The Lyme vaccine protects dogs against this potentially invalidating tick-borne disease. Dogs living in areas where the disease is endemic should be vaccinated against Lyme disease. The issue of vaccinating in areas where the necessity of the vaccine may be low is an issue of debate.
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Identification
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Ticks transmit the disease after staying attached for 48 hours. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is mainly transmitted when a tick infected with such bacteria latches onto the skin of an unvaccinated dog and remains attached for at least 48 hours.
Prevention/Solution
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Puppies can be vaccinated against Lyme as early as 12 weeks. Inoculating dogs living in areas where the disease is common is the best way to prevent this debilitating illness. Puppies can be vaccinated against Lyme disease as early as 12 weeks of age.
Time Frame
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Adult dogs are generally vaccinated against Lyme annually. After the puppy receives its first Lyme vaccine, another booster shot must be given at least two weeks later. Afterward, the dog must be vaccinated annually.
Warning
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Some dogs have been known to develop Lyme disease about six weeks after being vaccinated. A number of dogs also developed rheumatoid arthritis months or years after being vaccinating, and some have developed kidney problems.
Considerations
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According to Vetinfo.com, 90 percent of dogs never develop the disease, and pulling off ticks within 48 hours may help prevent it, however vaccinating in areas where the disease thrives is recommended.
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