Tick Control

By: Rebecca Brethorst, CVT

Lyme Disease Awareness

May is Lyme disease awareness month. According to the the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) 1 in 10 dogs tested positive for Lyme disease in Sherburne county in 2018. The bite of a tick infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria causes Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include; fever, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swelling of joints. As Lyme disease progresses, it can lead to kidney failure and death. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are most commonly infected with Lyme disease. However, ticks can be carried into yards on other animals and dogs can become infected just by going into a fenced back yard to use the bathroom. Tick control is extremely important for the prevention of Lyme disease. Check your dog daily for ticks and remove them quickly. Vaccinating your pet for Lyme disease and using a tick preventative as directed by your veterinarian are also crucial to the prevention of Lyme disease. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms above call your veterinarian to have your pet seen as soon as possible.