Lyme disease affects both humans and animals alike. According to McAfee Animal Hospital, from August 7, 2021 through February 7, 2022, one in 10 dogs tested positive for tick-borne disease.
"Lyme disease is currently the most commonly-reported, vector-borne illness in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” McAfee Animal Hospital Manager Jennette Rudzinski said.
Rudzinski added that the disease is transmitted primarily by the tiny black-legged tick known as the deer tick.
When pets are infected from the disease, symptoms may not show for up to six weeks. Rudzinski shared some examples of symptoms to watch out for.
“Typical symptoms include but are not limited to fever, loss of appetite, shifting leg lameness, joint swelling, or decreased activity or lethargy,” Rudzinski said.
For people with diseased animals, Rudzinski said the first step is to care for the pet and minimize exposure to humans.
“People whose animals have been diagnosed with Lyme disease may want to consult their physician about their own or their children’s risk if they have concerns that the animals or family members may have been exposed to similar environmental risks,” Rudzinski said.
For humans who have contracted Lyme disease and worry about exposure to a pet, Rudzinski advised patients to contact their veterinarian.
“People who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease should consult their veterinarian to determine their pet’s risk based on the animal’s lifestyle and possible environmental exposures," Rudzinski said.
Treatment for Lyme disease for animals at McAfee Animal Hospital tend to stick to 30 days.
“The standard treatment for disease caused by B. burgdorferi infection in dogs is doxycycline for 30 days. Longer courses of treatment may be necessary in some dogs, particularly those with Lyme nephropathy, which is kidney disease secondary to Lyme disease,” Rudzinski said.
Rudzinski added that there are some treatments that she recommends staying away from.
“Antibiotic treatment of a seropositive dog is not always recommended as a lot of dogs do not have any evidence of clinical disease,” Rudzinski said. “Prophylactic use of antibiotics following a tick bite is not recommended in dogs given the high frequency of exposure in the face of a relatively low incidence of clinical disease.”
In order to avoid tick bites - and, in turn, Lyme disease - Rudzinski advised pet owners to take action toward prevention.
“It is best to prevent infection by taking appropriate measures to prevent tick bites and, for dogs, vaccinating against the disease,” Rudzinski said. “Lyme disease can be prevented by performing tick checks and avoiding tick infested areas.”
Rudzinski also noted that dogs should be on “year-round acaricides” to keep them safe. In addition, pet owners in Lyme endemic areas should strongly consider getting their pets vaccinated.
To learn more about McAfee Animal Hospital and how they can help your pets, visit the website at mcafeeah.com, and to request one of their many services, visit the link here.