What You Should Know About Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease Prevention in Terre Haute: Cat sitting outside itching itself

Have you talked with your veterinarian about the dangers of Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is one of the most common parasite-borne diseases reported in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This disease is zoonotic, meaning that it can be passed on to animals as well as humans, and is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi.

Deer ticks are the primary vectors for this disease; when they bite an animal or human, the bacterium they carry is passed on to the host. Deer ticks can be found in grassy or wooded areas near marshland and larger bodies of water. Generally, any place that contains tall grasses, trees and shrubs may also be harboring ticks.

Why Your Dog Needs Lyme Disease Prevention

Lyme disease symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, inflammation of the joints, lameness, and lethargy. These symptoms may not show for several months, but once they do occur, they can greatly affect your pet’s quality of life.

Along with affecting your pet, this disease can also put your children or other family members at risk. By preventing tick bites and Lyme disease altogether, you’re keeping everyone safe.

How to Protect Your Pet

It’s not always possible for your pet to avoid areas where ticks may be lurking. Additional strategies for protecting them and keeping your home tick-free include:

  • Using quality tick preventives for your pet as directed by your veterinarian
  • Clearing away unnecessary trees, shrubbery and tall grasses around your home
  • Checking yourself and your pet for ticks before entering the house
  • Keeping your pet away from marshes, heavily-wooded areas and tall grasses
  • Discussing with your veterinarian whether to vaccinate your dog against Lyme disease

We will be glad to discuss Lyme disease and the dangers it may pose to your pet in further detail. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (812) 645-0715.