With summer coming in fast, this is incredibly important information for you to share with your friends.
While everyone knows that ticks can bring diseases to humans, not everyone is aware that dogs can suffer through a tick bite just the same.
It is of the utmost importance to check up on your dog very closely after they’ve had a long day of playing outside. Check for ticks regularly and seriously consider purchasing a brand of tick killing products. FRONTLINE, Bayer, Advantix, or whatever you and your vet think will work best for you!
If you do find a tick on your dog, you absolutely need to keep a close eye on the tick bite for any symptoms of Lyme Disease. Possible symptoms could be:
- Lameness in the legs due to inflammation of the joints
- Stiff walk with an arched back
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite and depression
Other complications such as Kidney disease can occur, which seems to be more prevalent in Labrador and golden retrievers and Bernese mountain dogs. Research has also shown that younger dogs are more susceptible to the disease than older dogs are.
If your dog is found to have been infected, make sure to take them to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. There are many antibiotics which you can give your furry friend, and with a warm and dry atmosphere and some tender loving care, your dog will be able to fight this disease, hopefully with no lasting joint problems.
The best way to fight is prevention! Groom your dogs daily if you can, removing any ticks you may find. While there are many sprays, lotions, collars, and vaccines for dogs, make sure to talk to your veterinarian on your next visit just to see what the best form of preventative care is for your loving pooch.
It should also be noted that cats can catch this disease, too, though it is less likely. That doesn’t mean you should stop grooming your feline friends though!
Check out the video below for some helpful hints on how to best remove ticks from your pets.
And please SHARE this important information with all of your pet-loving friends and family!
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