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Lyme
disease is primarily spread to both dogs
and humans through the bite of an
infected tick. Many different species of
ticks can be involved, including the
deer tick, the western black-legged
tick, and the black legged tick. Ticks
are tiny parasites that are difficult to
see with the naked eye and can easily
hide on people and pets.
Ticks, however, are not the only way the
disease can be spread, fleas and other
biting insects are capable of spreading
it as well. There have been incidents in
which Lyme disease has been transmitted
by direct contact with infected body
fluids. This ease of transmission has
made Lyme disease one of the most
commonly reported tick-borne diseases.
The symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs
include lethargy, loss of appetite, high
fever, swollen lymph nodes and joint,
and/or a sudden onset of lameness.
Veterinarians have the ability to test
for this disease in house and should be
consulted immediately if any of the
symptoms develop. Rapid treatment of a
diagnosed case of Lyme disease is
essential to prevent permanent damage to
the joints on internal organs.
To lessen your dogs chances of
contracting lyme disease, you should
vaccinate him. After the initial
immunization, a booster is recommended
three weeks later, followed thereafter
by annual re-vaccinations. The symptoms
of Lyme disease in humans are similar to
those found in dogs, and vaccination of
the family dog will help to prevent the
spread to humans.
A tick must feed on the host for
approximately 24 hours before spread of
the disease takes place. When you return
from an outing, carefully check your
dog’s skin and coat, including the
groin, around the ears and tail and
between the toes. If a tick is found,
remove it immediately with an alcohol
swab and tweezers. After applying the
alcohol to the tick, carefully pull the
tick upwards. Try not to squeeze the
tick while removing it as this may force
bacteria from the tick, back into the
animal.
If possible, save the tick in a jar or
sealed container. If the dog becomes
sick or exhibits any of the symptoms
described earlier, your veterinarian can
identify the type of tick to aid in the
choice of antibiotics to use. When it
comes to ticks, do not take any chances.
About The
Author
Randy Jones
and his
partner
Brent Jones
have been in
the pet
industry for
a long time.
Recently
they formed
http://www.joncopets.com.
On the site,
customers
can shop for
the latest
dog collars,
dog clothes,
pet supplies
and more.
Check them
out at
http://www.joncopets.com.
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