Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs

Did you know that the first case of Lyme disease was found in a canine in 1985? The cause of Lyme disease is B. burgdorferi, which is a bacteria that is transmitted by a deer tick.
Many dogs with Lyme disease show signs of lethargy due to the pressure that the disease can cause on their joints. Some dogs may have a more severe case of lethargy that will last for only three to four days, but then it returns days or even weeks later.

Here are some additional symptoms that indicate a possible Lyme disease infection:

• Stiffly walking
• Difficulties breathing
• Sensitivity to touch
• Fever
• Lack of appetite

If you think that your dog may have been exposed to Lyme disease, a blood test is available that can find antibodies produced by the body in response to an infection with B. burgdorferi.
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics for 14 days or more. The probability of a positive response to the antibiotic is high, however studies have shown that some dogs were still carrying the bacteria even after the full course of antibiotics. While it’s upsetting to know that your dog may never be fully free of B. burgdorferi, the good news is that they may also never show signs of the disease again.
The best medicine, as we all know, is prevention! There are Lyme disease vaccinations for pets are available. With the combination of vaccination and the consistent use of tick control products, the chances of your dog being diagnosed with Lyme disease greatly decrease. Another way you can keep your dog safe is by avoiding wooded areas while outdoors with your dog. If you do bring your dog into a wooded area, make sure they stay on the path if there is one, and avoid any tall grass. After a walk, be sure to do a tick inspection; the sooner a tick is found, the better the chance of avoiding disease.

If a tick is found, the CDC recommends the following steps for removal:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin.
3. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
4. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
5. Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Remember: never crush a tick with your fingers.