Lyme Disease - Prevention Could Save
Undue Pain for Dogs
My dog has a tick!
Remove it as soon as possible. Use a fine tipped tweezers and grasp near the head of the tick very close to the skin. Pull the tick straight out. Put the tick in a jar of alcohol to kill it. Swab the area with alcohol. If a part of the tick remains in the dog, apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the area. Make an appointment with your veterinarian, if there are any concerns that the area may be infected.
Could my dog have Lyme Disease?
The most common signs of Lyme Disease are fever, lameness (limping), anorexia (lack of appetite) and lack of energy (lethargy). In addition to Lyme Disease, another bacterium (Anaplasma) can be carried by the same tick, which could have the same signs as well as vomiting and diarrhea. The only way to truly know if your dog has Lyme Disease is to have your dog tested.
I suspect Lyme Disease, what do I do?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will run a test for Lyme Disease that requires a few drops of blood and takes less than 10 minutes. If positive, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan that best meets the need of your individual dog. Left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause year's of unnecessary pain, limiting and even severe long term effects (see next question).
Is Lyme Disease curable?
If a dog is left untreated the Lyme Disease bacteria will multiply in their system and could eventually lead to damaged joints and fatal kidney disease. The treatment for Lyme Disease is serious of antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian. Pain medication is also used if the dog is lame.
Dog Lyme Disease Prevention
There are three steps to prevent Lyme Disease infection:
- Check your dog daily and remove ticks as soon as they are found.
- Use a topical tick preventative such as Frontline® (available through veterinarians).
- Vaccinate your dog for Lyme Disease. This vaccine needs to be boostered every year to be effective (see your veterinarian).
My dog has Lyme Disease can I get it from my dog?
Lyme Disease can not be transmitted directly from dogs to humans. If a person finds a tick on them, they should contact their physician as Lyme Disease in humans can cause serious problems.
My dog had Lyme Disease last year, can he get it again?
Once treated, the disease can still strike again. Follow the three steps outlined above to prevent Lyme Disease. All dog owners should have their dog checked on a yearly basis for Lyme Disease.
Web sites to learn more.
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.