Every day now we have a dog or cat that comes into the clinic with a tick. We know these parasites carry and transmit multiple diseases, including, but not limited to, Lyme disease. Years ago these diseases were limited to the Eastern Coast line and warmer Southern States but more recently people and pets in upstate New York are finding ticks on themselves or their pets and testing positive for Lyme disease. Indicators of Lyme disease in our dogs include swollen painful joints, fevers and eventually kidney disease.
As soon as the snow melts, pet owners should begin preventative measures to protect their pets from ticks (and fleas). There are many great flea and tick control products available, and you can discuss with your veterinarian which one is best suited for your pet’s specific lifestyle and exposure risk.
Protections from tick bites are the best way to prevent Lyme disease as well as the many other diseases transmitted by ticks. There is a vaccine to specifically protect against Lyme disease but remember it does not protect against all tick borne diseases. Most veterinarians recommend yearly testing for exposure to Lyme disease with your routine heartworm test and protection applied or given consistently from March to November for ticks.
Talk to your veterinarian for a plan that will work best for your dog and cat. For more information, contact your veterinarian or visit www.dogsandticks.com/
Dr. Carolyn Orr, VMD
