Lyme Disease in Dogs – What to Look For

Lyme Disease in Dogs – What to Look For

Lyme Disease in dogsLyme disease as a condition has only identified in the past thirty or so years, as formerly it was probably misdiagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis.  In 1975, when there were an unusually high number of cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed in children in Lyme, Connecticut, further research was carried out, and a discrete condition was identified, and named “Lyme Disease”.

Lyme Disease in dogs can be a very nasty, very debilitating condition.  If you’re a dog owner and live in an area where Lyme Disease is known to occur, it is therefore important to recognize Lyme Disease symptoms so you can act quickly if your dog shows symptoms of Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease in dogs is transmitted as it is in humans, through the bite of a tick that carries certain bacteria. It is the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.  Tick bites from ticks not carrying these bacteria cannot transmit Lyme Disease to the dog or person being bitten.  At least three known types of ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease in dogs, but by far the majority of ticks that carry the bacteria are the Deer Tick, also called the Black-Legged Tick. A Deer Tick bite, therefore, has a relatively high likelihood of transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

This tick is known as the Deer Tick, because Deer are it’s primary host (ticks being a parasite).  But these ticks will also feed on other types of animals, including both people and dogs.

How to Remove a Tick from a Dog: Place the tips of tweezers or edges of other removal devices around the area where the mouthparts and head enter the skin. With steady slow motion, pull the tick away from the skin or slide the removal device along the skin. Under no circumstances should a flame be applied to the tick – this is an old wives’ tale, and would be counterproductive, and be extremely likely to burn your dog.

Lyme Disease in dogsCanine Lyme Disease is prevalent in the Northeastern states from Maine to Maryland, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and Northern California.  It is also found in most parts of Australia, particularly bush and country areas, as well as in parts of Europe, China and Japan. This is because in these areas, ticks more commonly carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease.

Early symptoms of Lyme Disease in your dog are likely to include what might appear to be a sore foot or leg.  Certainly one of the first symptoms of Lyme Disease will be limping. Further investigation will then be likely to reveal lymph node swelling in your dog’s affected leg, and your dog is very likely to have an elevated temperature.

If you fail to seek treatment for Lyme Disease very promptly, your dog may suffer paralysis. Even if treated at this stage, your dog may well suffer recurrent, or chronic Lyme Disease. This may also include permanent joint or nerve damage and damage to the heart muscle.

The good news is that there is a 100% natural, safe effective herbal and homeopathic remedy that assists in the effective treatment of Lyme Disease and other tick borne illnesses in pets. It will also help to strengthen immune system functioning to help your pet fight against the infection. – click here for more info.

And for further detail on Lyme Disease in dogs, how to remove a tick from a dog, and treatment for Lyme Disease, go to the site considered by many to be the premier dog health site – HealthyHappyDogs.com !

 
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5 thoughts on “Lyme Disease in Dogs – What to Look For

  1. Helen Atkin

    My cocker has a serious problem with (I am told) a yeast Rash in the folds of the mouth , we have had a number of antibiotics and ended up have it operated on and the mouth folds removed and tightened up but this has not worked….any help would be gratefully appreciated.

  2. kelly morgan

    I have 2 doxies. The black mini pants when walking or outside.
    I know she has allergies with breathing and snorting. Not sure what it could be. I plan taking her to the vet next week.
    Kelly

  3. Brigitte

    Sorry, Karyn, I missed your question when it came in.

    Unfortunately, I have no idea. I would have thought that Lymes Disease and Addisons Disease in dogs are sufficiently different that any good vet would know the difference, but I could be wrong about that.

    Regards,
    Brigitte

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