Lyme disease in dogs…beware!!!
Keep your dog healthy and protected from Lyme disease!!
Dogs just like humans are subject to catching Lyme disease from the bite of a tick. The bacteria that carries the lyme disease is called Borrelia burgdorferi. Dogs who are bitten by the tick tend to develop the disease very rapidly with symptoms showing themselves in a matter of hours. One of the most prevelant symptoms that veterinarians see in dogs is limping in one of the front legs. Yes, only one leg. The dog usually has swollen lymph nodes in that leg and can also have a fever. A dog may seem fine one day and within a period of 2-3 days the dog may be unable to move due to the severe joint pain he/she is feeling.
The dog is usually treated right away with a three week dosage of an antibiotic such as tetracycline and if severe pain exists, medication to make the dog more comfortable. Most dogs will be successfully treated, but about 5% of the dogs will experience some neurological or cardiac problems as a result of the infection.
Currently there are no vaccines for humans to take for lyme, but there are vaccines for dogs. There are three vaccines that are available for lyme prevention for dogs. Topical products for ticks can help as well. Some are perscribed by your vet while others are available over the counter. It is very important that you follow the directions when administering these products. Only use in the dose directed as any more that needed could cause severe health effects to your dog. Always check your dog after he/she has been outdoors. Don’t use insecticides on your dog that are meant to be put on people’s clothing!!
As spring comes and all things come alive, beware of the tick…and protect yourself and your dog!!!
March 28th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
whooow…I didn’t know dogs could get limes disease. Mine are staying inside, sheltered from the world. Not really
April 15th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
The style of writing is very familiar to me. Have you written guest posts for other bloggers?
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 am
I like this writing. Informative