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Ohio Lyme Disease

Pet symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infection that can affect people and pets. It is a “tick-born disease,” meaning that it is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected tick – specifically, the black legged tick. These ticks are miniscule (see image below), therefore making them virtually impossible to spot on yourself, much less your furry, 4-legged friends. Symptoms include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, and anorexia. Unfortunately, there are often no early warning signs that indicate that your dog has the disease. Once the symptoms appear, your pet may be suffering from muscle, joint, liver, or kidney disease.

Protecting Our Pets From Lyme Disease

Promptly removing ticks, year-round use of preventatives (like Nexgard or Frontline Gold), and the Lyme vaccine are good steps to take to help your pet avoid contracting the disease. Early detection is also key. Lyme disease is easily treatable with antibiotics when diagnosed in the early stages of the infection.

Since May 13th, 2019, Best Friends Veterinary Hospital utilizes a test that not only diagnoses heartworm disease, but it also tests for Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis (2 other diseases transmitted by ticks). Although this test is slightly more expensive (less than $20 more), the additional information it provides us is invaluable.

Your veterinary technician and veterinarian will be happy to answer any further questions you have at your next appointment.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we make this improvement. Our main goal is to provide the best possible veterinary care we can for your pets.

Here are a few useful articles from Pet Health Network:

In addition to Flea & Tick Control
  • Healthy Pet Examination
  • Flea & Tick Treatment
  • Dietary Counseling
  • Dental Care