Ticks & Fleas
As dog owners, we know the warmer weather also brings out fleas and ticks in an on-going battle that everyone must fight every spring. One of the biggest concerns with the beginning of “tick season” is Lyme disease. Here in southern California, with year-round nice weather, it's a problem that really faces us year round.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infectious disease that is most commonly spread by the deer tick. The deer tick can be found in grassy areas (including your lawn), and in brush and wooded areas. The disease is caused by the bacteria spirochete which is transmitted through the tick's bite. Not only does it affect man, but it can also affect other domesticated and wild animals including our dogs. Lyme disease has been reported throughout the United States. While not all ticks carry this disease, dog owners should be ever vigilant.
What Do You Do If You Find A Tick On Your Dog?
During the warm weather, check your dog every day for ticks. The faster a tick is detected and removed, the chances of getting Lyme Disease are decreased. The best way to remove a tick is to grasp it gently with tweezers, as close to the dog's skin as possible, and pull it straight off. Be careful not to squeeze the tick as it can cause more bacteria to be spread. Fingers, matches, Vaseline, nail polish, and alcohol are not proper ways to remove ticks. Once the tick has been removed, it is recommended by veterinarians that, if possible, the tick be stored in a tight container with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. In the event your dog develops any problems, the tick can be identified as a carrier by your vet.
What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the more common signs in dogs are loss of appetite, joint pain, and fever. These symptoms can occur as early as a few days of the tick bite. If these symptoms are ignored and left untreated, the dog may develop further complications including heart problems, severe lameness, paralysis, joint swelling and brain damage. In some cases, there are no outward symptoms until the disease has reached advanced stages. Therefore, it is important to keep a vigilant eye on your pet for any outward signs of feeling out of sorts.
If you suspect any of the above symptoms in your dog, you will need to take the dog to your Veterinarian. Be prepared to tell the Veterinarian when you located the tick on your dog, present the tick, if you have it, and relate any symptoms you have noticed. Some veterinarian will perform a blood test to assist in the diagnoses.
What Is The Treatment for Lyme Disease?
If caught early, Lyme Disease can be treated with antibiotics, such as tetracycline, penicillin, erythromycin or amoxicillin. Usually within a few days, the dog will begin to respond positively to the antibiotics. If the disease is not caught until it is in the advanced stage, it may be harder to treat as the dog may develop lasting damage. In the advanced stage, the disease is much slower to respond to antibiotics and may require a much lengthier period of treatment. Obviously, the key is to catch it early.
Lyme Disease Prevention
The best way to avoid getting Lyme Disease is to practice a good prevention program. Keeping your dog in shorter grass and out of the woods and brush will help to minimize tick exposure. There are many commercial sprays and powders available for treating your yard. If you decide to use one of these products, be sure to read all directions and warnings on these packages before you begin the treatment. Not all of these products are suitable for use around animals. There are also many flea and tick sprays, powders, collars and skin applications available that offer good protection for your dog. In addition, there is a fairly new vaccine for Lyme Disease available from your Veterinarian. Consult with your Vet on the pros and cons of such a vaccine, if you choose this route. For people interested in homeopathic treatments, nosodes is also an option.
