Canine Lyme Disease
Do you live in an area where ticks abound? Not all ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, but if you have a dog, then the subject of Lyme Disease in dogs should be of great concern to you, particularly if there are deer ticks in your area.
Deer ticks are the types of ticks that most commonly carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria which is the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease in dogs and also in humans. These ticks prefer to feed on deer (ticks, of course, being a parasite), but they will migrate to other animals, including dogs, and also to people. They’re not too fussy!
In order to prevent, or minimise the likelihood of, Lyme Disease in your dog, therefore, there are a number of steps you can take:
1. Keep your dog away from tick infested areas as much as possible. Long grass often harbors ticks in areas that are tick prone, so stick to short grass when walking your dog. And keep your own backyard mowed, especially if you live near to bushland or fields that tend to have long grass.
2. Use a flea preventative, as flea prevention products often discourage ticks fairly well, too.
3. Examine your dog for ticks regularly, and if you see any, learn how to remove a tick from a dog so you can remove any ticks from your dog without delay.
And if all of this fails, and you suspect your dog may be developing Lyme Disease, get your dog immediately to the vet. Lymes Disease develops VERY fast, and within two or three days your dog can go from showing the very first symptoms of Lyme Disease, to having permanent nerve damage and debilitating recurrent joint pain.
Lyme Disease in Dogs
All breeds of dog are susceptible to Lyme Disease.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
So what are the symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs that you need to look out for?
1. A sore paw or foot, when no injury has occurred is often one of the very first symptoms of Lyme Disease.
2. If your dog starts limping and the limp appears to be getting rapidly worse, this could very well be one of the early symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs.
3. If, as well as a limp, your dog develops a raised temperature, your dog may well be afflicted with Lyme Disease – of course, you may not know this to be the case until your visit your vet (unless you routinely take your dog’s temperature at home).
If you observe any of the above symptoms, and there is a possibility your dog has been exposed to ticks, get your dog to your vet immediately. Lyme Disease in dogs can progress extremely rapidly, and can cause permanent joint and nerve damage, including damage to your dog’s heart muscle, if left untreated even for a few days. So you see, treatment for Lyme Disease is imperative, once your dog has contracted this disease.
Early treatment may well constitute effective cures for Lyme Disease, but delay could be extremely serious, and chronic Lyme Disease will be very distressing for your dog – recurrent pain in the joints, as well as other permanent damage.
Tick Removal and Disposal
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Knowing the symptoms of lyme disease in dogs will help us in early diagnosis and consequently, help our dogs enjoy quicker recovery and a better quality of life. What are these signs that your dog is suffering from canine lyme disease?
The tick that carries the lyme disease bacteria usually hides out in the dog’s joints and surrounding tissues. The joints will be swollen and painful to touch (especially in the hind legs). Look for enlarged lymph nodes, stiffness in walking and reluctance to stand or walk.
Mobility is severely compromised in the affected dog, so be very careful in handling your dog during this time. The symptoms of lyme disease in dogs often mirror the symptoms of canine arthritis that it why it is important to have your dog checked by the vet to get an accurate diagnosis so you can give the appropriate treatment.
The most noticeable sign that your dog has lyme disease is acute lameness in one leg. You might think that your dog has injured himself that is why he is limping. The difference with lyme disease is that the lameness will disappear without you doing anything in a few days. It will come back again, maybe in the other leg after several weeks. Recurring lameness is a sure sign of this disease that needs to be looked into right away.
Because of the pain that the dog is experiencing, he will also experience fever, lack of appetite, weight loss and weakness. When left untreated, the infection will reach the dog’s other systems and will result in a more serious condition. Heart abnormalities, kidney issues, nervous system problems and liver complications can arise because of lyme disease.
You know that the disease has taken its turn for the worse (read: other organs are compromised) when the dog shows these symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination and thirstiness, distended tummy (caused by fluid build up in the abdomen), difficulty breathing, disorientation, and fainting spells. You need to bring your dog to the vet right away to see what can be done about this.
Do not let your dog get to this stage. Unfortunately, the symptoms of lyme disease in dogs is not quickly detected. It usually manifests itself 1 to 5 months after being bitten by the tick. Puppies are affected the most severely because of their underdeveloped immune system, so make it a point to give your dog a healthy diet to boost his immunity, thus fortifying him against infections and other canine diseases.
A natural diet is idea, however if you don’t have the time and patience to prepare natural food, invest in premium dog food that contain essential vitamins and nutrients that make a healthy dog. It might be a few dollars more expensive than commercial dog food, but it will pay off in your dog’s improved health.
Do not be alarmed when you see symptoms of lyme disease manifest in your dog, bring him to the vet and treat him immediately. Do what you know to keep him as healthy as possible and experience a happy and memorable time with your dog when you do.
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