Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks and it can be really damaging to your dog. If you live in an area where ticks are common, you need to make sure that you protect your dog against contracting Lyme disease. To protect your dog against Lyme disease, you need to understand how it spread and what to watch out for.
#1 How Lyme Disease Is Spread
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection. Lyme disease is carried and transmitted to various animals and humans by deer ticks. White-tailed deer spread the ticks to new areas as they migrate. Basically, Lyme disease can be present in any area that has a white-tailed deer population or has had one in the past.
#2 How Lyme Disease Can Affect Your Dog
If your dog gets bitten by a tick, that tick can transfer Lyme disease to your dog. The tricky thing about Lyme disease is that in dogs, it can take months for symptoms of the disease to surface in your dog. After a couple of months, your dog may develop joint pains and a continuous fever. Then, your dog may develop swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, Lyme disease can eventually attack your dog's heart and neurological systems as well. It can be very debilitating and tricky to treat since it takes months for the symptoms to become apparent.
#3 Where Lyme Disease Is Most Common
There are certain regions of the United States where Lyme disease is more common. The three most common areas where Lyme disease is found is the Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest and the Northeast. Lyme disease is not typically found in the Southern portion of the United States.
#4 How to Protect Your Dog Against Lyme Disease
The best way to protect your dog against Lyme disease is by getting your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. This will help protect your dog if they are even bitten by a tick that is carrying Lyme disease. Beyond that, make sure that you protect your dog against ticks and always check your dog for ticks after they have been outside. If your dog develops any of the symptoms associated with Lyme disease, get your dog treatment right away.
If you ever suspect that your dog has contracted Lyme disease, make sure you get them to your vet right away. The sooner you can start treatment for your dog, the better chance they have of fighting against Lyme disease.
