Lyme disease in dogs is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is generally transmitted through the bite of black-legged ticks (deer ticks). While many dogs show no symptoms of the disease, untreated cases can lead to serious health conditions, including kidney damage. If you’re new to dog parenthood and don’t know much about this disease, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide about Lyme disease in dogs is all you need to know.
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What is Lyme Disease in Dogs?
Caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, Lyme disease is transmitted through the bites of at least 4 known tick species. However, most infections are caused by the bites of black-legged ticks. According to studies, ticks must be attached for at least 24 to 48 hours for the transmission of enough bacteria to cause infection.
In Which Parts of the US are Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks Commonly Found?
In the US, especially during the tick season in the USA, Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by two tick species, though other tick species may occasionally be associated with transmission. The main vectors that transmit Lyme disease in dogs are the black-legged ticks in the eastern and Midwestern US, and the western black-legged ticks on the West Coast.
Most dogs infected with Lyme disease show no signs at all. However, the ones that show symptoms take about two to five months to do so.
Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
The following are the most common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs:
- Fever
- Intermittent Limping
- Lameness that shifts from leg to leg
- Decreased Activity
- Loss of Appetite
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Painful & Swollen Joints
Importance of Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs
It is crucial to prevent Lyme disease in dogs as the infection can spread throughout the body by the time it shows symptoms. Also, in many cases, dogs don’t show any symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult. To keep dogs protected from Lyme disease infection, it is important to use year-round tick prevention.
Timely tick prevention of Lyme disease will keep your dog safe from serious illnesses like severe joint pain, lameness, fever, and fatal kidney damage.
The Most Effective Products to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs?
The following are some of the most effective tick preventives that help protect dogs against Lyme disease: Bravecto for Dogs, NexGard Chews, Simparica Trio, and Frontline Plus for Dogs. Below is a brief overview of each.
1. Bravecto for Dogs
– Treats and controls tick infestations caused by multiple tick species, including black-legged ticks
– Prevents Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks
– Treats and prevents flea infestations
– Comes as highly palatable flavored chews for ease of administration
– Offers protection for 12 weeks
– Starts killing parasites within hours of administration
– Idea for dogs that swim frequently and those who are not comfortable with topical solutions
2. NexGard Chewables
– Treats and controls tick infestations caused by five tick species, including black-legged ticks
– Prevents Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks
– Treats and prevents flea infestations
– Remains effective for 30 days
– Available as delicious beef-flavored chews for easy administration
– Suitable for dogs that like to swim and are not comfortable with the application of topical formulas
3. Simparica Trio
– Broad-spectrum parasite preventive
– Treats and controls tick infestations caused by six tick species, including black-legged ticks
– Helps in preventing Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks
– Effective against fleas, intestinal worms, and heartworms
– Comes in the form of highly palatable liver-flavored chews
– Offers monthly protection
– May work well with outdoor and swimmer dogs
4. Frontline Plus for Dogs
– Treats four tick species, including black-legged ticks
– Effective against fleas, lice, and mites
– Comes in the form of an easy-to-administer spot-on formula
– Protects dogs for a complete month
– Features a waterproof formula
– May suit picky eaters that don’t like to ingest oral treatments
A Detailed Analysis
The following table features the key differences between Bravecto for Dogs, NexGard Chewables, Simparica Trio, and Frontline Plus for Dogs.
| Features | Bravecto for Dogs | NexGard Chewables | Simparica Trio | Frontline Plus for Dogs |
| Tick Coverage | Black-legged ticks, American Dog Ticks, Brown Dog Ticks & Asian Longhorned Ticks | Black-legged Ticks, American Dog Ticks, Brown Dog Ticks, Lone Star Ticks & Asian Longhorned Ticks | Lone Star Ticks, Gulf Coast Ticks, American Dog Ticks, Black-legged Ticks, Brown Dog Ticks, & Asian Longhorned Ticks | Brown Dog Ticks, American Dog ticks, Lone Star ticks and Black-legged Ticks |
| Other Parasite Coverage | Fleas | Fleas | Fleas, Intestinal Worms & Heartworms | Fleas, Lice & Mites |
| Mode of Administration | Oral | Oral | Oral | Topical |
| Dosage | Once Every 3 Months | Once a Month | Once a Month | Once a Month |
Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs
Prevention of Lyme disease primarily requires the prevention of tick infestation in dogs. Besides using vet-recommended parasite preventives, here are some additional ways to do so.
1. Conducting Daily Checks
As a dog parent, you must thoroughly check your dog after outdoor activities especially around the paws, inside the ears, under the collar, and under the tail.
2. Maintaining Your Yard
To keep your home protected from ticks, it is important that you also keep your yard clean and well-maintained. To maintain a clean yard, you must mow the lawns and remove leaf litter, as they are common hideouts for ticks.
3. Keeping Your Home Clean
You must regularly wash your dog’s bedding in hot water and vacuum areas where your dog sleeps. This will help eliminate any ticks, eggs, or larvae. You must also vacuum your sofa, bed and other furniture to keep the pesky parasites at bay.
4. Avoiding High-Risk Areas
During peak seasons, it is advisable not to take your dog near tall grasses or bushy and wooded areas where ticks and other parasites are commonly found.
Wrapping Up
Lyme disease is a serious yet preventable tick-borne illness in dogs. A proactive approach that includes consistent tick prevention, daily checks, and regular veterinary care can help keep your dog protected from the disease. Trusted retailers like CanadaPetCare.com and DiscountPetMart, BestVetCare also make it easier for pet parents to access reliable tick prevention products for their dogs.
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