Understanding Pet ProblemsUnderstanding Pet Problems

If you live in an area where Lyme disease has been reported, it is important to know how Lyme disease presents itself and what you can do to protect your dog against it.

Vaccination

The first thing you need to do if you live in an area with Lyme disease is make sure you are taking the proper steps to protect your dog against Lyme disease. The best way to protect your dog is by getting a vaccination for Lyme disease. The Lyme disease vaccination requires your dog to get an initial shot followed by a booster shot a couple of weeks later. You are also going to need to get a booster shot each year to keep the vaccination active.

There are a variety of different Lyme disease vaccinations in the market, and they all work in similar ways. Be sure to discuss with your vet about which particular manufacture makes the best vaccination for your particular type of dog.

Tick Protection

Another way to medically protect your dog from Lyme disease is to make sure you actively protect your dog from ticks. There are a few ways you can protect your dog from ticks. You can put a tick and flea collar on your dog that you have to change every few months to keep the ticks away. You can put topical treatment on your dog's fur, generally on the back of their neck and back, to keep ticks away. There are even pills that you can give to your dog to protect it from ticks. Your vet should be able to help you choose the best option for your dog to keep ticks away.

Make sure that you are actively protecting your dog from ticks throughout the year. Although ticks are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, you can encounter them throughout the year depending on where you live.

Practical Protection

You can also protect your dog by reducing your dog's exposure to ticks. Try to avoid taking your dog to wooded areas or areas where there is a lot of tall grass. These are both places where ticks like to hide out. When you do take your dog to such areas, be sure to check your dog for ticks once you get home. Ticks like to hide out near places where they will get a lot of blood from your dog. You will often find ticks hiding out near your dog's ears and their underbelly.

If you find a tick, be sure to remove the entire body of the tick from your dog. If you need assistance, ask your vet for tips on how to remove the tick from your dog.

You can protect your dog from Lyme disease by getting your dog vaccinated, using tick protection options and being vigilant about checking your dog for ticks.