Prevention is Key to Fighting Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria carried by deer ticks that is transmitted while they are feeding on a host. The host might be a person, a dog or many other animals. Lyme disease has been reported all across the U.S. but is more often found in the northeast, upper Midwest and states along the Pacific coast. However, due to changing weather conditions, Lyme disease is quickly spreading.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, “regions in Illinois, Iowa, North Dakota, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina and Tennessee have experienced an uncharacteristic increase in Lyme prevalence.”

Ticks that carry the bacteria for Lyme disease are most likely found in natural areas with tall grasses and thick brush, in woodlands and in residential landscapes with shrub borders and shady areas. They hang out waiting for a host to walk by to grab on and then crawl in search of a place to feed.

Some folks mistakenly believe that Lyme disease is only a risk in the summer, but ticks can become active when the temps are just above freezing.

Luckily, a bite from an infected tick doesn’t transmit Lyme disease immediately. Because deer ticks feed very slowly, they need to be attached at least 24 hours before Lyme disease is contracted and it may take even longer. But once in the bloodstream, the bacteria travels throughout the body, causing organ-specific problems and overall discomfort in the dog.

Prevention is the key to fighting Lyme disease. Your veterinarian will help you choose the best flea and tick product for your pet and lifestyle. There are chews, topicals and collars, and your dog can also be vaccinated for Lyme disease. No one product is best for everyone.

More recommendations:

If possible, try to keep your pets away from areas with a high risk of ticks.

Check your dog’s coat when they come back inside. Don’t forget to check his feet, around his eyes and ears, near his anus and under his tail.

Remove a tick as soon as you see one (or call your vet if you are not able to remove it). Put on gloves and, with a tweezers, grab it as close to the head as possible. Without twisting, pull up. (If the body breaks off from the head, the chance of disease transmission continues.)

Lyme disease is a serious threat to the health of people and their pets. Keep your pets safe by preventing Lyme disease all year-round. If your dog is not currently on some sort of prevention for Lyme disease, make an appointment with one of our veterinarians today.

Through the end of March, we are offering a Heartworm/Tick Test Promo. If you buy 12 months of both Heartgard Plus® and your choice of flea/tick protection, we will do the heartworm/tick screen for free. (That is a savings of $65!)

Requirements for Promo:

1) Call to schedule your appointment at either Hampshire Animal Hospital at (847) 683-4788 or Gilberts Animal Clinic at (847) 426-1000. This will be a technician appointment only.

2) Patient must have had a full physical exam by one of our doctors in the past 12 months.

3) Choice of flea and tick prevention includes Nexgard®, Frontline Gold® or Vectra-3D®.

4) Test results of heartworm/tick screen must be read before checking out.