What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?
Lyme disease is often more challenging to identify in dogs than in humans, primarily due to the lack of a rash. While humans typically develop a characteristic “bullseye” rash around the location of the tick bite causing the infection, dogs dont develop this rash. Instead, behavioral cues are used to identify canine Lyme disease.
Those symptoms include:
While tick bites are the cause of Lyme disease, the development of symptoms takes place much later than the initial bite. Your dog may not show symptoms of Lyme disease until two to five months after being infected. The signs of Lyme disease in dogs can also bear similarities to the symptoms of other health conditions. For this reason, its crucial that dog owners seek out a veterinary diagnosis if they suspect their pet has canine Lyme disease.
Clubs Offering:
Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species of ticks. It is caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or person’s bloodstream through a tick bite. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can travel to different parts of the body and cause problems in specific organs or locations, such as joints, as well as overall illness.
Given the seriousness of Lyme disease, it’s important to be aware of tick prevention and treatment for dogs.
The ticks that carry Lyme disease are especially likely to be found in tall grasses, thick brush, marshes, and woods — waiting to latch onto your dog when he passes by. A tick can transmit the disease once it has been attached to a dog for 24 to 48 hours.
First named when a number of cases occurred in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975, the disease can be hard to detect and can cause serious, ongoing health problems in both dogs and people.
Lyme disease happens in every state, but infection risks vary. Over 95% of cases are from the Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific coast, although with recent changes in deforestation, migrating deer, and bird populations, percentage rates in these areas are constantly changing.
A small number of cases crop up each year along the West Coast, especially Northern California. In Canada, Lyme-positive dogs are found mostly in southern Ontario and southern Manitoba. A smaller number of cases are reported each year in Southern Quebec and the Maritime Provinces.
What Should I Do if I Find Ticks on my Dog?
Removing the ticks within 24-36 hours will usually prevent infection. Using tweezers, grasp the head as close to your pets skin as possible and pull straight out. Wash the area with soap and water, disinfectant with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
If possible, save the tick in a Ziploc bag and record the approximate date of the bite. If symptoms develop, contact our team at the Cabbagetown Pet Clinic.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs- And Why It’s SO Dangerous – Professional Dog Training Tips
Lyme disease is a fairly common illness in dogs, just as it is in humans. And cases continue to rise in both species every year. Despite widely available preventative measures for dogs, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CACP) reported that confirmed cases in the U.S. rose over 43% between 2017 and 2021.
Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the symptoms, preventing, diagnosing, and treating this expensive tick-borne illness. Symptoms can take months to develop so it’s important to keep an eye on your pup long after a tick bite. Table Of Contents
Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by ticks. Ticks often carry the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, responsible for transferring Lyme disease through a bite that then gets into our bloodstream. Ticks pick up this bacteria by feeding on infected hosts, most commonly mice.
Dogs, cats, and people are all at risk of developing Lyme disease. You can’t get infected by touching your pet; you can only get infected through a tick’s bite. Ticks are commonly found in tall grassy, wooded, or sandy areas, so avoiding them is difficult.
Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease? There was a human vaccine for Lyme disease until 2002, when it was discontinued because there wasn’t enough demand.
But dog and cat vaccines are still available; however, it isn’t recommended for all pets and breeds. Ask your vet about whether your pet is a prime candidate for this vaccine.
There are still other precautions you should take to avoid Lyme disease. You should check your dog for ticks after hiking or any other outdoor excursions.
You should also try to apply some tick repellent to your dog to help deter ticks. Talk to your vet about the best repellent for ticks in your area. We have suggestions for homemade tick prevention, as well as products available on the market that help prevent ticks.