Prevention is the best way to protect your dog
The summer brings several parasite diseases to Iowa. Lyme disease is one that affects both humans and dogs. Carried by ticks, if your dog contracts Lyme disease he/she may show symptoms of lethargy, little interest in food, lameness and a fever.
Lyme is a bacterial infection that your veterinarian can detect with a blood test and can effectively treat if caught early. If left untreated long-lasting arthritis may occur as well as chronic heart, neurologic or kidney problems.
It is the tick bite that passes on the bacteria. Clearly prevention is the best way to protect your dog. Check their coat when you come inside, the sooner the tick is removed the better since the tick has to be feeding for 24 hours for the Lyme disease to be transmitted.
It might be months after the bite before you see any symptoms in your dog. It is very unlikely that your cat will contract Lyme disease, once again showing us what all cats know…cats rule, dogs drool!
