[1Jurisdiva]

Hey everybody,

Now that it is tick season I just wanted to post a link about the signs of lyme disease in dogs. I had posted in the earlier question about ticks thread about our own personal experience with a dog that caught it, and wanted to make sure everyone has the information to hopefully save their dog from a similar situation. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (and happy 4th!).

Cindy

Lyme Disease in Dogs | PetMD

 

[yigcenuren]

This is one of those things that I hear about and say to myself 'yeah, I've heard of this but..what is it again?' Thanks for the link. If I ever get to move to the country like I want, I'll really have to watch for this.

Monica

 

[Pamela]

Hey everybody,

Now that it is tick season I just wanted to post a link about the signs of lyme disease in dogs. I had posted in the earlier question about ticks thread about our own personal experience with a dog that caught it, and wanted to make sure everyone has the information to hopefully save their dog from a similar situation. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend (and happy 4th!).

Cindy

Lyme Disease in Dogs | PetMD

there is also a Lyme disease vaccination that my dogs get besides the K9 Advantix

 

[Feralpudel]

Just a few quick comments and resources. This document is long and detailed and has pictures of ticks that will haunt your dreams, LOL. But it also has great suggestions for making your yard less tick-friendly:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/resources/handbook.pdf

If you live in an area where Lyme is a problem (it has spread southward into VA now, and I know many dogs and people who have been affected), you should ask your vet to do a SNAP test at least annually. It is a simple blood test that tests for evidence of the Lyme antibody, along with some other tickborne diseases and heartworm. If your dog tests positive for Lyme, vets usually either recommend watchful waiting or a course of doxycycline. You can also get a more sensitive test for Lyme as a follow-up. Many canine health clinics also offer SNAP tests and the quantitative Lyme test.

The vaccine is somewhat controversial. Here is one website that provides an overview of the issues:
Revaccination

Finally, it is good to remember an important distinction between Frontline and K9 Advantix: Advantix is toxic to cats. Obviously that means you don't use it on cats, but if you have a dog that has a lot of contact with cats, that may also figure into your choice.