans, can be difficult to detect, causing serious and recurring health problems. Once the bacteria is in the bloodstream, the Lyme disease organism is carried to many parts of the body, but usually localizes in the joints or kidneys. 

How do you get it?

The most common type of tick to carry the Lyme disease is the deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick. Deer ticks are dispersed throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States and can be found primarily in forests or grassy, wooded, marshy areas near lakes or oceans. The disease cannot be transferred from one animal to another; the only way an animal can get the disease is from a tick bite.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, Lyme disease can be a year-round issue depending on where you live. The risk of acquiring the bacteria that can cause the disease is not only a summer time or warm weather threat; the potential for infection exists in almost any month as long as a climate has warm, humid weather mixed with some wetness. Moist and humid environments that are closer to the ground are also a great host for ticks to live in such as logs, fallen branches and tall brush. 

What are the symptoms?

Dogs that are bitten by ticks may not show any symptoms of the disease for 7-21 days or longer. Tick bites on dogs are hard to detect, however most dogs affected with Lyme disease are taken to their veterinarian because they seem to be experiencing generalized pain and have stopped eating. Dogs affected with the disease may show the following symptoms:

• high fevers

• beginnings of limping or looking like they are ‘walking on eggshells’

• painful lameness, often appearing suddenly and can shift from one leg to another

• joint swelling

• decreased activity

Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test that can show whether an animal has been exposed to the bacteria. Antibiotics usually provide effective treatment for the disease; however, it is important to closely follow your veterinarian's advice regarding any follow up care after your pet has been diagnosed and treated. 

How do I prevent it?

Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Ticks can be infected with bacteria, viruses and parasites; however, Lyme Disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the United States. There is a Lyme vaccine available for dogs to help prevent the disease, which consists of an initial vaccination followed by a booster vaccine 2-4 weeks later. The Lyme vaccine is not necessarily recommended for all dogs, so have a talk with your veterinarian to see if it is the right choice for you and your pup. Keep these guidelines in mind to help prevent your dog from getting Lyme disease:

• Talk to your veterinarian about what reliable tick prevention products to use

• Be extra careful in areas with tall grass, marshes and wooded areas; ticks thrive in these environments

• Check for ticks on you and your pets after being outdoors; part your pets’ fur to see where the coat and skin meet

• Keep your lawn well maintained to eliminate any tick habitats: mow regularly, pull any tall weeds and remove any leaf litter

• Protect yourself by using repellent, wearing lightly-colored clothing to see the ticks better if they do get on you and showering right away after being outdoors

• If you find a tick on your dog, or yourself, remove it right away!
  

Where do I check my dog for ticks?

Animal fur can act like a “tick magnet” and pet owners may be exposed to ticks when snuggling with their cats and dogs. Pet owners should check their pets for ticks in these main areas:

• in and around the ears

• around the tail

• around the eyelids

• under the collar

• under the front legs

• between the back legs

• between the toes

How do I remove a tick?

So you found a tick on your dog, or yourself, and you’re not sure how to remove it? Check out the do’s and don’ts of removing a tick!

→ Warmer weather means it's time to get outdoors and let your pups be free! At Going Mutts, we take all precautions when it comes to being safe outdoors with your furry companion while giving you the peace of mind you need being away from your pup. Contact us today to see how we can help keep your furry companion active while you’re busy with work at the office! We love a good walk around the neighborhood or a fetching run at the dog park!  ← 

Sources:

https://now.tufts.edu/articles/five-ways-protect-your-pet-lyme-disease

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lyme-disease-in-dogs

https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/lyme-disease-pet-owners-guide

http://www.vetstreet.com/care/examination-and-lyme-disease-vaccine-for-dogs