Ticks & Lyme Disease
Spring is the time of the year that everyone enjoys being outside and that includes your pets too! But this is also the time of the year that ticks are becoming active and seeking their next host. The deer tick (aka the black-legged tick) is the main transporter of Lyme disease. The deer tick attaches to a host that already has Lyme disease. Then the disease is transferred to the tick from the blood the tick takes from the infected host. The tick is unharmed in the process, and then moves on to a new host. The new host is then infected with Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is most prevalent in the northeastern portion of the United States. California and Texas are also becoming problem areas for Lyme disease. Unfortunately, ticks are frequently found in wooded or grassy areas, but can even be in your back yard.
If you live in an area that Lyme disease is prevalent, you can get your pet vaccinated against the disease. Contact your veterinarian for more information on vaccination. Also the use of a monthly topical product like Frontline will help control ticks.
There are symptoms of Lyme disease, however most symptoms do not show up until two to five months after being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms include limping, shifting lameness of the legs, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, pain and or swelling in the joints, lethargy, and kidney failure. If you notice any of these symptoms with your pet contact your veterinarian immediately!
Tags: black legged tick, deer tick, dog lyme disease, dog lyme disease symptons, dog tick