With Lyme Borreliosis as its scientific name, Lyme disease can affect people and animals. It is known as a zoonotic disease, which means it is a contagious illness passed from animals to people. Deer ticks, also called black-legged ticks, are the culprits of the stated condition. This particular tick is usually found in grasslands, forests, marshy areas, and woodlands.
People or animals doing outdoor activities like playing on the fields, hiking, and camping are prone to tick bites. As we go further, we will talk about the signs of Lyme disease and the methods to prevent it.
Signs of Lyme Disease
Clinical signs and symptoms of the said illness can include:
- Fever
- Swollen joints
- Limping or lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lethargy
- Stiffness
- Depression
- Excessive Salivating
According to some doctors and vets, dogs might not show signs for weeks and months after a tick bites them. Some infected pets may not show symptoms too. The signs of Lyme disease will depend on the progression of infection. If you are thinking about your pet dog’s health, you must not wait before they show indications.
Whether it’s a dog, cat, or any exotic animal you hold dear to you, their health should be your priority. As their owner, you should take responsibility for their health care needs. Frequently bringing them to a pet center or an avian and exotic vet will help let you know if your furry companion is experiencing illnesses that require appropriate treatment and quick attention.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease
1. Preventative medications
By taking preventive measures to decrease the chances of contracting Lyme illness, you and your dog can be protected. One way to prevent it for your pet is by using reliable tick-preventive products. By taking your dog to facilities like Dockery, Mobley & Associates Animal Hospital, they can see your pet’s condition and suggest the most effective product ideal to apply for them.
2. Preventing common places for ticks
You might like playing with your pet outside, but as much as you can, avoid going to locations where there might be ticks. It might be enjoyable doing activities in the woods where you can play hurdles and other games with your pet but do not. If you are busy and can’t have fun with your pet, at least avoid running them loose in unfamiliar locations.
If you have to leave and do not have anybody to take care of your pet, you may leave your pet in facilities that provide dog boarding services. By doing this, you can ensure your pet is being well taken care of and not worry about them. When playing with your pet outdoors, refraining in the following locations where ticks are prevalent can help protect you and your pet from contracting the disease:
- Wood piles
- High grassy areas
- Wooded areas
- Leaf piles and litter
- Places that may retain moisture
- Fallen and low-hanging branches
- Thick shrubs
3. Vaccination
Consult your vet if your pet needs a dog vaccination for Lyme disease. Depending upon the areas you usually visit, the location where you live, and your pet’s lifestyle, your vet’s recommendations may differ. Veterinarians suggest having your pet vaccinated for Lyme illness if you frequently explore places that might be at risk for your dogs, especially if you live in areas where tick exposure is high.
4. Body Inspection
One method to prevent it in your pet is by inspecting their external body parts. Start checking their fur, ears, paws, muzzle, and face. These parts are frequently the most infested in canines. By doing this every day, you can see if ticks are sticking around their body and remove it as soon as possible. This can help stop the multiplication of parasites in their body.
