Lyme Disease Prevention Tips for Your Dog
Your dog probably spends more time outdoors than you do. When he goes outside, he’s also walking around in the grass, and his body is closer to the ground than yours is.
That means your dog is likely more at risk than you are to have ticks attach themselves. If ticks are in your yard, they hang out on tall grass and shrubs, becoming dislodged as your dog brushes against them. Some ticks carry something called Lyme Disease, a bacterial illness that causes issues in organs and joints. It’s probably no surprise that Lyme Disease is a common illness in pets since they’re more likely to be exposed.
In your dog, Lyme Disease can cause fever, loss of appetite, swelling of joints, stiffness and pain, and more. If your pet becomes infected, months of treatment will be necessary. The best course of action is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some steps you’ll need to take.
Lyme Disease Prevention Tips for Your Dog
Invest in Prevention
When you take your dog to the vet, you’ll probably be asked if you’re giving a flea and tick preventive. If not, your vet can recommend the best one for your situation. There are various treatments, including ointments, pills, and collars, each with its own benefits. Preventives may have side effects, so make sure you’re aware of them before you start treatment.
Regularly Examine Your Pet
Dog owners love to pet their furry friends, so this tip should be easy. As often as possible, check your dog’s entire body for signs of ticks. The best way is to feel for lumps or bumps, then look at any you find. If you do this on a regular basis, you’ll know when something pops up that’s never been there before. Ticks start out small, then grow as their bodies fill with blood.
Maintain Your Outdoor Spaces
When it comes to ticks, tall grass is the enemy. Make sure you’re having your lawn maintained. You can also keep bugs at a minimum by having it professionally treated for mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. However, if you do so, check into the products you’re using. Some aren’t safe for pets. Also keep an eye on your dog while he’s out in the yard to make sure he isn’t eating shrubs and grass that might have been recently treated.
From the time you bring a new dog home, you should have all the products he needs to stay safe and healthy. Grab my Grooming Guide to make sure you have everything you need.
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