By now we've all heard about Lyme disease but you're still not sure how it affects you and your pet. Here’s what pet parents should know about Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is one of the fastest growing communicable diseases in New York State. It is caused by bacteria and transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected deer tick. Some reports suggest as many as 50 percent of deer ticks are infected with Lyme disease.
Peak time for infection is June and July but the deer tick season starts in the spring and continues through the summer into the fall.
Ticks have been found in more than 25 species of mammals from cows to chipmunks and are also carried by birds, their primary mode of travel.
Here are a few tips to help prevent the spread of Lyme disease to your pets.
By now we've all heard about Lyme disease but you're still not sure how it affects you and your pet. Here’s what pet parents should know about Lyme disease.
After coming in from a walk in grass or the woods check your pet for ticks. Check their head, between toes, ears and in their under arms -- all places ticks love to hide.
Brush your dog before coming in on a light surface and watch for ticks to fall.
If your dog develops a fever, seems tired, limps or looses their appetite take them to your vet for testing. The faster it is diagnosed the easier it is to defeat. Without treatment Lyme disease can become a chronic illness and lead to kidney damage or neurological issues.
You know the old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, this is one instance where it is so true. Your vet can suggest a treatment like "Canine Advantix" that will prevent ticks from biting your pet in the first place.