Pet Talk: A Guide About Lyme Disease in Dog

As spring and summer approach, Lyme disease is becoming a top priority for individuals worldwide. It’s no secret that Lyme disease is prevalent among humans, and it is the same for dogs. The number of reported cases continues to climb for both species each year.

What is lyme disease in dogs?

The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete, is the culprit behind Lyme disease. Spirochetes are a class of bacteria. When a tick bites a dog, it can spread Lyme disease. It is conceivable that the Lyme disease organism will settle in the joints or the kidneys after entering the bloodstream.

This illness affects not just dogs but also humans and other animals. If your dog exhibits symptoms of Lyme disease, prompt treatment is necessary. Ignoring Lyme disease in your dog can have devastating effects on their health.

Facts About Lyme Disease in Dogs

Black-legged ticks can bite dogs and transmit Lyme disease. After becoming unwell, dogs often develop a fever and limp in one or more joints. They could be lethargic, and their lymph nodes might bulge. More advanced renal disease is fatal.

On the bright side, the infection that can lead to Lyme disease can be avoided. Furthermore, this is some information for dog owners to use in the fight against Lyme disease.

It’s a year-round danger.

Ticks do not perish during the winter, contrary to popular belief. According to experts, they hibernate until the first mild day of spring. Because of this, you should not discontinue your pet’s tick control medication over the winter. It is a misconception that it is not necessary during the winter. Ticks become active and hungry when the temperature is 40 degrees or greater, even for a short time.

No specific time of year is associated with this illness. Avoiding this potentially fatal condition requires preventative measures, such as a regular puppy and kitten exam.

Vets can test your dog.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a dog has been infected with Lyme disease. Many animal advocacy groups recommend that dog owners seek veterinary attention for Lyme disease testing and treatment. Antibodies to the Lyme disease bacterium can be detected in the blood by a veterinarian.

They can also provide a reliable tick prevention treatment for your dog. Since ticks are responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, taking preventative measures is essential.

It takes time to show symptoms.

Lyme disease in dogs can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as fever, arthritic discomfort, and swelling. There may be a delay of many weeks or months before a tick-borne illness manifests itself in a dog, and many infected dogs exhibit no symptoms at all. Luckily, some tests can tell if a dog has been infected; however, the results may not be available for up to nine weeks.

Lyme disease symptoms change as the infection develops. These symptoms should be on pet owners’ radar:

• Fever
• Swollen joints and limping
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy and depression
• Kidney problems

You should immediately get your dog to the vet if you see any of these signs. To reduce the pain and discomfort, they can suggest cold laser therapy. If you want more info about this therapy, learn here on this link.

Bottomline

Avoiding exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is the best method to protect your dog. Regular preventative inspections, including combing through the dog’s fur, are necessary for pet owners.  Protect your dog from Lyme disease by talking to your vet about tick management, the potential benefits of Lyme immunization, and other preventative measures.