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.
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:
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.