Dog Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease occurs when a certain bacteria is transmitted through a tick bite. The bacteria that causes Lyme Disease in dogs is Borrelia burgdorferi.

Transmission

• Three species of ticks are known to transmit Lyme Disease to dogs. The deer tick, or black-legged tick, is the most common transmitter of the disease.

Symptoms

• The first symptom is a sore foot or leg, followed quickly by limping. If left untreated, the pain will increase so dramatically that the dog may not even be able to move within a few days. Permanent joint, nerve and heart damage is possible.

Treatment

• A dog that has contracted Lyme Disease must see a veterinarian immediately. The vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection.

Considerations

• The ticks that spread Lyme disease are very small (about the size of a sesame seed) and do not cause the dog to itch.

Prevention/Solution

• A tick control product, applied once a month, helps stop the spread of Lyme disease. Veterinarians also offer annual vaccinations against the disease.