Would you be able to spot the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Adult female Deer tick and Nymph
Most devoted dog owners would explore the ends of the universe just to ensure their four-legged friend's happiness. They would doubtlessly do anything to shield their pets from harm but, unfortunately, there is one damaging disease that is often overlooked. Carried by something barely the size of a freckle, one of the most common causes of pet afflictions is not so easily spotted...
the Deer tick.
Even with diligent tick checks and prevention treatments, the risk that one of those bothersome bloodsuckers will stow away somewhere in your pet's fur is still pretty prevalent. For reason that exposure to Lyme disease is increasing, simply being a bit more alert and aware of your dog's behaviors could help you spot a symptom before it evolves into something more harmful.
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Fingers are always pointing at the deer tick when this endemic comes to light... but they're only blocking the view of the real villain!
Much smaller than it's carrier, the true source of Lyme disease sits within a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.
Ticks become infected with these microorganisms while feeding on mice and other small animals, kick-starting the cycle of tick-borne illness.
With a better understanding of the inner-workings of Lyme disease, you will find yourself at an advantage when trying to recognize and acknowledge it by knowing where to look!
The symptoms of Lyme depend on the stage of the disease, and PedMD dictates 5 examples of how to more easily pinpoint the possible signs:
1. Being the most distinguishable clue, feeling a small bump while petting your dog is a plausible sign of a tick bite; don't ignore it and examine your dog's fur to get a closer look!
2. If you see a tick inside of your home, chances are that you or your dog probably brought it in. Do your best to get the tick out of the house and give your dog a quick examination.
3. Since they like to hide in warm, damp places, it is common that a tick may find shelter in your dog's ear canal. If you notice a lot of head shaking, grab your flashlight and investigate the depths of your dogs ear for any burrowing ticks.
4. An anchored tick may cause your dog to lick or nip at the bite site, resulting in unexplained scabs.
5. In the unfortunate case of an actual tick bite, you will likely notice that your dog has a fever. Watch for signs of weakness, loss of appetite and unusual panting.
By keeping a closer eye on your furry friend during these summer months, the opportunity to spot Lyme Disease early on could really save your pet's life. If the condition isn't treated in it's rudimentary stage it can cause your pet serious, long-term disabilities, contrary to the mild symptoms that occur when earlier attended to.
Subdivisions of Canine Anatomy affected by Lyme Disease
If your pet is displaying any characteristics of the disease, make an appointment with your veterinarian! Your doggie's doctor will run a few diagnostic tests before deciding on the right treatment for your pet. In order to obtain the proper diagnosis, test results of four main criteria must be interpreted with one another:
History of Tick Exposure; if you remove a tick from your dog, it is important that you place it in a jar and mark the date of when it was removed; doing so will make pinpointing the source much easier and less stressful.
Typical Signs and Symptoms; let your vet know all of the symptoms you have noticed your dog display, even if you're unsure of whether or not it may relate specifically to Lyme disease.
Blood Test; a simple test will detect any antibodies your dog has released in response to an infection and can easily be done right at the vet's office.
Response to Antibiotics; most dogs have an incredibly rapid response to the antibiotic treatment; if symptoms don't improve within 48 hours, it's best to assume that your pet does not have Lyme disease and move forward to finding the real source of the problem.
Maggie doesn't ask questions when there's peanut butter involved!
After all of the stress and worry building up to the diagnosis, helping to heal your dog of Lyme disease proves to be the easy part; the antibiotic is given orally, so you can treat your pup to some peanut butter while treating their infection!
Now that you're fully equipped with knowledge about how to detect and deal with Lyme disease, you must always remember that the best way to handle the problem is by preventing it before it starts!
Tick control is the primary and most efficient way to keep your dog safe... and I'm sure they wouldn't mind the extra attention either!
Sources: Photographs in sequential order (Griffin Dill; Pet Health Network; ; Robert A. Kalish, MD; tickchek.com); Dr's Foster and Smith, peteducation.com; Cornell University, Baker Institute for Animal Health; PetMD
