Keeping your dog healthy and happy means protecting them from preventable illnesses, especially Lyme disease. This is one of the most common and serious tick-borne illnesses affecting dogs today. Flea and tick preventatives help to prevent the spread of the disease by destroying the carrier of it, but vaccination offers an extra layer of protection for high-risk patients. This blog will shed some light on how we nix the ticks that carry Lyme.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks. These ticks can latch onto your dog during walks, hikes, playtime in the yard, or even during a quick potty break. Once attached, they can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, leading to potentially serious health issues.
High Risk Patients
Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the following areas, are at a higher risk:
- Wooded areas
- Tall grasses or brush
- Hiking trails
- Rural or suburban areas with deer populations
Additional risk factors include:
- Traveling to endemic regions increases exposure.
- Dogs who are not on a consistent year-round tick prevention regimen (topical, or oral, or collars) are at greater risk.
- Dogs who have missed doses or using ineffective products (non-veterinary approved to kill the deer tick) are left unprotected.
- Unvaccinated dogs in high-risk regions or with outdoor lifestyles have a much higher risk of developing Lyme disease.
- Dogs with weakened immune systems (due to age, medication, or health conditions) may be more susceptible to infection and complications.
Common Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease symptoms can vary, but some of the most common signs to watch for include:
- Lameness or painful, swollen joints
- Fever and loss of appetite
- Fatigue or decreased activity
- In more severe cases, kidney damage can become life-threatening.
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact us right away.
Why Vaccinate Against Lyme Disease?
Vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease is one of the best ways to keep them protected, especially in regions where ticks are common.
Here’s why it matters:
✅ Protection against serious illness
The vaccine helps prevent infection before it starts, reducing the risk of painful and potentially dangerous symptoms. Lyme disease can have deadly and long last effects, if not treated properly or prevented. Prevention is always superior to treatment!
✅ High local risk
Lyme-carrying ticks are widespread in our area, even the urban areas, putting your dog at risk year-round even if they only spend a little time outside. In testing from 2013 to 2019, 6.9% of dogs in Maryland tested positive for antibodies to Borrelia Burgdorferi (the Lyme-causing bacteria) (1). This was a notable decline from earlier years, dropping from around 10-12% of cases that tested positive in earlier years (1), but we still have work to do. Maryland is still among the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the U.S., including cases in both humans and pets. (2).
✅ Peace of mind
When you combine vaccination with regular flea and tick prevention, you’re giving your dog the strongest defense possible.
Is Your Dog Protected?
If you’re concerned your dog may be showing signs of Lyme disease, or you’re unsure whether they’re current on their Lyme vaccine, please give us a call at 443-873-8431. Our team is here to help keep your dog safe, healthy, and ready for all of life’s adventures.
Let’s work together to protect your pup—because they deserve the very best care.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6791011/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- https://southernmarylandchronicle.com/2023/04/14/april-is-prevent-lyme-disease-in-dogs-month-experts-urge-vigilance-against-tick-borne-diseases/?utm_source=chatgpt.com