As the weather gets hot, people often go out. Many people enjoy camping or walking in parks with their pets .
Unfortunately, when out they never imagine that their pets can get Ticks. Ticks are pests that transmit Lyme diseases in dogs .
Dr. Lynelle Johnson, a veterinarian formerly at the University of Illinois says, "Humans, dogs, cats, horses, and cows can all become infected with Lyme disease, but it is seen in humans and dogs most frequently."
The two life stages (the nymph and the adult) of the small, hard-shell tick of the ixodes species are responsible for transmitting a spirochete organism that causes this disease. It is recommended that in areas where these ticks are abundant, one must be careful from April through September or October.
Dr. Johnson said, "Researchers think it is length of attachment time as opposed to frequent exposure, that plays a role in transmission of the disease."
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, unwillingness to eat, sore joints, a stiff gait, or a lameness that may shift from one leg to the other. If your dog shows these symptoms then they should be taken to the vet for treatment.
"The best prevention is tick dips and sprays. There are also collars , but they only protect the head and neck area of the dog."
Vaccine is also available against the Lyme disease. However, the vaccination may result in a disease that mimics the Lyme disease or more serious side effects. Thus the effectiveness of this option is controversial.
