Understanding Lyme Disease In Dogs

Quite reasonably, people are a tad squeamish when it comes to ticks. It’s not just their arachnid features or their stealthy natures. Ticks raise our collective hackles so effectively because they are known vectors of serious diseases like anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and of course, Lyme disease. Texas is considered a low-incidence state for Lyme disease, but many Texan dogs visit other states with higher rates of transmission. Because of this, it remains crucial to protect dogs from ticks. 

Yikes!

Ticks thrive in woody, overgrown areas, but they can also be found in marshes and tall grass. While predominantly found in the northeast United States, ticks have extended their reach across the nation.  

Year-round parasite prevention is necessary to ward off ticks and other parasites capable of spreading disease. Topical applications can repel ticks from latching on. Since they need a day or so to fully transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, it’s equally important to check dogs every day for the presence of ticks. For active, sporting, or working dogs this is especially vital. There is also a Lyme disease vaccination for dogs. 

• A daily inspection of a dog’s feet, legs, chest, abdomen, neck, back, tail, ears, and even lips could save both of you a lot of trouble.
• Take a look at your own socks, shoes, and long pants for any possible hitchhikers following any time in known tick habitat.
• Wash and dry dog bedding and vacuum high-traffic areas. 
• Trim overgrown grass on your dog’s property, minimize wood piles, and any shrubbery that could attract tick hosts (other mammals). 
• If you do find a tick on your dog’s body, wear gloves to protect yourself. Tweezers should be applied to grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. Take care not to twist or crush the tick. Place it in a ziploc bag, disinfect the bite, and wash your hands and the tweezers. 

Taking Control

While ticks are no laughing matter, it’s important to know that dog owners can control potential exposure and prevent Lyme disease. Also, if Lyme disease is detected early enough, effective treatment is possible. A strong course of antibiotics over 30 days and other supportive measures can sooth symptoms and treat the infection. 

A blood test that measures the antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi (the strain of bacteria that causes Lyme) is necessary to diagnose the disease. This can be ordered about 4 weeks after a known tick bite. 

Symptoms of Canine Lyme Disease

Owners of dogs that eventually test positive for Lyme may not ever see symptoms, or only subtle ones that could be mistaken for other conditions. Over time, common clinical signs may develop including:

• Fever
• Gait problems, like limping or lameness
• Swollen lymph nodes and joints
• Appetite loss
• Stiffness
• Salivating
• Depression

Left alone, Lyme disease in dogs can cause serious health complications, such as kidney disease, heart damage, arthritis pain, and nervous system issues. 

Tick Prevention

Please call Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital with further questions or concerns regarding Lyme disease in dogs. Our staff is always here to help your dog.