Spring Is In The Air, So Are Ticks
(DOG HEALTH) Ready to have an active spring with your pup? While the weather will hopefully be beautiful for long walks on the beach, remember to keep your dog free of ticks. Read on to become aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and how to keep your dog healthy. — Global Animal
(DOG)SPIRED
Along
with flowers and sunshine, Springtime also means tick season! Ticks can
cause a variety of illnesses for your dog, and they can be difficult to
find and remove. One of the most dangerous illnesses ticks can carry is
called Lyme disease. Dog Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called
Borrelia burgdoferi. When certain types of ticks bite your dog, this
bacterium is passed through to the bloodstream from their saliva. The
most common type of tick known to carry the Lyme disease causing
bacteria is called the deer tick, which are very common in North
America.
Because these ticks are so
small, they often go unnoticed. It is important to understand where your
dog may contract ticks from in order to inspect him and reduce the risk
of Lyme disease. Deer ticks can be found any time of the year, but are
most common in the spring and summer months, from about April to
September. They thrive in dry and moist areas and prefer tall grass or
large piles of wood.
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs
Foul breath
– If you suspect your dog may have contracted Lyme disease, check his
breath. It is known that many dogs who have Lyme disease have foul
breath that is similar to the scent of ammonia. This is one of the most
telltale symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs.
Fever
– Dogs with Lyme disease are often reported to have flu like symptoms.
This means you should check for a fever. This means he may be shivering,
be warm to the touch on his head and belly, and may be panting. Usually
fevers are not serious in dogs, but when dealing with a possible case
of Lyme disease in dogs, it is important to get to the veterinarian
right away.
Lack of energy
– If your dog has Lyme disease, you will be able to tell by his
behavior. Some symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs may be a lack of
appetite, no desire to play or exercise, sleeping often and even
depression. A dog who is sleeping too often is not usually feeling well,
and this may be a sign of Lyme disease if he was recently bit by a
tick.
Swollen lymph nodes
– Lymph nodes work in the body by trapping foreign materials in our
bodies, and in our dog’s bodies as well. Lymph nodes play an important
roll in fighting infection in your dog’s bodies, and if they are
swollen, it could be a symptom of Lyme disease. Check his neck and in
his armpits for swollen glands.
Joint stiffness and limping
– Lyme disease usually affects the joints and muscles. If your dog has
Lyme disease, he may appear to be very stiff when walking, climbing up
stairs or jumping up on couches. As joint pain and swelling increases,
he will likely begin to limp as well. Limb lameness usually switches
from leg to leg throughout the day as well. They may yelp when touched.
Keep an eye out for an arched back when walking as well.
Some more serious lyme disease symptoms in dogs include the following:
Kidney disease
– Kidney disease is very common when Lyme disease goes untreated for
too long. Excess vomiting, weight loss, increased urination and
increased water consumption are all signs that your dog could have
developed kidney problems from Lyme disease. Kidney disease may lead to
death if it continues to go untreated.
Heart conditions
– Heart palpitations and heart attacks may occur in severe cases of
Lyme disease. They do not show any symptoms beforehand, and can be very
sudden and cause immediate death without warning.
Damaged nervous system
– Seizures, paralysis in the limbs and face as well as behavioral
abnormalities such as aggression have been known to occur when a dog is
infected with Lyme disease. Sometimes seizures can be recurring, and
paralysis can be permanent.
Removing
a tick from your dog within 24 hours will greatly reduce the chance of
your dog contracting Lyme disease. For more information about ticks on
dogs and Lyme disease in dogs, visit www.lymediseasedogs.net
More (DOG)SPIRED: http://dogspired.com/health-and-nutrition/springtime-and-ticks-on-dogs/
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