Canine Lyme Disease
What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
 Named after the town in Connecticut where the outbreak
was first discovered, Canine Lyme Disease (aka lime disease) is
contracted by
tick bites.
The Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the most
likely culprit.
Ticks do not actually cause the disease, but they
carry
the bacteria which causes the infection.
The scientific name for this bacteria is Borrelia
burgdorferi.
What Causes Lyme Disease in Dogs?
There are three other known species of ticks that
can transmit
the disease.
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
- Western Black Legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus)
But, the majority of cases come from a very tiny
tick
commonly called the Deer Tick.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms of lyme disease in dog can take from 2-5
months
to
appear. The early
signs in dogs are lack of appetite, fever and lethargy. But your dog
can show any of the following signs:
- Depression
- Fever - temperature of 103 or higher (101-
102.5 is
normal)
Some dogs do not develop a fever
- Lethargic behavior
- Limping from pain in the leg(s)
- Loss of Appetite
- Lymph node swelling (usually in the affected
limb)
Without treatment, it can damage joints, kidneys
(glomerular disease), heart muscle and nerve tissue. In rare cases,
dogs may develop aggressive behavior, heart disease, renal issues and
seizures.
Treatment
Common treatments for lyme disease are
antimicrobial therapy and antibiotic medication.
Antibiotic therapy suppresses, but does not
eliminate the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. The sysmptoms will
subside. But, the bacteria will remain dormant in the dog's body.
Is My Dog At Risk?
 Canine Lyme Disease has been
reported in every state.
But, there are certain regions that are more likely to harbor
bacteria-carrying ticks than others.
It is common (or endemic) in the following areas:
High Risk
- East coast (North Carolina to Maine - risk
appears to
be greater the farther north you go)
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
Moderate Risk
- California
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
All other states are lower risk.
Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs
There are three vaccines approved for Canine Lyme
Disease. But, none of them are 100% effective. And they are not without
risk. If you live in an area considered high risk, be sure to discuss
the pros and cons of the vaccine with your trusted vet.
Topical medications have had decent success in
keeping dogs safe from ticks. Frontline Plus and
K9 Advantix are a couple
of preventative measures. They are applied topically and spread through
the skin's oil layer.
Be aware that Revolution
does not protect your
dog from ticks, including the dreaded deer tick. A friend of mine
didn't know this and was shocked when her dog was
found to be positive for canine lyme disease.
Do not use any over-the-counter flea
and
tick medications found in the store. They may be cheaper, but the risks
(and vet bills) are just not worth it. One of these "cheap" formulas
cost me over $100 at the vet and nearly took Paxton's life.
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Above all, be aware that ticks and other parasites
have
less effect on healthy animals. Make sure you are feeding your German
Shepherd a quality dog
food.
The information and
products recommended by german-shepherd-lore.com are not intended to
take the place of expert veterinarian care. Please consult with your
vet and ask about using a natural and alternative approach for the
healthcare and treatment of your pet. Find a holistic vet.
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