Lyme disease and your dog

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about ticks and Lyme disease.

For more information, please call us at 540-639-3891.

Q: What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread by

ticks. It’s most prevalent in the Northeast, but it has

been discovered in almost all parts of the United

States. Lyme disease affects dogs and humans and is

rare in other domestic animals.

Q: How does it spread?

A bite from a tick, most commonly the blacklegged

deer tick, transmits the bacteria to dogs.

Wooded, dense areas are common locations for these

ticks. When it’s attached to a host, ticks can spread

Lyme disease through their saliva. It is not spread from

one person to another or from a dog to a human.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A rash may appear around the tick bite soon

after infection; however, it may not be noticeable if

your dog has a lot of fur. Other symptoms include

fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite,

and limping. Some infected dogs don’t show

any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. The

disease can cause kidney inflammation, and it can

damage the heart and nervous system in its later

stages. Blood or joint fluid tests are often needed to

diagnose the disease.

Q: How is it treated?

Antibiotics like doxycycline can help treat

dogs. Additional medications can help with pain

and inflammation. Treatment can take months or

longer, and it’s most successful when it’s started

within a few weeks of infection. It’s possible for

the bacteria to remain in the body long-term,

leading to periodic flare-ups.

Q: How is it prevented?

It’s best to avoid areas infested with ticks.

Tick repellents are beneficial for people and pets,

but be sure to read all labels carefully and follow

safety precautions. Your veterinarian can recommend

effective tick control products that are safe

for dogs. After leaving a tick-infested area, check

your dog—and yourself—thoroughly. You can remove

attached ticks with tweezers or inexpensive

tick removal tools.

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible

and pull it straight out. Do not apply insecticide

or a hot match—this may increase the amount of

saliva released by the tick. After you remove the

tick, clean the area with antiseptic soap and wash

your hands. There are Lyme disease vaccinations

recommended for dogs living in areas where the

disease is prevalent. Radford Animal Hospital

now recommends vaccinating your dog to prevent

Lymes disease in your dog, if you live in the New River Valley.