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.
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.
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?
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.
Protect your dogs with the best tick protection.
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!