Ticks may gross you out, but they can also cause a serious infection in your dog. Lyme disease can give your dog a lot of nasty side effects, including kidney disease and even death. It can also cause incontinence in more extreme cases, so it is important to treat this disease properly.
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Lyme Disease
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Lyme disease is a potentially serious infection that is transmitted by ticks. The infection is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and the deer tick is the most common carrier of Lyme disease.
Transmission in Dogs
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Dogs are infected with Lyme disease by being bitten by an infected tick. However, the tick must attach itself to the dog for approximately 48 hours in order for the bacteria to be transmitted. Not all dogs will develop Lyme disease as a result of being bitten by an infected tick.
Symptoms in Dogs
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Surprisingly, a dog with Lyme disease is unlikely to show symptoms until several months after it is infected by the tick. Some symptoms include a fever, swelling or lameness in the joints, swollen lymph nodes, and lethargy or loss of appetite. If you suspect your dog may have Lyme disease, it is vital that you seek veterinary attention. This disease can cause kidney disease, which could lead to kidney failure or death.
Incontinence
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A dog with Lyme disease---especially in its advanced stages---may suffer from urinary incontinence. This is due to the kidney disease and failure that is common in dogs with Lyme disease. A dog with kidney problems is likely to drink a lot of water, causing it to urinate more often and be unable to hold it as well as before. Loss of bladder control is possible in dogs with Lyme disease.
Treatment
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Work with your veterinarian in order to determine the best course of treatment for your dog. Antibiotics are available to help treat the infection. For urinary incontinence, diapers designed for dogs may be a good temporary option.
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