Lyme Disease and your dog

Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread by ticks. A bite from a tick, most commonly the black legged deer tick, transmits the bacteria to dogs. Wooded, dense areas are common locations for these ticks. When attached to a host, ticks spread Lyme disease through their saliva. It is not spread from person to person or dog to human.

A rash may develop around the tick bite after infection; however it may not be noticeable if your dog has a lot of fur. Other common symptoms include fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite and limping. Some infected dogs don't show any symptoms making it difficult to diagnose. We recommend an annual heartworm test which also tests for Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis another tick borne disease.

Lyme disease is treatable but treatment can take months or longer, and is most successful when started within a few weeks of infection.

It is best to avoid areas that are heavily infested with ticks and to protect your dog with a topical tick repellent product. You can remove attached ticks by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling it straight out. Do not apply an insecticide or a hot match -- this may increase the amount of saliva released by the tick. After removing the tick, clean the area with an antiseptic soap and wash your hands.