Canine Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know

Dogs may develop Lyme disease from the bite of a blacklegged tick, which may transmit bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. Once ill, dogs can become feverish and lame in one or more joints. They also may exhibit sluggishness, and their lymph nodes may swell. A more serious form of the disease that affects the kidneys often is fatal.

The good news? The infection that can cause Lyme disease is preventable.

Here are five things for pet owners to know about helping protect dogs from Lyme disease.

1. Ticks carry the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease

Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent that causes Lyme disease, is one of the most common infections transmitted by ticks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Following transmission from an infected blacklegged (or deer) tick, Borrelia burgdorferi travels to different parts of a dog’s body and can cause problems.

2. It can take time for your dog to show signs

Dogs with Lyme disease can experience an array of signs, including joint pain, swelling and fever. Dogs may not show signs of illness for weeks or months after an infected tick bites them – and many dogs that are infected never show signs of illness. Fortunately, some tests can determine if a dog has been infected, though it can take up to nine weeks for some tests to show positive results.

Signs of Lyme disease depend on the progression of the initial infection. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pet owners should watch for these signs:

Fever
Swollen joints and limping
Loss of appetite
Lethargy and/or depression
Kidney problems

3. Veterinarians can test your dog for Lyme disease

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, and infection can be difficult to detect in dogs. The AVMA encourages pet owners to consult a veterinarian for testing, care and treatment of dogs that may have Lyme disease.

A veterinarian may perform blood tests to detect the presence of antibodies to the bacterial agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). He or she may conduct additional tests to help diagnose infection and determine whether the infection has affected a dog’s kidneys.

4. Lyme disease is a year-round risk, depending on where you live

Contrary to popular belief, the risk of acquiring the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease is not only a “summer time” or “warmer weather” threat. The potential for infection exists in almost any month, provided the ingredients of weather, temperature and infected ticks are present.It can be a year-round issue, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. The council encourages pet owners to protect dogs all year long.

Check out this map from the Companion Animal Parasite Council. It shows the number of dogs that have tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease at the county, state and national level.

5. Prevention is the best way to protect dogs

Prevention is the best way to keep your dog safe from acquiring Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent that can cause Lyme disease. Pet owners should perform regular preventive checks by looking through their dog’s fur. If you find a tick, remove it right away, by following these steps from the CDC.

Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian to discuss tick control, the potential benefit of Lyme vaccination, and other steps that can help protect dogs from Lyme disease.

Visit www.nexgardfordogs.com to learn about NexGard^® (afoxolaner), veterinarians’ #1 choice for flea and tick control in dogs. It is FDA-approved to prevent the infection that can cause Lyme disease, by killing infected ticks before the infection can be transmitted.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: NexGard^® (afoxolaner) is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, lethargy, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, click here for full prescribing information or visit www.nexgardfordogs.com.