2023-04-21 06:01:24
During the Week of the Tick, from 17 to 21 April 2023, there is a lot of talk about the tick bite and Lyme disease. And it’s mainly about people. But can dogs actually get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease
We as humans can get Lyme disease from a tick bite. A red ring or spot appears at the site of the bite. Often there are flu-like symptoms, such as headache, a stiff neck, muscle pain and fatigue. Later, complaints can arise such as failure of a nerve in the face, meningitis or inflamed joints or heart. It is therefore good to regularly check yourself for a tick bite.
Check the dog and yourself after a walk
Dog owners know that pets are sensitive to ticks. Anyone who has walked with the four-legged friend in the woods or elsewhere would do well to check the dog for any ticks after walking. This also applies to yourself, by the way. Ticks only become active at temperatures above 14 degrees.
What if a dog is bitten by a tick?
Dogs can also get Lyme disease. Although it manifests itself differently than in humans. This way dogs don’t get a red ring or spot. This makes it more difficult to recognize. The symptoms are also different. Often there are even no complaints at all in the dog. And if they do get it, it is sometimes weeks to months later.
What complaints can a dog get?
If a dog does get complaints after an infection, they can get fever, joint problems, kidney damage, lethargy, loss of appetite or swollen lymph nodes. All complaints that can also indicate other disorders. If your dog has one or more of the mentioned symptoms, it is recommended to see a vet. He can see through blood tests whether there is an infection in the body. That is the only way to diagnose Lyme disease in a dog.
Treating Lyme disease in dogs
If it is clear that the dog has Lyme disease, this can be easily treated with antibiotics. Most dogs respond quickly to this. The bacteria that causes the disease will not disappear completely, but the complaints will go away. In some cases, when the animal has had the disease for years, symptoms may be permanent.
Prevention is better than cure
As in many cases, prevention is better than cure. Means are available for dogs to prevent ticks. For example, there are drawing tapes, chewable tablets or pipettes with liquid that must be applied to the skin. Take a good look at which product you use for your dog. Often the weight of the animal is looked at for the amount.
And check your pet regularly for ticks in the fur. Important places are in and around the eyes, behind the ears, under the chin, between the front or hind legs, in the ‘armpits’, around the tail and between the toes.
Want to know more about the tick bite in humans? Doctor Ted explains in his office hours. He also shows you the best way to remove a tick.
(Source: Tick bite diseases, Animal doctors, Veterinary Center Paterswoldseweg, De Pet Super, Caressa animal hospitals. Photo: Shutterstock)
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