The short answer to this question is: Yes! Dogs can get Lyme disease. So how do you know if your pet is at risk and what are the symptoms? Keep reading to learn more!
Our experienced veterinarians at Germantown Vet can help you diagnose and treat Lyme disease in your dog, simply schedule an appointment at our animal hospital in Germantown, MD.
Click the button to the side or give us a call at 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment with one of our vets!
Lyme Disease Symptoms
So, you’ve found a tick on your dog, is he or she at risk for Lyme disease? Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted by deer ticks. If you’ve removed a tick from your dog and he or she starts exhibiting the following symptoms, he or she may be infected:
- Depression
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lameness
- Swollen, sore joints
If your pet is exhibiting any of those symptoms following the removal of a tick (or if they’re exhibiting these symptoms at any time), it’s vital that you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian at Germantown Vet. To diagnose your dog with Lyme disease, one of our veterinarians will perform a physical examination as well as blood tests.
Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs
The best treatment for your pet’s Lyme disease can only be diagnosed after an appointment with a veterinarian; however, it is commonly treated with antibiotics. If you seek treatment promptly, you can usually expect to see your dog to start improving in 48 hours.
Prevent Ticks Before They Bite
The best thing you can do for your dog is to prevent tick infestations before they happen by administering flea and tick medication regularly. Parasite infestations can cause more problems than just Lyme disease, so it’s incredibly important to use preventative measures.
Learn more about pet parasites »
Schedule Your Dog’s Vet Appointment
If you believe your dog has Lyme disease or you’re worried about a tick you have recently removed from your pet, give Germantown Vet a call. We can examine your dog and determine whether or not he or she has contracted Lyme disease.
Contact us online or by phone at 240-252-7467 to schedule an appointment!
