Lyme Disease

The most important thing to know about Lyme disease in dogs are the steps that can reduce the risk of transmission. Untreated Lyme disease can cause heart, kidney, joint, and neurological problems. Bayer wants you to know about Lyme disease and how you can protect your dog to help ensure a long and happy life.

Dogs are at risk for Lyme disease for three reasons:

1. Dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, where ticks are prevalent.
2. Bacteria-carrying ticks are small and hard to spot, especially underneath your dog's coat.
3. Many dog owners do not take the necessary steps to prevent ticks from attaching.

Both humans and dogs can suffer from Lyme Disease, but sadly, dogs are at an even greater risk than their owners. The American Lyme Disease Foundation estimates that Lyme disease occurs at rates in dogs that are 50 to 100 times¹ the rate of humans.

Ticks that carry the bacteria causing canine Lyme disease are most commonly found in wooded areas, environments that are grassy, covered in abundant beach grass, and/or damp and shaded terrain. Hunting dogs and other dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are drawn to these types of areas where ticks thrive.

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs may be different in every animal.

All dog owners should be knowledgeable and aware of the range of symptoms including:

• Joint pain
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Appetite loss
• Swollen joints

Your veterinarian's diagnosis of Lyme disease will be based on a physical exam, clinical tests, your dog's history, and a history of ticks or living in a tick-infested area. For example, if your dog was healthy one day with no signs of discomfort and the following day, without incident, starts to display tenderness or pain, that could suggest symptoms of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease in dogs is treatable, especially if diagnosed early. Generally, veterinarians treat Lyme disease in dogs with antibiotics, administered over a period of several weeks. Some veterinarians may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to minimize pain associated with Lyme disease in dogs.

If your dog is experiencing symptoms of Lyme disease, it's important to contact your veterinarian to immediately discuss diagnosis and treatment options.

What can you do to protect your dog?

If you have grassy areas and or damp/shaded terrain surrounding your home, you should mow the lawn regularly and clear debris. You should also protect your dog against disease carrying ticks by applying K9 Advantix® monthly to repel and kill ticks before they bite. Once applied, you and your dog can frolic worry-free for a full month. These steps will help keep ticks to a minimum. This water resistant protection is gentle enough for puppies as young as seven weeks of age.