April is Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
(And we have a Lyme Prevention Special!)
With Spring upon us, now is a good time to talk about ticks and tick-borne diseases. As we spend more time outdoors, it's important to remember that ticks are transitioning too from their winter dormant phase to their active feeding phase.
Deer ticks become active as soon as the temperatures rise to 39°F. They remain active all through the spring, summer, fall, and during warm winter months. Deer ticks carry the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease. This tick-borne disease causes painful lameness in dogs and is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a deer tick. The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is carried to many parts of the body and, most commonly, ends up in the joints and kidneys. Deer ticks range from the Midwest to the Eastern United States and throughout Canada. Not all deer ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but certain areas have been identified as higher risk areas for the disease. The infection always comes directly from a tick bite and cannot be transmitted to humans from a dog.
Signs of Lyme disease can take from 2-5 months to appear in a dog. Look for lameness and joint pain, especially in the knee and elbow joints, which are normally the first signs. This lameness may shift from leg to leg or may occur intermittently. Dogs may also have a fever. In some cases, the disease resolves on its own, but in other cases it may be long-term and may affect the kidneys and heart resulting in death. Obvious signs may never exist, so it's important to have your dog tested annually for Lyme disease.
While there is treatment available for Lyme disease, it can be difficult to treat, especially if it’s not caught early. Remember, prevention is always easier than treatment, so schedule your appointment for testing and preventative medications. And now is the perfect time, because we have a…..
Lyme Prevention Special!
Receive 50% off the second vaccination!
Has your dog received a Lyme prevention vaccination? The first one is a series of two injections, administered over a 4-week period. Then it's just one injection every year thereafter. The Bredel Clinic is offering a special deal during the months of April and May - Receive 50% off the second vaccine!
Call us today for your appointment! 301.387.7729