There are many signs that your dog has Lyme disease — and you need to respond to them accordingly.
Fever, loss of appetite, and swollen joints are common signs that your dog has Lyme disease. If you notice your dog has any of these issues or displays other signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian. When you do, your veterinarian can perform tests to determine if your pet is dealing with Lyme disease or another illness. If your vet finds your dog has Lyme disease, you can get help to treat this issue before it gets out of hand.
What are the long-term symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?
Lyme disease that goes untreated can cause your dog to experience damage to their kidneys, nervous system, and heart. In some instances, dogs with Lyme disease experience facial paralysis and seizures. The disease can cause a dog’s heart rate to escalate. In the worst-case scenario, Lyme disease that goes unaddressed can be fatal.
How does a dog get Lyme disease?
Ticks transmit Lyme disease to dogs and other animals. For instance, a tick carrying the disease can climb onto a dog’s body at any time. The dog may have no idea the tick is on its body, and the tick will bite the dog and feed off its blood. Meanwhile, the tick can infect the dog with Lyme disease. The tick may remain on the dog for an extended period of time or find another host. Regardless, the dog can be infected with Lyme disease, which can cause it to experience long-term health problems.
Can cats get Lyme disease?
Research suggests cats may be able to get Lyme disease, but the disease has not been discovered in a cat to date. However, ticks can still climb onto the coat of a cat, get close to its skin, and feed off of it. They tend to bite cats on the neck, ears, feet, and head. Thus, if you have a cat, you should keep a close eye out for ticks on it. If you don’t, the tick may continue to feed off your cat long into the future.
What is the best tick control option for dogs?
Tick prevention products are available for dogs. These products are designed to keep ticks from getting on your dog or kill ticks. Some tick prevention products consist of medication that you give your pet monthly. Others are applied topically to your dog’s skin. Along with using tick prevention products, you can check your dog frequently for ticks. You can do so as soon as your dog comes indoors from a wooded area or any other space where ticks may be present. Look around your dog’s ears, face, and across the body and remove any ticks immediately.
How can I prevent ticks from reaching my dog at home?
A tick control company can offer tips and recommendations to help you keep ticks outside your home. The company’s technicians can assess your home and see if there are any areas where ticks can populate. Next, the technicians can apply a treatment to limit the tick population on your property. They can complete ongoing treatments to help you combat ticks moving forward.
Also read: Can you get Lyme disease in the winter?