New Tools to Prevent Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is the most common disease transmitted from one organism (tick) to another (dog) in the U.S. Dogs are twice as likely to become infected with Lyme disease as people. Most pets in the Zimmerman area are at risk for Lyme disease. Even one tick bite can spread the bacteria to the pet causing it to multiply inside the pet.
Lyme Vaccination – Nobivac Lyme
Vaccination against Lyme disease has been one of the tools most often used to prevent Lyme disease in dogs. At The Zimmerman Veterinary Clinic we have upgraded our Lyme vaccination protocol to include Nobivac Lyme Vaccination. This vaccination provides the standard protection against the Outer Surface Protein A. This protein is expressed inside of the tick during feeding. The Nobivac Lyme also targets the Outer Surface Protein C. This protein is expressed once the Lyme bacteria are inside the pet. This vaccination provides added protection and kills the Lyme bacteria inside the pet. For this added protection the vaccination should be boostered 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccination is given.
Tick Collar – Scalibor
Frontline® Plus provides exceptional protection from ticks. It is best to use this product monthly, especially when it is warm and the ticks are active. Now there is another safe tool to help kill ticks on the pet – Scalibor Protector Band. This product is new to the United States, but has been available in Europe for many years. To enhance your pet's protection against ticks and the deadly Lyme disease, we recommend using Frontline® Plus along with Scalibor Protector Band.
Scalibor Protector Band:
- Flea and tick collar
- Lasts for 6 months
- Waterproof
- Safe for pets and people (not toxic if ingested)
- Best protection if used in conjunction with Frontline® Plus monthly
- Only available from your veterinarian
- No prescription needed when purchasing at The Zimmerman Veterinary Clinic
Please visit the following Web sites for more information:
Nobivac Lyme: http://www.intervetusa.com/products/nobivac-lyme/mechanism-of-action.aspx
For maps by state and county on prevelence of tick diseases: http://www.dogsandticks.com/NA-map-lyme-disease-dogs/
For more information on these new and exciting methods of preventing deadly Lyme Disease, see your veterinarian and The Zimmerman Veterinary Clinic.
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.