Ask Rakker: What are the Dangers of Lyme Disease?

Q: Hi Rakker! I’m a three year old Labrador retriever, and I love to run outside with my dog friends. But here’s the problem…every time I come inside, my owner has to pick all over me to make sure there’s no ticks or fleas in my fur. No fun! Can you tell my owner to just get me one of those flea and tick collars?

Rakker says: Hey pet owners! Protecting your pets from fleas and ticks can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease for you and your family (pets included!). As the most popular form of transmitted disease from tick bites, Lyme disease affects thousands of humans and animals nationwide each year. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause major neurological and mental problems in both pets and people. Educating yourself on the risks, symptoms and prevention of Lyme disease can help you and you pet avoid this debilitating disease.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease in pets include lameness, swollen joints, fever, poor appetite, fatigue, and vomiting. Should your pet start exhibiting these symptoms, check your pet for the site of infection. To remove a tick, use fine tweezers to grab the tick near its mouth and gently pull. Once you’ve removed the tick, place it in an empty pill bottle and container, labeled with information about where the tick was found, your pet’s name, symptoms, your name, address, and phone number. Make sure you contact a vet as soon as possible to have the tick identified and tested for diseases. If caught early, Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

To prevent tick bites, always use Flea and Tick Control products like Frontline, K9 Advantix, or Advantage to keep your pet safe. When out with your pet or hiking on your own, be sure to use an effective bug spray with DEET to repel ticks and other insects, thus preventing the spread of Lyme disease. Be safe out there and remember to protect yourself!

– Rakker is the resident canine expert at the K9HealthSolutions.com Dog Blog because well, he’s a dog! Woof!