Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month - by Emily Hines, Guest Attendant, Fenway Bark

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world. It is caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group.

What symptoms should I look for?

The early signs of Lyme disease in dogs are most commonly loss of appetite, fever and lethargy. Lameness may occur at the same time or may occur later. In some dogs, enlargement of the lymph nodes (usually generalized enlargement) occurs. In dogs, skin signs, heart disease, kidney problems and neurologic signs are reported to be rare. Symptoms of Lyme disease are usually delayed for several months but start to occur about 2 months after exposure and should show up by 5 to 6 months after a dog or cat is bitten by a tick carrying the bacteria.

How can I protect my dog?

•             You may request a test for Lyme disease from your veterinarian during your pets annual exam

•             Regular use of a flea preventative that protects against ticks as well; such as Frontline or Advantage (available at Fenway Bark!)

•             Check your pet for ticks after they go outside

•             Ability to differentiate an Ixodes tick from other ticks may help the veterinarian identify if it is a carrier of Lyme disease.

What should I do if my dog has Lyme disease?

There are a number of antibiotics from which to choose. It is important that you keep your dog warm and dry, and you will need to control its activity until the clinical signs have improved. The recommended period for treatment is four weeks. Your veterinarian is unlikely to recommend dietary changes. Do not use medications unless they have been recommended by your veterinarian.

Fenway Bark offers a full line of products for flea and tick prevention.  Stop by our store soon to pick up your supply!