| Lyme disease is primarily spread to both dogs | | | | To lessen your dogs chances of contracting |
| and humans through the bite of an infected | | | | lyme disease, you should vaccinate him. After |
| tick. Many different species of ticks can be | | | | the initial immunization, a booster is |
| involved, including the deer tick, the | | | | recommended three weeks later, followed |
| western black-legged tick, and the black | | | | thereafter by annual re-vaccinations. The |
| legged tick. Ticks are tiny parasites that | | | | symptoms of Lyme disease in humans are |
| are difficult to see with the naked eye and | | | | similar to those found in dogs, and |
| can easily hide on people and pets. | | | | vaccination of the family dog will help to |
| | | | prevent the spread to humans. |
| Ticks, however, are not the only way the | | | | |
| disease can be spread, fleas and other biting | | | | A tick must feed on the host for |
| insects are capable of spreading it as well. | | | | approximately 24 hours before spread of the |
| There have been incidents in which Lyme | | | | disease takes place. When you return from an |
| disease has been transmitted by direct | | | | outing, carefully check your dog's skin and |
| contact with infected body fluids. This ease | | | | coat, including the groin, around the ears |
| of transmission has made Lyme disease one of | | | | and tail and between the toes. If a tick is |
| the most commonly reported tick-borne | | | | found, remove it immediately with an alcohol |
| diseases. | | | | swab and tweezers. After applying the alcohol |
| | | | to the tick, carefully pull the tick upwards. |
| The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include | | | | Try not to squeeze the tick while removing it |
| lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, | | | | as this may force bacteria from the tick, |
| swollen lymph nodes and joint, and/or a | | | | back into the animal. |
| sudden onset of lameness. Veterinarians have | | | | |
| the ability to test for this disease in house | | | | If possible, save the tick in a jar or sealed |
| and should be consulted immediately if any of | | | | container. If the dog becomes sick or |
| the symptoms develop. Rapid treatment of a | | | | exhibits any of the symptoms described |
| diagnosed case of Lyme disease is essential | | | | earlier, your veterinarian can identify the |
| to prevent permanent damage to the joints on | | | | type of tick to aid in the choice of |
| internal organs. | | | | antibiotics to use. When it comes to ticks, |
| | | | do not take any chances. |