Also called borreliosis, Lyme disease is transmitted by tick bite.
Present throughout France, it is important to monitor your dog daily!
In addition to controlling the presence of ticks, regular use of an anti-parasitic product is also essential.
Fever, coordination problems, fatigue, anemia… Watch out for these typical symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs.
At the slightest change in behavior, remember to consult your veterinarian.
And to avoid paying too much for veterinary costs, don't forget to take out insurance for your pet.
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What is Lyme disease in dogs?
Lyme disease in dogs, also known as borreliosis, is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks.
Caused by a bacteria, “borrelia bugdorferi”, it also affects men.
However, an infected dog does not directly transmit the disease!
Contamination only occurs through the bite of the tick carrying the bacteria.
Where is Lyme disease found?
In France, it is present throughout the territory, with a predominance in the north and east.
Of course, the place where the dog is most exposed is where the most ticks are found: the woods, the thickets, etc.
So if your dog is used to walks in the forest or accompanies you while hunting, you must be extra vigilant!
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Symptoms of Lyme disease vary from dog to dog.
However, it is common to find a certain number of physical manifestations:
fever
coordination disorders
muscle aches
fatigue
anemia
loss of appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
Good to know:
Symptoms begin in the form of a crisis: this is one of the predominant characteristics of Lyme disease.
If in doubt, the best reflex is to consult a veterinarian.
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How to treat Lyme disease in dogs?
If poorly treated, Lyme disease in dogs can lead to serious complications.
Often irreversible after-effects such as heart or kidney failure, joint damage, etc.
It is therefore crucial to diagnose borreliosis in your pet as quickly as possible.
To do this, go to your veterinary clinic to take a blood test.
If the infection is confirmed, treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories is implemented.
To avoid Lyme disease in dogs, prevention remains the essential element.
So, how can you protect your dog from borreliosis?
There are several ways to avoid tick contamination:
Inspect your dog regularly: after a walk or daily if your pet likes to spend hours outdoors (especially if your dog has a lot of hair).
If a tick is present, you must remove it as quickly as possible.
How ?
Using a tick remover: slide the hook under the tick in contact with the skin, turn until it comes off.
Above all, don't pull, because the tick's head may get stuck!
If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian;
Treat your dog with a suitable anti-parasitic product: be sure to buy a product that is effective on ticks!
Vaccinate your dog: Currently, there is a vaccine against Lyme disease in dogs.
However, vaccination does not prevent infection, but limits symptoms.
Other preventive measures remain necessary.
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