Lyme Disease Prevention Month
May is Lyme disease prevention month! The best way to protect your pet from Lyme disease is prevention. Let’s dive into some Lyme disease information to keep you informed and to keep your pet safe.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a disease carried by ticks that affect both animals and humans. A tick is a parasite that feeds off of the blood of the host they land on. Tick bites expose the human or animal to any diseases the tick is carrying, including Lyme disease.
Lyme disease commonly occurs in dogs, but rarely in cats.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can cause serious health risks if left untreated, including heart problems and kidney failure. Symptoms often appear suddenly and show as pain and limping but can also include:
- Lameness
- Loss of Appetite
- Fever
- Generalized pain
- Swollen joints
- Rashes
- Lethargy
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, contact us immediately to be seen by a veterinarian.
How do I protect my pet from Lyme disease?
Prevention is the best way to protect your pet from Lyme disease. Ticks live in wooded, grassy, or sandy areas and climb tall plants and grasses as a way to attach to your pet as they come in contact with the plants. Prevent your pet from running through tall grass and wooded areas and check your pets for ticks after spending time outside.
There are multiple preventative options available that you can discuss with your veterinarian, including vaccines for dogs, oral flea and tick preventative medications, and even some topical flea and tick preventatives. Please ask your veterinarian for the best choice in your area.
Call us today at Highland Veterinary Hospital to schedule your appointment or if you have any questions or concerns about the best preventative options for your pet.