Lyme disease is becoming a top concern worldwide as spring and summer approach. It’s clear that Lyme disease is prevalent among humans, and it is the same for dogs. The number of reported cases continues to rise for both species yearly.
What is lyme disease in dogs?
The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete, is the primary cause of Lyme disease. Spirochetes are a class of bacteria. When a tick bites a dog, it can spread Lyme disease. The Lyme disease organism may settle in the joints or the kidneys after entering the bloodstream.
This health problem affects not just dogs but additionally humans and other animals. If your dog displays symptoms of Lyme disease, immediate treatment is essential. Neglecting Lyme disease in your dog can have terrible results on their health.
Facts About Lyme Disease in Dogs
Black-legged ticks can bite dogs and transmit Lyme disease. After becoming ill, dogs often develop a fever and limp in one or more joints. They could be sluggish, and their lymph nodes could bulge. Advanced kidney disease is deadly.
On the bright side, the infection resulting in Lyme disease can be prevented. Moreover, 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 throughout the winter, as opposed to common belief. According to professionals, they hibernate until the first mild day of spring. Due to this, you must not halt your pet’s tick control medication over the winter. It is a misconception that it is not necessary throughout the winter. Ticks become active and hungry when the temperature is 40 degrees or higher, even for a short time.
No particular time of year is connected with this illness. Preventing this possibly deadly problem necessitates preventative measures, such as regular dog wellness exams.
Vets can test your dog.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a dog has been affected with Lyme disease. Countless animal advocacy organizations recommend that dog owners seek veterinary attention for Lyme disease screening and treatment. Antibodies to the Lyme disease bacterium can be detected in the blood by a veterinarian.
They can likewise give a reliable puppy shots treatment for your dog. Because ticks are responsible for the spread of numerous diseases, taking preventative steps is necessary.
It takes time to show symptoms.
Lyme disease in dogs can trigger a wide range of symptoms, such as fever, arthritic pain, and swelling. There might be a delay of many weeks or months before a tick-borne illness reveals itself in a dog, and countless infected dogs exhibit no symptoms. The good news is some examinations can inform if a dog has been contaminated; nonetheless, the outcomes may not be available for up to nine weeks.
Lyme disease symptoms alter as the infection develops. These signs and symptoms need to be on pet owners’ radar:
- Fever
- Swollen joints and limping
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and depression
- Kidney problems
You must immediately get your dog to the veterinarian if you see any of these indicators. They can suggest laser treatment for dogs to lower the pain and pain.
Bottomline
Preventing exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, is the best method to protect your dog. Routine preventative evaluations, including combing through the dog’s fur, are necessary for pet owners. Protect your dog from Lyme disease by talking with your veterinarian about tick management, the potential advantages of Lyme immunization, and other preventative measures.