04/30/2025
Most people have heard about the dangers of Lyme disease, but few realize that this condition also affects dogs.
Let’s take a closer look at how dogs get Lyme, what the symptoms are, and how pet parents can work with their veterinarians to treat and prevent this parasitic disease.
*Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Infected ticks transmit the bacteria to dogs through bites.
* Infection is most likely to occur in the spring and summer, but infections can happen year-round. Over the winter, ticks survive by biting and attaching to mammals such as mice, squirrels, and deer. When a tick drops off one of these animals, it can be easily picked up by your dog.
Some dogs who are exposed to Lyme disease never develop any symptoms. But for dogs that show signs, symptoms may develop days to weeks after tick exposure and can range from mild to severe.
🚨Joint swelling and pain
🚨Lameness
🚨Fever
🚨Lethargy (decreased energy)
🚨Swollen lymph nodes
How can we protect our pets?
The best methods of protection are monthly tick prevention & Lyme vaccine. Most tick prevention kills ticks when they bite, preventing transmission of the disease. It is estimated that the Lyme vaccine prevents 70-83 percent of infections. The best protection requires re-vaccinating against Lyme disease every 12 months. Using both of these methods in conjunction are the best way to keep your fur babies & your family safe.
For questions about tick prevention &/or Lyme vaccine call us at: 515-465-5626
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