Lyme Disease Prevention Month: What Pet Owners Should Know | Fetch A Vet

Every May, veterinarians and pet owners across the country recognize Lyme Disease Prevention Month, an important reminder to stay alert about one of the most common tick-borne illnesses affecting pets. At Fetch A Vet, we want to help pet families understand Lyme disease, how it can impact dogs and cats, and how you can take meaningful steps to prevent it.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to pets through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often known as the deer tick. Contrary to what many believe, Lyme disease is not just a threat in heavily wooded or rural areas. Ticks can be found in suburban backyards, parks, and even beach areas across much of the United States. Because ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, Lyme Disease Prevention Month is the perfect opportunity to refresh your knowledge and update your prevention plans.

One of the biggest challenges with Lyme disease is that symptoms can be subtle and sometimes take weeks or even months to appear after a tick bite. In dogs, common signs include limping that may seem to shift from one leg to another, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and swollen joints. In more severe cases, Lyme disease can lead to kidney damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Cats are less commonly diagnosed with Lyme disease, but it’s still crucial to protect them, especially if they spend time outdoors.

Early detection is key. If your pet shows any unusual signs or if you know they have been exposed to tick habitats, contacting a veterinarian as soon as possible is critical. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and blood tests. Fortunately, Lyme disease can often be treated effectively with a course of antibiotics when caught early, which is why awareness and vigilance are so important.

Of course, the best treatment is prevention. Protecting your pets from ticks starts with avoiding areas where ticks are likely to be found, such as tall grass, leaf litter, and wooded trails. After spending time outside, especially in high-risk areas, it’s important to carefully check your pet for ticks. Ticks can be very small, especially in their early stages, so a thorough inspection is necessary. Focus on hidden spots like under the collar, between toes, around ears, and near the base of the tail.

Fetch A Vet recommends using veterinarian-approved tick prevention products all year round, not just during the warmer months. These can include oral medications, topical treatments, or tick collars. Different products offer different benefits, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian about which option is safest and most effective for your pet’s lifestyle and health needs. In some regions where Lyme disease is very common, vaccination may also be an option for dogs.

Another important step in prevention is keeping your environment less inviting to ticks. This can involve keeping your grass trimmed short, removing brush and leaf litter, and creating tick-safe zones in your yard with wood chips or gravel barriers.

At Fetch A Vet, we know how much your pets mean to you, and we’re passionate about helping you protect them from preventable illnesses like Lyme disease. Our mobile veterinary service makes it easier than ever to get personalized advice, prevention products, and care for your pets right from the comfort of your own home.

This Lyme Disease Prevention Month, take a proactive step in protecting your pets. Contact Fetch A Vet today at (843) 580-6209 to schedule a wellness check or talk to a veterinarian about the best Lyme prevention plan for your furry companions. Your pet’s health and happiness are worth it!