One of the most important responsibilities you have as a dog or cat owner is to protect your pets from parasites. Parasites can carry dangerous diseases, like Lyme disease. At All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, we provide preventative care to keep your pets safe from pests that carry diseases. We will make sure your pet is up to date on its vaccines and flea and tick prevention methods.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease is transferred to pets through the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms of Lyme disease you'll want to look out for in your dog include swollen joints, stiffness, and a lack of both energy and an appetite. These symptoms must be addressed by our veterinarian right away. Symptoms that go untreated can lead to kidney failure and neurological issues.
It is more difficult to spot the disease in cats, because many cats do not show any symptoms of it. Regular checkups will help your cat stay free of the disease.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease
The first step in preventing diseases in your pet is using flea and tick prevention methods. This includes oral medications, topical medications, and flea collars. Our facility provides these.
There are some other steps you can take to prevent your pet from getting Lyme disease. Anytime your animal is exposed to a woody outdoor area or even grass, you'll need to check for ticks embedded in its fur, between its toes, under its feet and even behind its tail. If you find any ticks, they need to be removed from the body immediately using a pair of tweezers. It is also important to make sure you schedule a veterinary appointment with us where a formal tick exam is conducted. In some cases, our veterinarian may give your dog vaccines that protect against Lyme disease.
Contact All Care Animal Clinic Today
Using flea and tick prevention methods is vital in protecting your pet against Lyme disease. At All Care Animal Clinic in West Palm Beach, FL, we will protect your pets from parasites and diseases. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.