Lyme Disease - Get Prevention from Rivertown Animal Hospital

Lyme Disease: Prevention is the Best Solution

Lyme disease is a tick borne infection that affects both pets and people. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. With the arrival of spring, your pet will be spending more time outdoors and have greater exposure to ticks that carry Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses. Minnesota and Wisconsin including Stillwater are endemic areas for the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) that carry Lyme disease and Anaplasma.   To protect your pet it is important to understand how Lyme disease spreads and the steps to prevent the disease.

 

Pets Acquire Lyme Disease through a Single Tick Bite

Ticks need  the blood of a living host to survive and reproduce. Many ticks are so tiny that you cannot see them on your pet’s body. A tick may remain embedded  long after the initial bite. Lyme disease comes from the bacteria in the tick’s saliva. Transmission of the disease doesn’t occur until the tick has been attached to your dog or cat for about 48 hours. Pets may not display their first symptoms of Lyme disease for several months after being infected.

 

Symptoms of Lyme disease in Companion Animals
Your pet should be examined if he or she shows any of the following signs:

  • Loss of Appetite
  • Reluctance to walk
  • Joint stiffness and swelling
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Shifting weight between the legs

Rivertown Animal Hospital recommends completing a daily tick check on all your pets. This is especially important if you live in a wooded or rural area. Start by running your hand down your pet’s tail, back and underside to feel for bumps. Be sure to check ears as well. If you find a tick, remove it  with one swift pull using a pair of tweezers. Twisting while you pull could leave part of the tick’s body behind.

Lyme Disease Prevention

It is essential to provide your pet with year-round tick prevention to prevent Lyme disease. You can shop in our online store for prevention products or ask one of our veterinarians or staff members for a recommendation. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle, a Lyme disease vaccine may also be appropriate. Call us at 651-430-2229 to request an appointment or download our free app to schedule appointments and to keep up with your pet’s health while you are on the go.

 

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