As the weather warms up and you spend more time outdoors with your dog, the risk of tick exposure increases. Ticks thrive in wooded areas, tall grass, and even suburban yards, carrying dangerous diseases like Lyme disease. April is Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect your pet from this serious illness.
At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, we care deeply about helping pets live long, healthy lives. One of the ways we do that is by helping you stay ahead of preventable conditions like Lyme disease. Whether you’re hiking through Michigan’s trails or just enjoying your backyard, we’re here to help you keep your dog safe from ticks and the diseases they carry.
What Is Lyme Disease, and How Does It Affect Dogs?
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (commonly known as the deer tick). Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause a range of symptoms, including lethargy, fever, joint pain and swelling, lameness that may shift between legs, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the disease can lead to kidney damage. Some dogs may not show symptoms for weeks or months after being infected, making early detection and prevention crucial.
How to Protect Your Dog from Lyme Disease
Use Year-Round Tick Preventatives
Prevention is key when it comes to Lyme disease. The most effective way to protect your dog from tick bites is to use a veterinary-approved tick preventative year-round. Topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars are all excellent options, each with unique benefits. Topical treatments are applied to the skin and kill ticks on contact, typically lasting for a month. Oral medications work systemically to eliminate ticks that bite your dog, with some providing protection for up to three months. Tick collars release chemicals that repel and kill ticks, with some lasting as long as eight months. Since ticks can be active even in mild winters, year-round protection is recommended. Consult your veterinarian to choose the best preventative for your dog’s lifestyle and health needs.
Perform Regular Tick Checks
Performing regular tick checks is another crucial step in protecting your dog. After spending time outside, thoroughly inspect your dog for ticks, especially inside and around the ears, around the eyes, under the collar, along the belly and groin, between the toes, and under the tail. Ticks need to be attached for 36–48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, so finding and removing them as soon as possible can prevent infection.
Proper Tick Removal
If you find a tick on your dog, removing it properly is essential. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight out with steady, even pressure—avoiding twisting or crushing—to prevent the mouthparts from breaking off and remaining in the skin. Dispose of the tick in alcohol, a sealed plastic bag, or by flushing it down the toilet. Clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly. If you are unsure whether you removed the tick completely, or if the bite area becomes red or swollen, contact your veterinarian.
Consider Lyme Disease Vaccination
For dogs at high risk of Lyme disease, vaccination can provide an extra layer of protection. The Lyme disease vaccine does not replace tick preventatives but offers additional defense, particularly for dogs in endemic areas. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to Lyme disease, so discuss the best timing with your vet.
Reduce Tick Habitats
Reducing the tick population in your environment can also help protect your dog. Keeping grass mowed short, removing leaf litter and brush, and creating a barrier of gravel or wood chips around your yard can limit tick habitats. Pet-safe tick control treatments, such as yard sprays and tick tubes (which target tick larvae in rodents), can further minimize risk. When walking or hiking with your dog, stick to well-groomed trails and avoid letting your pet wander into dense vegetation. If you visit high-risk areas, be extra diligent about checking your dog for ticks afterward.
Photo from Pexels
Lyme Disease Myths vs. Facts
Despite being a well-known disease, there are many misconceptions about Lyme disease in dogs.
Photo from Pexels:
Stay Proactive and Protect Your Dog
Lyme disease is a serious but preventable illness. By staying informed and taking proactive measures—such as using tick preventatives, checking for ticks, and keeping your dog’s environment tick-free—you can significantly reduce the risk.
If you have questions about Lyme disease or would like help choosing the right prevention plan for your dog, we’re here to help. At Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s health and happiness are our priority. Give us a call or book an appointment online today to talk with one of our veterinarians about protecting your dog this spring and beyond.
Is your dog protected from ticks? Contact us today to discuss the best Lyme disease prevention plan for your pet!
