Author: T Warner

COVID-19 Long Haulers Shine a Light on Chronic Lyme

There have been parallels between COVID-19 and Lyme over the last year.  Could COVID-19 long haulers impact the future of treating chronic Lyme?

In June of last year, I wrote about comorbidity between these two illnesses.  A chronic Lyme sufferer, who is being treated with immunosuppressant drugs, could be more susceptible to contracting coronavirus.  Even though COVID-19 is a viral infection, whereas Lyme disease is bacterial, there are similarities in some of the symptoms.  Extreme fatigue, body pain, and fever are just three.  In recent months, we have heard about COVID-19 long haulers.  These are people, who contracted coronavirus and recovered – but cannot seem to fully recover.

covid-10 long haulers
A negative COVID test does not mean a full recovery.

What are long haulers experiencing?

The persistent symptoms left behind seem to be non-discriminating.  There are young and old sufferers.  There are patients, who had no co-morbid conditions.  There are long haulers, who didn’t experience serious COVID-19 symptoms.  Imagine contracting the virus, and feeling okay, only to later begin to feel very sick.  Chronic sufferers are experiencing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, extreme headaches, fatigue, and an increased heart rate many months after their original illness.  The U.S. does not report an average age of COVID-19 long haulers.  A hospital in Paris says the average age of their patients is only 40 years old.

covid long haulers impact lyme sufferers
New long-haulers could shine a light on chronic Lyme sufferers.

Shining a Light on Chronic Lyme Disease

fatigue in COVID long haulersAs experts scramble to unravel the mystery of persistent symptoms of coronavirus, the Global Lyme Alliance is reaching out to these new long haulers.  As with chronic Lyme disease, the common perception is that once you treat the illness, you are cured.  Chronic sufferers of COVID-19 will likely be met with some misunderstanding, but a light is being shone on their suffering.  If you search online or watch the news, you will see their stories.  There is a active push for awareness, and even more incentive for us to protect ourselves.  Doctors are working to treat long haulers, and one could assume that the overall awareness and acceptance of the phenomenon will offer hope to chronic Lyme disease patients, who seek acceptance and effective treatment.  The idea that a negative test does not mean that the infection did not leave lasting effects could eventually become a thing of the past.  Those suffering chronic Lyme could find new hope in no longer being dismissed by their families, friends, and even medical professionals.  There could be a time in the near future, when persistent Lyme symptoms are taken seriously, and this is great news if you suffer from these symptoms.

Hingham Tick Control for Lyme Prevention

tick control Central MassKnowing that Lyme disease can be just as life-altering as COVID-19, it is imperative that we keep ourselves protected from tick bites.  The best way to prevent Lyme infection is to eliminate ticks from your yard.  Reputable tick control companies offer ultimate protection with barrier tick sprays for your property.  These EPA-registered treatments can eliminate up to 95% of ticks from your yard for a couple of weeks at a time.  The best tick control companies offer year-long protection by adding tick tubes to your regimen in the late fall and winter.  Tick tubes can greatly impact the number of ticks that emerge on your property in the spring by killing them where they nest.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Also read: How long can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?

Can my dog catch Lyme disease from other dogs?

Many questions about tick-borne illnesses concern their human impact.  But what about our pets?

Pet owners are realizing more and more that proper tick protection is a must.  Even when a dog lives in a low-risk area, he might still encounter a tick bite in his lifetime.  This can happen when hiking, going to the beach, or just being outdoors, where there is grass and other vegetation.  We know that dogs can contract Lyme disease.  But can your dog catch Lyme disease from other dogs?

Can dogs catch Lyme disease from dogs?
Can my dog catch Lyme disease from other dogs?

Dogs only contract Lyme disease from ticks.

Just like humans, dogs and other animals can only contract Lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick.  So, if you have a pet that is diagnosed with Lyme disease, you should know three things.  First, Lyme disease can be cured in dogs if caught early.  It is estimated that 10% of dogs will actually contract Lyme from the bite of an infected tick.  Lyme disease cannot be passed to other dogs from your dog; nor can your dog catch Lyme disease from other dogs.

dogs cannot catch lyme from other dogs
Dogs cannot catch Lyme from other dogs.

How long does it take to become infected with Lyme?

dogs catch Lyme disease from tick bites only
A tick must be attached for about 48 hours in order to pass infection to your dog.

In order for Lyme bacteria to be passed to your dog, it must be attached for about 48 hours.  This is one reason that you should check your dog regularly for ticks.  This is especially true in the height of tick season.  Even a short trip outdoors can result in a tick attaching to your dog.

Is my cat susceptible to Lyme infection?

While cats can contract Lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick, it is rare.  That does not mean it is impossible, though.  Symptoms in cats include, fatigue, fever, and difficulty breathing.  Cats might also be infected, but show no symptoms.  If you find an engorged tick on your cat, safely remove it, and watch for symptoms of infection.

Can cats contract lyme?
Can your cat get Lyme?

How can you keep ticks away from your dog?

There are many products, which have been created specifically for protecting dogs from ticks.  From over-the-counter collars and ultrasonic devices, to prescription medications – you must weigh all your options.  All-natural remedies are also available.  As a pet owner, you must choose what you feel will best protect your dog.

See more tick and Lyme disease questions and answers:

At-home Gardner tick treatment is important for the health and safety of your whole family.

tick tubes
Tick tubes offer year-round tick control.

Central Massachusetts is a high-risk tick bite region.  With the surge in tick populations, professional tick treatment has never been more important.  Not only for the health of your human family, but also for your pets.  You can choose between EPA-registered tick yard sprays and all-natural repellents.  Each professional formula must be administered ever two to three weeks.  All-natural tick barrier spray will offer less protection for a shorter amount of time.  In the off-season, tick tubes are available.

Also read: Can you get Lyme disease from dog saliva?

These cotton-filled tubes were created to use from late fall through early spring.  The cotton is treated with insecticide, which when carried back to the nests of rodents, will eliminate any ticks therein.  Year-round is essential for ultimate tick control and protection for Lyme disease.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Also read: How can I protect my dog from Lyme disease?

 

Latest Recommendations for Managing Lyme Disease

Managing Lyme disease does not only pertain to treatment therapies.

In November 2020, a panel of experts published an evidence-based study for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, detailing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme.  This study, led by Paul M Lantos, from the Duke University School of Medicine, is the latest benchmark for managing Lyme disease.

managing Lyme disease includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Managing Lyme disease includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment

Managing Lyme disease: Prevention

When it comes to management of Lyme, prevention is paramount.  The 2020 study advises that anyone at risk of exposure should be proactive in preventing tick bites.  There are high-risk areas, like Central Massachusetts, with large deer tick populations.  You should be protected from tick bites every time you are outdoors.  The study recommends using repellents.  On the list of effective repellents, are DEET, picaridin, and permethrin.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also on the list of recommended tick repellents.  If a tick is found, the study recommends removal with clean, fine-tipped tweezers – never using alternate means for removal, such as burning or applying essential oils.

tick control Andover MA
Barrier tick control spray for tick bite protection

Gardner tick treatment measures at home should be employed in high-risk areas, such as Central Mass.  While many areas have municipal sprays, they do not reach far enough to offer complete protection.  Professional EPA-registered and all-natural tick control sprays are available, and should be considered.

Lyme Management: Diagnosis & Treatment

3 stages of Lyme disease
The black-legged tick is a vector of Lyme disease

The study also recommends submitting a tick for identification after removal, to determine if it is a known vector of Lyme.  It suggests that testing the tick for infection does not reliably determine whether a person will contract Lyme disease.  Therefore, testing for Lyme bacteria would not be helpful.

Prophylactic antibiotic treatment is recommended only if these three criteria are met:

  1. The tick is identified as a Lyme vector species
  2. The person lives in an endemic area
  3. The tick is attached for more than 36 hours

If these criteria apply, the study recommends a single prophylactic dose of doxycycline up to 72 hours after removal of the tick.  The dosage should be 200mg for adults and up to 200mg for children, based on weight.  If these criteria are not met, the recommendation is to wait and watch for symptoms.

Lyme disease bullseye rash
Bullseye rash after tick bite

If a rash appears after a tick bite, a clinical diagnosis is recommended, rather than laboratory testing.  Patients with the bullseye rash should begin a 10-day course of doxycycline, or a 14-day course of amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil.  If patients cannot tolerate those antibiotics, a 7-day course of azithromycin is recommended for treatment.  If a patient has Lyme-related facial paralysis, the study makes no additional treatment recommendations over antibiotics.  For patients with Lyme-related arthritis, a 28-day antibiotic regimen is recommended.  If the arthritis is severe, and does not respond to this regimen, an additional 2 to 4-week treatment of IV antibiotics is recommended.  If severe symptoms of arthritis persist after IV treatment, the patient should be referred to a rheumatology specialist.

Lyme disease can manifest in neurological complications, specifically of the central nervous system.  If a patient shows these symptoms, spinal fluid should be tested.  A serum test should also be performed.  These cases of Lyme disease should be treated with IV ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, penicillin G, or oral doxycycline.  Intravenous treatment can be switched to oral treatment, with a recommended treatment duration of 10 to 14 days.

More About This Study

There are extensive recommendations for managing many other facets of Lyme-related illnesses, like carditis, dermatitis, cognitive impairment, and lymphocytoma.  Additionally, there are recommendations for co-infection diagnosis and treatment.  Read the complete publication here.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Also read: What happens if you get bitten by a tick?

Interior Home Maintenance & Repair Tips for Winter

Winter got you feeling blue?  Has the loss of the holiday rush got you in the mood for home maintenance or upgrades?

Winter can be difficult for sun-loving beach-goers and outdoorsy types.  There is no reason to feel shut in, though.  There is still plenty to do inside during the winter months.  Small maintenance and improvement projects around our homes can also give us a feeling of accomplishment.  Simple fixes and oft-forgotten tasks inside will make us appreciate spending 40% more of our time indoors!  Here is a great list of home maintenance tips for winter.

inside home improvements for winter

Mark these home maintenance to-dos done!

Have you been thinking about switching your traditional light bulbs to energy-saving LED?  There is no time like the present.  You’re already indoors, and this could be a great use of your time.  According to the US Department of Energy, LED lighting uses 75% less electricity and lasts up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs!

Change out your furnace filters.  This is another to-do that gets left undone.  Most heating and cooling systems recommend a change every three months.  Did you know that certain homes should change them more often?  If you have indoor pets, a family member with allergies, or an indoor smoker, you should swap your filters out every one to two months, max.

change furnace filters for indoor pets

It is recommended that we change our smoke/CO detectors’ batteries twice yearly with the time change.  If you forgot to do this last November 1, there is no better time to do it.  Also give the “test” button a push once you have put the new batteries in!

Update the look and feel of your home!

A fresh coat of paint can brighten any room inside your home.  Being indoors more this time of year, might prompt you to move forward with painting projects.  Paint a wall, paint a room or two, or simply freshen up your interior trim color.  You might be surprised what a bit of paint can do to improve any space inside your home!

home projects in winter

Are you feeling weighed down by the amount of clutter accumulating around your home or apartment?  How about undertaking a de-cluttering and re-organization project this winter?  It’s a great way to spend a few hours, as it frees up needed space, and being better organized is mood-enhancing to boot!  Consider donating unneeded items to a local charity.

If your decor is leaving you feeling underwhelmed, how about making some changes.  A new light fixture, art or antique piece, tile backsplash, or even cabinet hardware can give us the perfectly simple update we’re looking for.  Plus, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on these small upgrades.

wintertime home improvements indoors

Take care of the inside now, and be ready for outdoor maintenance in the spring!

As the days continue to grow longer, and eventually begin to warm, all your indoor tasks will be done.  In the springtime, landscaping, exterior painting, and cleaning up will begin.  From planting new flowers and shrubs, to cleaning out gutters and tidying up around our homes, there will be plenty of reason to get outside the confines of your home this spring.

tick control Acton MALest we forget our essential Gardner tick treatment!  Remember as the weather is consistently warmer, ticks will begin to emerge.  Protect your family and pets from the threat of Lyme disease and other dangerous tick-borne illnesses with professional tick protection around your home.  Enlist the help of a reputable tick treatment company for ultimate protection from blood-thirsty ticks!

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Can you get Lyme disease in the fall and winter?

Does Lyme disease cause Bell’s palsy?

I have written in the past about how Lyme disease can seem like other illnesses.  Can Bell’s palsy be an indicator of Lyme infection?

Most recently, I wrote about how Lyme can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s.  Bell’s palsy is a relatively rare condition.  There are about 200,000 known cases per year in the United States.  Some cases are not as serious as others.  Bell’s palsy results in muscle weakness in half of the face.  Those suffering from the condition, might notice pain in their ear.  Vision can also be affected.  More often, Bell’s palsy results in the inability to open or close the eyelids, or control facial expressions on one side of the face.  There is usually noticeable facial drooping.  Bell’s palsy can also result in sensitivity to taste and smell.  It is treated with anti-viral medication and steroids, but often resolves on its own within a few months.  Bell’s palsy is said to rarely occur more than one time.  But what if it does?

Can Lyme disease cause Bell's palsy?
Can Lyme disease cause Bell’s palsy?

Can Lyme disease cause Bell’s Palsy?

If you have been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, it could be a sign of chronic Lyme disease.  Chronic Lyme disease can attack the facial nerves.  Recurring cases of Bell’s palsy might be a sign of stage three of Lyme disease.  Seek medical attention for recurring Bell’s palsy.  Your physician might recommend Lyme testing.  You can have Lyme disease for years without knowing it.  If your doctor does not recommend Lyme testing, ask them about it.  You might also seek help from a Lyme-specialized physician for proper diagnosis.

Can Bell's palsy from Lyme go away?
Infected deer ticks transmit Lyme, which can result in Bell’s palsy in the latter stages.

Lyme disease occurs from the bite of an infected deer tick.  A tick must be attached for about 36 to 48 hours before transmitting the bacteria that cause Lyme.  Lyme disease is both the most prolific and under-diagnosed tick-borne illness at the same time.  The CDC believes that the 30,000 known cases of Lyme each year could actually be ten times higher.  This is because many cases are not properly diagnosed.

Does Bell’s palsy from Lyme go away?

About 5% of Lyme sufferers experience facial palsy.  It can occur within a few weeks of a bite from an infected tick.  This might look like Bell’s palsy, but it is not the same.  Facial paralysis caused by Lyme infection should not be treated the same as Bell’s palsy.  The bacterial infection of Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.  Facial paralysis caused by early onset Lyme can go away with quick diagnosis and treatment.  It might take a few weeks or a few months to fully recover from facial palsy, even after treatment of Lyme is complete.

Other Causes of Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a known result of a viral infection.  There is evidence to show that recurring viral infections can inflame facial nerves, and result in Bell’s palsy.  Some of these infections include herpes simplex, chickenpox, shingles, and infectious mononucleosis.  If you experience signs of Bell’s palsy, seek medical assistance immediately.  Facial paralysis can also be caused by stroke.

See more tick and Lyme disease questions and answers:

Avoid Lyme disease with effective tick control.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

The adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” aptly applies to prevention of Lyme disease.  The less chance you have of encountering an infected tick, the better.  This means at-home professional tick control, and personal tick protection when you are outdoors away from home.  Barrier tick spray can eliminate up to 95% of ticks around your home.  The best fight against Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses is by proven tick bite prevention.

Also read: What happens if you get bitten by a tick?

Engorged Ticks: What happens when a tick becomes engorged?

With the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne illnesses in our area, you might be familiar with engorged ticks.

tick life cycle Lyme transmission Tick Encounter
Tick life cycle and Lyme disease transmission information

But do you know what engorged ticks are up to?  Why do they seek blood in the first place?  Ticks must feed on blood during each stage of their life in order to live to the next stage.  Their goal in life is to live to adulthood and procreate.  As adults, ticks will seek their final blood meal in order to mate.  What happens when ticks become engorged?  Do ticks fall off when they are engorged?  What happens after a tick mates?

Do ticks die when they become engorged?

engorged tick on dog
Engorged tick on a dog

When an adult tick feeds on human or animal blood, they are doing so prior to mating.  Male ticks will feed, but do not usually become engorged like females.  Once a female tick becomes engorged with blood, she will detach from her host to seek a mate.  Once she mates, she can lay thousands of tick eggs.  After laying her clutch of eggs, she will die.  Once an adult male tick mates, he too, will die.  So, while a tick does not immediately die after becoming engorged on blood, they will die after taking a blood meal and mating.

female tick laying eggs
Female ticks lay thousands of eggs before dying.

Where will the tick go to mate?  Ideally, when a tick falls off, they would need to be outdoors to mate.  It is reported that the brown dog tick can live and mate indoors, where they might lay their eggs in carpet, or somewhere protected inside a home.  I think the likelihood of this happening is very small.  Tick prevention for your pet is one great way to prevent this.

How long does it take a tick to become engorged?

do ticks die when they are engorged
Engorged tick

A tick will need to remain attached to its host at least 36 to 48 hours to take a complete blood meal.  This goes for nymph and adults, alike.  More often, nymph ticks are responsible for the spread of disease.  It will take at least 24 hours of attachment before Lyme disease is spread to the host.  Nymph ticks are so small, they are often not found until they begin to get engorged with blood.  This is why they transmit most tick-borne illnesses.

The best way to prevent encountering ticks is with full-scale tick control.

Central Mass tick controlProfessional Central Mass tick control is a top priority for the health and safety of your family.  Full-scale efforts require barrier tick protection, applied to your property from springtime through fall.  In the late fall and winter, those efforts continue with innovative tick tubes.  This method of tick control is the best form of tick-borne illness prevention, as it literally stops the tick life cycle in its tracks.  With year-long protection, you will notice a greatly decreased number of ticks that emerge in the springtime.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Also read: Should I see a doctor about a tick bite?

What happens if you get bitten by a tick?

Do all tick bites cause infection?  Have you ever wondered what happens if you get bitten by a tick?

Not all ticks carry infectious diseases.  Most tick bites are harmless.  Depending on where you live, more than 50% of ticks can carry harmful diseases.  Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne illness.  The lesser-known Powassan virus is one potentially fatal tick-borne disease.  No matter where you live, some form of tick control could be a matter of life and death.  Let’s assume for the purpose of this article, that your tick bite is from a non-infectious tick.

What happens if you get bitten by tick?
What happens if you get bitten by a non-infectious tick?

What happens if you get bitten by a tick that is not a disease carrier?

remove tick with tweezer
Remove the tick with tweezers.

If a non-infected tick latches onto your skin, the most damage it can cause is irritation or infection of the bite site.  This often happens if you attempt to get the tick out, but the head or mouth parts remain in your skin.  What can you do to remove a tick head or its mouth parts?  According to one source, you can attempt removal the same way you would if you had a splinter.

  1. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the bite area.
  3. Use a sterile needle to gently lift the skin above the lodged tick parts.
  4. Gently remove the tick parts from your skin.

If you cannot get the tick parts out of your skin, they might work themselves out over the next few days.  Keep an eye on your tick bite.  If you notice pain, redness, or swelling, it could be infected.  At that time, seek medical attention to treat the infection and have the tick parts removed.

It is very important to remember the proper methods of tick removal when removing any tick.  Often, petroleum jelly or a match is recommended by the masses.  Do not use either of those methods for removing a tick.  Spend two minutes watching this video to see how to properly remove a tick.

Tick control is an essential element in remaining virtually tick-free.

Dave Macchia mosquito conrol and tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia
Central Mass enthusiast for effective season-long mosquito and tick protection

All Central Mass residents are aware of the threat of ticks.  With rising tick populations, homeowners are wising up to proper tick protection.  Hiring a reputable tick control company is essential in the fight against tick bites.  These companies offer barrier tick control, as well as protection in the fall and winter with tick tubes.

Also read: Can I remove a tick with peppermint oil?

How long can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?

If you have been bitten by a Lyme infected tick, you might not even know.  Can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?

There are three distinct stages of Lyme disease.  When a person is bitten by an infected deer tick, they are up against time for treating their infection.  How long can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?

Can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?
Can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?

Lyme Disease Infection Timeline

Infection time: 24 to 36 Hours
In order to be infected by a tick bite, a tick must be attached for at least 24 hours.  If you think that’s a long time to not even know you have a tick on you, think again.  Nymph ticks are so tiny, they often go unnoticed.  That’s why they are the biggest spreaders of Lyme infection.  It’s easy for a person or a pet to have a tick attached for 24 to 36 hours unnoticed.  Some people never know they had a tick attached at all!

Early symptoms begin to show: Within 30 Days
If a person shows early symptoms of Lyme, it usually occurs within 30 days after infection.  The problem is, many never show symptoms, or overlook their symptoms.  People, who work outdoors, or spend lots of recreational time outdoors, should be mindful of potential early onset Lyme disease symptoms.  Fever, fatigue, and body aches are among the most common symptoms, as well as a bull’s eye rash around the tick bite.  If symptoms do not occur within 30 days, they can be more severe.  Early Lyme disease can be cured with doxycycline.  The length of treatment will depend on whether the infection is localized or has begun to spread through the body.

Late symptoms occur: 6 Months to 3 Years – or Longer
Can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?  Lyme disease infection can go unnoticed for three years or longer.  Symptoms are so varied, that many people never know they have it until it begins to make them very sick.  Yes, you can have Lyme disease for years without knowing it!  Late disseminated Lyme disease cannot be cured.  This late stage of Lyme can show symptoms relating to other diseases, like dementia or Rheumatoid arthritis.  Some with chronic Lyme can receive successful symptom treatment.  Others spend years trying to get their symptoms under control.  Some seek conventional medicine.  Others will try holistic treatments.

See more tick and Lyme disease questions and answers:

Lyme Prevention is Possible

There is no Lyme disease vaccine, but there are methods of prevention.  Wearing long sleeves and pants when hiking, camping, or working will offer personal tick protection.  Wearing clothes treated with permethrin can also help keep ticks away.

tick control Acton MAAt home Lyme prevention is available through reputable tick control companies.  Professional Central Mass tick control companies will offer a choice between repellents and insecticides.  Repellents will keep ticks away from your yard.  EPA-registered pesticides will eliminate ticks.  Repellents and insecticides are available in time-released formulas.  Time released tick control will give you about two or three weeks of protection at home.

Don’t forget to protect your home year-round.  Tick tubes offer extended tick control through the fall and winter.  Employing this kind of tick control will result in less ticks on your property in the springtime.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

Also read: 3 Stages of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Dogs can contract a number of human illnesses.  They can get a cold or flu.  According to the CDC, they can even get COVID-19.  What about Lyme?

Lyme disease in dogs is much like the human infection.  Dogs get Lyme infection from the black legged tick, also known as the deer tick.  It takes 36 to 48 hours of tick attachment for the Lyme bacteria to be passed to dogs.  An anecdotal survey suggests that 10% to 60% of dogs are infected with Lyme disease in high-transmission areas.  Whether you are a dog owner, or plan to adopt a dog this holiday season, here are a few things you should know about Lyme disease in dogs.

Lyme disease in dogs
Could your dog have Lyme disease?

Does Lyme disease in dogs result in symptoms?

Dogs, who become infected, can show symptoms.  They can present joint pain and swelling, lethargy, and fever – just like humans.  However, it is believed that most dogs do not show immediate Lyme symptoms.  Your dog could become ill long after contracting Lyme disease.  Veterinarians can test your beloved friend for Lyme, but be prepared to wait.  It can take two months or longer to diagnose Lyme disease in dogs.

dogs might show lyme disease symptoms
Many dogs do not show signs of infection.

Can it be cured in dogs?

Yes.  Another similarity to human infection is that with quick diagnosis, Lyme disease can be cured in dogs.  A round of doxycycline can nip Lyme in the bud in as little as three days!  The great news is, Lyme disease can also be prevented in dogs.  A Lyme vaccine is available, though like many human vaccines, it is highly debated.

Also read: How close are we to a Lyme vaccine?

Lyme disease can be cured in dogs
Lyme is curable and preventable in dogs.

Can Lyme disease shorten your dog’s life?

Unfortunately, if a proper diagnosis is not made early after infection, your dog could become very ill down the road.  Dogs, who go untreated can go into eventual kidney failure.  Signs of kidney failure might be loss of appetite and weight loss, lethargy, pale gums, and an increase or decrease in drinking.  Blood and urine tests will show if your dog is in kidney failure.  Chronic kidney disease can be treated with special diets, prescription medication, and all-natural remedies.  However, advanced kidney disease can result in a loss of quality of life, and shorten your dog’s life.

dogs get Lyme disease like humans
Keep your dog’s health in good check to improve quality of life.

Protect your dogs with the best tick protection.

Dave Macchia, tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia, Central Mass tick control enthusiast

The best protection is professional tick control, along with veterinarian recommended treatment for your dog.  Professional tick control efforts around your home will greatly decrease your dog’s chances of a tick encounter, which could result in Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis.  Reputable Central Mass tick control is available for the health and happiness of your pet.  Be sure to employ year-round tick control, including tick tubes in the fall and winter.  Also practice the 6 C’s of tick control!

Also read: Can you get Lyme disease from dog saliva?

Can we eliminate Lyme disease by 2030?

Non-profit, Center for Lyme Action, issues a call-to-action with Lyme Moonshot strategy.

In a world, where Lyme disease is so prevalent, can we hope to eradicate the disease by 2030?  Center for Lyme Action co-founder, Bonnie Crater believes we can.  Likening the focus required to that of President Kennedy’s declaration that we would land on the moon within a decade, Crater notes, “With the right focus, the country can meet that challenge.”

eliminate Lyme disease by 2030
Can we hope to eliminate Lyme disease by 2030?

The First Step in a Federal Fight Against Lyme Disease

In December 2019, President Trump signed the Kay Hagan Tick Act into law.  This bi-partisan effort was introduced after Senator Kay Hagan died from complications of a tick-borne illness.  Bonnie Crater believes that this law has laid the essential foundation for furthering federal funding to eliminate Lyme disease by 2030.  Federal money would go toward better understanding Lyme, vaccine development, and better early diagnostics.

Lyme disease research funding
More Lyme research funding is required.

What is the toll of Lyme?

Deer and Lyme Disease in Central MassCenter for Lyme Action believes there are up to 2 million chronic Lyme sufferers in the United States.  They believe the potential economic cost of Lyme disease exceeds $75 billion.  Lyme is non-biased, and affects people of all ages, all walks of life.  Due to the territorial expansion of tick populations, Center for Lyme Action says that ALL Americans should be worried about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.  We can no longer say that tick-borne diseases are only happening in the Northeast or Southeast.  Climate change and deforestation are two of the contributing factors of expanding tick populations.

Also read: Is Lyme disease curable?

How can we eliminate Lyme by 2030?

massachusetts tickThe Lyme Moonshot initiative declares that accelerating efforts to diagnose, treat, and prevent the disease are necessary to eliminate Lyme by the end of the decade.  Center for Lyme Action is asking for the formation of a new White House office, called TICK (Tick-borne Innovation, Collaboration, and Knowledge).  This new office would work to harness science and technology to step up the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases by joining forces in the private sector, healthcare providers, and research institutions.

Lyme prevention is here now with professional tick control.

Dave Macchia mosquito conrol and tick control enthusiast
Dave Macchia
Central Mass enthusiast for effective season-long mosquito and tick protection

Current Lyme prevention is available now, and until we have achieved elimination, we must utilize the tools we have.  The most important facet in Lyme prevention is at-home tick control.  Professional tick control companies offer “in-season” tick barrier spray, as well as fall and winter tick tubes, which are deployed to control the emerging population in the spring.  Reputable tick control companies also offer all-natural tick repellent formulas.  Until tick-borne diseases no longer exist, we must be vigilant in helping prevent their spread.

Also read: How close are we to a Lyme vaccine?