Lyme disease is a serious tick-borne condition that can affect both humans and animals, including our dogs. Knowing how it spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and effective ways to prevent it are essential to keeping our faithful companions healthy. Below, we tell you all about this disease, how to detect it, and tips to protect your dog.
We recommend that you complete the information in this post with our following article on “ Ticks in dogs: what they are like, symptoms and how to remove them correctly .”
What is Lyme disease or canine borreliosis?
Lyme disease , also known as canine borreliosis , is a disease caused by several species of bacteria of the Borrelia genus: Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia mayonii, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. These bacteria are transmitted to dogs through the bite of Ixodes ricinus ticks, which are known for their hard bodies.
Although only about 10% of exposed dogs develop symptoms , it is a disease that tends to affect younger dogs more frequently. Early detection and proper treatment are very important.
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs
Identifying Lyme disease in dogs can be tricky because symptoms are sometimes vague and don’t always appear immediately after the tick bite. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Lethargy or lack of energy.
- Fever.
- Lameness or pain when moving, which may shift from one leg to the other.
- Swelling in the joints.
- Loss of appetite.
To diagnose canine borreliosis, pay attention to the symptoms and when they appeared. Observe the behavior and gather as much information as possible to help make the diagnosis. The veterinarian will determine what tests are necessary . It may also happen that the dog does not show any symptoms and the disease is detected by blood tests.
How to cure Lyme disease in dogs?
Treatment for Lyme disease in dogs should be supervised by a veterinarian. Generally, when a dog is diagnosed with this disease, the treatment will include antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. In addition, depending on the symptoms and severity of the condition, the veterinarian may prescribe painkillers to relieve the animal’s pain and discomfort.
How to prevent Lyme disease in dogs?
The primary transmission mechanism is through the bite of an infected tick. Therefore, the best strategy to prevent Lyme disease is to protect your dog from ticks and their bites. Here are some practical tips to keep your dog safe and healthy:
Use of antiparasitic products
One of the most effective measures to protect your dog from Lyme disease is the regular use of anti-parasitic products . Consult your veterinarian to choose the most suitable product, such as anti-parasitic collars or pipettes for dogs . These products are designed to repel and eliminate ticks, helping to prevent the transmission of the disease.
Daily review
After every walk, especially if you’ve visited wooded areas or areas with tall grass, it’s important to check your dog’s body. Pay special attention to places where ticks tend to hide, such as the ears, eyelids, nape of the neck, neck, around the tail, paws or between the toes.
Cleaning and disinfection at home
Keeping your house clean is another important step to protect your dog and your family. Regularly wash your dog’s bed, as well as his toys and accessories. We invite you to visit our next post for more details on how to clean your dog’s bed .
Use appropriate household disinfectant products to clean floors and surfaces, which will help eliminate any traces of ticks that may have entered your home.
Garden maintenance
Ticks prefer moist, shady environments, so keeping your yard clean and well-trimmed can significantly reduce their presence. Remove weeds, mow your lawn regularly, and prune shrubs to make your yard less attractive to these pests.
Can my dog infect me with borreliosis?
No, your dog cannot directly infect you with borreliosis . Lyme disease or canine borreliosis is transmitted exclusively by the bite of infected ticks, not from dog to human or between dogs.
It is also important to know that the tick needs to be attached for at least 48 hours to transmit the bacteria that causes the disease. Therefore, it is important to check your dog’s fur daily, especially after walks in areas prone to the presence of ticks.
By following these tips, you will not only help protect your dog from Lyme disease, but you will also contribute to a safer environment for your entire family. Remember, prevention is the best medicine!
