Protecting Our Pups from Lyme disease

When it comes to our furry friends, we treat them as a part of our family, which means we care for them like we do ourselves! Currently, canine Lyme disease rates are increasing, and positive cases are found across the United States – not just in the Northeast where the disease was originally discovered. Thankfully, there are great treatments available to get ahead of the growing flea and tick population so our pets can live happy, healthy, lives!

“Lyme disease is actually caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and it was discovered in Lyme, Connecticut,” said Dr. Ruth Macpete. ‘It is an infectious disease that can affect humans as well as dogs. It is really important that Lyme disease is something we are seeing increasing across the country. We need to be aware of Lyme disease and how to protect our dogs from Lyme disease.

Over the past two decades, seven new tick-borne germs that can cause illness have been identified in the United States. In 2017, state and local health departments reported a record number of cases of tickborne diseases to CDC.

The geographic range of some ticks that spread germs also continues to increase. One example is the lone star tick, which transmits the pathogens that cause ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Heartland virus disease. In addition, the number of counties in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States that are considered high-risk for Lyme disease increased by more than 300%

A new tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis (the Asian longhorned tick) has been identified for the first time in the United States. In other countries, bites from longhorned ticks can make people and animals seriously ill. As of April 9, 2019, no harmful germs have been found in the ticks of this species that have been collected in the United States.

Did you know?

Any time the temperature is above 40 degrees ticks are out and seeking a meal.

Ticks love the spring rains and thrive in the new growth they spur.

Ticks aren’t affected by heat. They thrive in the same shaded areas that your dog seeks refuge in from the sun.

Ticks travel on animal hosts like mice, deer and even lizards. Their movements change throughout the year based on weather patterns bringing more ticks into areas where you and your dog play.

To treat an existing infestation like this, it may require a combination of strategies:

Pet;

Treat your dog with an effective flea control product that rapidly kills any fleas that jump on him.

Treat for fleas and ticks year-round. Fleas and ticks are year-round not just the summer.

Do not use old preventive products especially when past expiration date.

Do not use cat products on dogs or dog products on cats.

Check your pet regularly for ticks when indoors. Check pets skin, ears and armpits for ticks.

Take time and groom your pet. It gives you quality time with your pet and allow you to see any external parasites that may be under their fur coat.

Clean your yard by mowing tall grass. Raking leaves, brush and clippings from your yard will give fleas fewer places to hide and breed.

Get your pet routine check-ups. Your vet can see if there are any parasites and if your current product is working.

Environmental control

Frequent vacuuming of rugs, carpets, and furniture where the infested animal has spent time. This will help remove some of the developing flea stages from the environment.

Launder any bedding or washable items where your dog has lounged.

Consult with a pest control specialist about treating inside or around your home.

Limit your dog’s exposure to newly hatched fleas in the environment

“What I recommend to people if they want to protect their dogs from ticks and Lyme disease I recommend that they have them on an effective and safe tick control product like Nexgar,’ said Macpete. “Nexgard kills ticks and fleas fast and it’s the only FDA approved product that protects Lyme infections by killing deer ticks before Lyme disease can be transmitted. I always recommend that people speak with their veterinarians to find out what’s right for their particular pet.”

For more information visit Caninetickcontrol.com

MORE ABOUT DR. MACPETE:

Dr. MacPete is a practicing veterinarian, experienced media correspondent, speaker, consultant, writer and blogger. She specializes in educational campaigns targeting pet parents and consumers. Dr. MacPete is a featured blogger for Pet Health Network, and a spokesperson for the AVMA's Partners for Healthy Pets. Dr. MacPete has appeared as a veterinary correspondent on numerous radio and television shows around the country, including frequent appearances on the Weather Channel, the Emmy Award-winning hit show The Doctors, GMA-Live and Fox & Friends. She has lectured at national conferences such as NAVC, CVC and IIMC. As a veterinary consultant, she has worked with organizations such as Partners For Healthy Pets and the Companion Animal Parasite Council helping develop educational campaigns targeting veterinarians and pet parents. In addition, she specializes in assisting companies with business development, marketing and sales within the pet industry.

Courtesy: Nexgard

Additional Sources

CDC Newsroom

VetStreet