With Lyme Borreliosis as its scientific name, Lyme disease can affect people and animals. It is known as a zoonotic disease, which means it is a contagious disease that can be passed from animals to human beings. Deer ticks, also called black-legged ticks, are what cause the mentioned disease. This particular tick can be found on grasslands, forests, marshy areas, and woodlands.
People or animals doing outdoor activities like playing on the fields, hiking, and camping are prone to tick bites. As we go further, we will explain the signs of Lyme disease and the ways to prevent it.
Signs of Lyme Disease
Clinical signs and symptoms of the said illness can include:
- Fever
- Swollen joints
- Limping or lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Stiffness
- Depression
- Excessive Salivating
According to some doctors and vets, dogs might not show signs for weeks and months after a tick bites them. Infected canines might not show signs too. The symptoms of Lyme disease will depend on the progression of infection. If you are bothered with your pet dog’s health, you should not wait before they show signs. However, upon seeing any of these visible symptoms in your pet, immediately take them to an emergency vet clinic to be treated the soonest possible.
Whether they are canines, cats, or any exotic animals you hold dear to you, their health must be your priority. As their owner, you should take responsibility for their health care needs. Regularly bringing them to a pet center or an avian and exotics animal hospital will help let you know if your dog is experiencing diseases that need proper treatment and quick attention.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease
1. Preventative medications
By taking preventive measures to lower the chances of contracting Lyme disease, you and your dog can be secured. One way to prevent it for your pet is by using trustworthy tick-preventive products. By bringing your dog to facilities like Dockery, Mobley & Associates Animal Hospital, they can see your pet’s condition and recommend the most effective product ideal to use for them.
2. Avoiding common places for ticks
You may love having fun with your furry buddy outside, but as much as you can, prevent going in locations where there might be ticks. It may be enjoyable doing activities in the woods where you can play obstacles and other games with your dog, but don’t. If you are busy and can’t have a good time with your pet, avoid running them loose in unfamiliar areas.
If you need to leave and do not have anybody to care for your pet, you might leave your pet in facilities that provide dog boarding services. By doing this, you can be sure your pet is being well looked after and not be worried about them. When playing with your pet outdoors, refraining in the following locations where ticks are prevalent can help protect you and your pet from contracting the disease:
- Wood piles
- High grassy areas
- Wooded areas
- Fallen and low-hanging branches
- Leaf piles and litter
- Places that may retain moisture
- Thick shrubs
3. Vaccination
Consult your veterinarian if your dog needs vaccination for Lyme disease. Depending upon the locations you usually go to, the place where you live, and your pet’s lifestyle, your veterinarian’s recommendations might vary. Veterinarians suggest having your canine vaccinated for Lyme illness if you often go to locations that may be dangerous for your pets, particularly if you live in places where tick exposure is high.
4. Body Inspection
One way to prevent it in your dog is by checking its external body parts. Start inspecting their fur, ears, paws, muzzle, and face. These parts are often the most plagued in canines. By doing this daily, you can see if ticks are staying in their body and remove it right away. This can help stop the multiplication of parasites in their body.
