Can humans get Lyme disease from dogs?

Although there is no proof that cats and dogs can transmit the disease to their owners directly, they can bring infected ticks into your house or yard. Lyme disease cases in humans are significantly higher now than they were in previous years, so you should think about protecting your pet as well as possibly yourself.

It is brought on by the Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria, which is spread by ticks, particularly the Ixodes spp. tick species, also known as the deer tick.

Other Tick-Borne Illnesses to Look Out For:

Although Lyme disease is a major concern, other illnesses that can be contracted through tick bites are more prevalent in the summer.

Cytauxzoonosis is a lethal infection caused by tick bites. This blood parasite is common in the South and is carried by bobcats. Ticks who feed on bobcats may transmit the infection to domestic cats, for whom the disease is fatal. Clinical signs of infection include: high fever, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, jaundice, coma and death. The infection progresses rapidly—in a matter of weeks—and there is no known cure, though several studies have proved successful in managing certain strains of the disease.

Anaplasmosis, also called “dog fever” or “dog tick fever,” is transmitted from the deer tick. Symptoms are similar to other tick diseases including fever, loss of appetite, stiff joints and lethargy, but also can include vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, dogs may suffer seizures.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever comes from the American dog tick, the wood tick and the lone star tick. Symptoms include fever, stiffness, neurological problems and skin lesions. Typically the illness lasts about two weeks, but serious cases could result in death.

Babesiosis is typically transmitted by the American dog tick and the brown dog tick. Causing anemia, symptoms may also include pale gums, weakness and vomiting.

It is best to be cautious, knowledgeable, and to take all preventative measures possible this summer to safeguard your pets and prevent illnesses and complications. Keep in touch with your vet for more advice on how to all-year-round keep your furry friends happy and healthy.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease is, unfortunately, a fairly common canine disease. Typical symptoms in dogs include:

Fever

Loss of appetite

Reduced energy

Lameness (can be shifting, intermittent, and recurring)

Generalized stiffness, discomfort, or pain

Swelling of joints

Symptoms can progress to kidney failure, which can be fatal. Serious cardiac and neurological effects can also occur.

How do Ticks Get on People and Dogs?

Ticks don’t jump or fly; they can only crawl. They wait at the tips of vegetation to catch their prey. For instance, when a dog or person brushes against a bush, a tick quickly latches on and crawls away to find a place to bite.

FAQ

How do you tell if your dog has Lyme disease?

Dogs can exhibit a variety of Lyme disease symptoms, but the most prevalent ones include lameness, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, fatigue, and appetite loss. In addition, Lyme disease in dogs has been linked to severe kidney issues.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in a person?

Fever, headaches, fatigue, and an erythema migrans-like skin rash are typical symptoms. Infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system if untreated. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e. g. , rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks.

How do humans get Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Typically, a tick carrying the bacteria bites a human, causing them to contract Lyme disease. The vast majority of the United States is home to ticks that can carry the bacterium borrelia. But the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states, as well as the upper Midwest, are where Lyme disease is most prevalent.

Can you get Lyme disease from a dog tick bite?

Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, along with other illnesses. Dog ticks can also carry disease, but not Lyme disease. When an infected tick comes into contact with your blood stream, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease spreads.