Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that enters the dog's body through a tick bite. Although it's estimated that 90 percent of dogs do not become ill from the bacteria, some do and need antibiotics to recover. There are several Lyme disease vaccines on the market available to dog owners.
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Vaccine Brands
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Galaxy Lyme, Nobivac Lyme and Lymevax are three brand name vaccines. They all are administered the same way and have similar side effects.
Administration
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The vaccine can be given to any dog older than nine weeks of age. It is injected under the skin, usually between the shoulders.
Doses
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After the first dose of the vaccine, dogs will need a follow-up shot about two to four weeks later. They will then need a follow-up booster shot each year.
Mild Side Effects
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Mild side effects associated with the Lyme disease vaccine are similar to other injection vaccines and can include swelling and/or pain at the injection site.
Serious Side Effects
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More serious side effects can result in an anaphylactic or allergic reaction. According to the makers of Nobivac Lyme, "less than 1 percent of dogs experienced adverse reactions attributable to the vaccine."
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