Your Pet and Lyme Disease: Everything You Need to Know
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, you may be concerned about your pets contracting this bacterial infection. At All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, our veterinary team wants to provide pet owners with everything they need to know about Lyme disease in pets. Understanding the causes, risks, symptoms, and prevention is key to protecting your furry companions.
How Pets Get Infected
The bacteria that causes Lyme is transmitted by black-legged ticks. When an infected tick attaches to and feeds on your pet, the bacteria can be passed on. Dogs are at high risk of catching Lyme disease, while infection in cats is less common. Checking your pet frequently for ticks can help prevent transmission.
Assessing Your Pet’s Risk
Your geographic location largely determines your pet's risk, as Lyme disease is concentrated in certain regions. The Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest see the most cases. Areas with woods, tall grass, or brush harbor more ticks. Talk to your West Palm Beach veterinarian about the prevalence and risks in your specific area.
Recognizing Symptoms
In dogs, Lyme disease may cause fever, limping due to joint swelling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Some dogs exhibit kidney disease. In cats, symptoms like lameness, fever, and lethargy are seen less often. Your vet can test for Lyme with a simple blood screen.
Prevention Tips
Protect your pet from Lyme disease with these proactive prevention measures:
• Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products year-round.
• Check your pet's coat daily for ticks during high-risk seasons.
• Ask your vet about the Lyme vaccine for dogs.
• Keep grass mowed and remove brush that harbors ticks.
• Bathe and conduct tick checks after time outdoors.
By taking steps to prevent tick bites, pet owners can reduce the chances of their dog or cat acquiring Lyme. Speak to your veterinarian about additional ways to protect your pet based on their lifestyle and risks.
Contact All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL
Are you looking for a veterinarian near you? Our veterinarian at All Care Animal Clinic is here to answer all your questions about pets and Lyme disease. Contact us today to discuss prevention plans tailored to keep your furry companions safe.