Many people fear Lyme disease, and understandably so, but this virulent disease can also affect dogs and cats. If your pet spends time outdoors, their risk increases because they can contract Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick. Since summer is the prime season to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend, our Stanton Pet Hospital team wants you to understand your pet’s risk of contracting Lyme disease, the condition’s signs, and its prevention. 

Lyme disease in pets

Lyme disease can affect cats and dogs. However, dogs are particularly at risk, especially if they frequent areas where ticks are prevalent such as meadows and forests. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. The tick must be attached to the pet for 24 to 48 hours to transmit bacteria. Because of this timeframe, removing ticks promptly is important if you find them on your furry friend. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage, neurologic disorders, and cardiac issues.

Lyme disease signs in pets

Lyme disease signs can appear weeks to months after a tick bite, so you should remain vigilant. Schedule your pet’s visit with our Stanton Pet Hospital team if your furry pal exhibits any of the following Lyme disease signs:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Intermittent lameness
  • Swollen joints
  • Decreased appetite
  • Kidney issues

Lyme disease treatments for pets

If your pet is diagnosed with Lyme disease, the standard treatment involves antibiotics, typically doxycycline or amoxicillin, for several weeks. Pain medications may also be necessary if the disease is causing joint pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome. In cases where Lyme disease has progressed, including neurologic or organ disease,  hospitalization, additional therapies, and supportive care may be necessary.

Protecting your pet from Lyme disease

Preventing Lyme disease in pets involves a multifaceted approach, minimizing your furry pal’s exposure to ticks and ensuring they get an early diagnosis and treatment. Follow these effective Lyme disease prevention strategies:

  • Tick control products — Our team prescribes tick preventives, which include oral medications and topical treatments. These medications kill ticks on contact, preventing them from biting and transmitting disease. Oral medications, given to your furry friend monthly, are the most reliable tick preventives.
  • Vaccination — A Lyme disease vaccine is available for dogs and can provide additional protection. Discuss this option with our veterinarian to determine whether this vaccine is suitable for your pet based on their lifestyle, location, and other risk factors.
  • Environmental management — To discourage ticks from establishing habitats in your yard, keep the grass short and remove leaf litter. Create tick-free zones by using wood chips or gravel to separate wooded areas from your pet’s play areas. Also, consider professional pest control treatments to reduce tick populations in your yard.
  • Routine skin checks — After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your furry friend for ticks. Pay close attention to areas where ticks like to hide, including the ears, neck, groin, and between toes. Promptly remove ticks by using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, grasping the tick as close as possible to the skin’s surface, and pulling it straight out. Look for tick parts remaining on your pet’s skin because, if left embedded, they can cause infection.
  • Hiking and camping safety — If you hike or camp with your dog, keep them away from overgrown, bushy areas. Stay on a well-groomed hiking trail and set up your tent in an open area, free from tall grasses, thick brush, and marsh. Check your pet’s skin for ticks throughout the day.
  • Wellness appointments — When our veterinarian performs your pet’s regular wellness exams, we can detect and treat Lyme disease early. Our team uses blood tests to identify the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and screens for other parasites and illnesses. Your pet’s wellness exams can provide you with peace of mind, knowing your furry friend is healthy and parasite-free.

Lyme disease is a preventable yet potentially severe illness in pets. You can significantly reduce your pet’s Lyme disease risk by employing a combination of tick control measures, vaccination, environmental management, and routine skin checks. Regular veterinary care is critical to early detection and effective treatment, safeguarding your furry companion’s health and happiness. For more information on your pet’s Lyme disease risk, contact our Stanton Pet Hospital team.