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!

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month by Emily Hines, Guest Attendant, Fenway Bark

What is considered Cruelty to animals?

Animals without proper shelter, in need of medical attention, not receiving proper nutrition, animal fighting and animals abandoned when an owner moves away.

What are the consequences for Cruelty to animals?

In the state of Massachusetts if you are found guilty of animal cruelty you may receive up to a $1000.00 fine, seizure of your animal or up to one year imprisonment.

What can I do if I think an animal is being abused?

Contact your local law enforcement/animal control office or the MSPCA Law Enforcement Department.

The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department Administration is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. When calling after hours, leave a brief message along with your name, and the area code and phone number where you may be reached during normal business hours. MSPCA Law Enforcement Department voice mail will not be monitored during weekends, nights or holidays, and voice messages left will not be received until the next business day.  In the event of an emergency after hours, local city/town police departments may be contacted. All Calls are Confidential.

Outside Massachusetts, contact your local police department, animal control or animal protection organization.

How can I help? 

• Always make sure your pet is wearing an I.D. tag
• Prepare a Disaster plan that includes your pet
• Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered

*If you see something, say something! Animals don’t have a voice of their own, so we need to protect them.  We collectively share the responsibility to keep animals safe.