Ticks & Fleas
As dog owners, we know the warmer weather also brings out fleas and ticks in an on-going battle that everyone must fight every spring. One of the biggest concerns with the beginning of “tick season” is Lyme disease. Here in southern California, with year-round nice weather, it's a problem that really faces us year round.
What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is an infectious disease that is most commonly spread by the deer
tick. The deer tick can be found in grassy areas (including your lawn), and
in brush and wooded areas. The disease is caused by the bacteria spirochete
which is transmitted through the tick's bite. Not only does it affect man,
but it can also affect other domesticated and wild animals including our
dogs. Lyme disease has been reported throughout the United States. While
not all ticks carry this disease, dog owners should be ever vigilant.
What Do You Do If You Find A Tick On Your Dog?
During the warm weather, check your dog every day for ticks. The faster a tick
is detected and removed, the chances of getting Lyme Disease are decreased.
The best way to remove a tick is to grasp it gently with tweezers, as close
to the dog's skin as possible, and pull it straight off. Be careful not to
squeeze the tick as it can cause more bacteria to be spread. Fingers, matches,
Vaseline, nail polish, and alcohol are not proper ways to remove ticks. Once
the tick has been removed, it is recommended by veterinarians that, if possible,
the tick be stored in a tight container with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
In the event your dog develops any problems, the tick can be identified as
a carrier by your vet.
What Are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the more common signs in
dogs are loss of appetite, joint pain, and fever. These symptoms can occur
as early as a few days of the tick bite. If these symptoms are ignored and
left untreated, the dog may develop further complications including heart
problems, severe lameness, paralysis, joint swelling and brain damage. In
some cases, there are no outward symptoms until the disease has reached advanced
stages. Therefore, it is important to keep a vigilant eye on your pet for
any outward signs of feeling out of sorts.
If you suspect any of the above symptoms in your dog, you will need
to take the dog to your Veterinarian. Be prepared to tell the Veterinarian
when you located the tick on your dog, present the tick, if you have
it, and relate any symptoms you have noticed. Some veterinarian will
perform a blood test to assist in the diagnoses.
What Is The Treatment for Lyme Disease?
If caught early, Lyme Disease can be treated with antibiotics, such as tetracycline,
penicillin, erythromycin or amoxicillin. Usually within a few days, the dog
will begin to respond positively to the antibiotics. If the disease is not
caught until it is in the advanced stage, it may be harder to treat as the
dog may develop lasting damage. In the advanced stage, the disease is much
slower to respond to antibiotics and may require a much lengthier period of
treatment. Obviously, the key is to catch it early.
Lyme Disease Prevention
The best way to avoid getting Lyme Disease is to practice a good prevention
program. Keeping your dog in shorter grass and out of the woods and brush will
help to minimize tick exposure. There are many commercial sprays and powders
available for treating your yard. If you decide to use one of these products,
be sure to read all directions and warnings on these packages before you begin
the treatment. Not all of these products are suitable for use around animals.
There are also many flea and tick sprays, powders, collars and skin applications
available that offer good protection for your dog. In addition, there is a
fairly new vaccine for Lyme Disease available from your Veterinarian. Consult
with your Vet on the pros and cons of such a vaccine, if you choose this route.
For people interested in homeopathic treatments, nosodes is also an option.
