You & Your Pet by Dr. Wise

Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association 11 South Angell Street #347 · Providence, RI 02906 (401) 751-0944(401) 780-0940 · Fax · rivma@rivma.org

I have heard a lot about Lyme Disease lately.  Can dogs can get Lyme Disease and if so, can I can get Lyme Disease from my dog?

Lyme Disease is a tick-transmitted bacterial disease which is known to infect both dogs and humans. The tiny deer tick is the major carrier of these bacteria. The small, brown deer tick measures less than a quarter of an inch and is found worldwide. Lyme Disease is especially prevalent in the northeastern United States. May through September are the most common months for transmission of Lyme Disease.

Signs of infection in dogs include lameness, joint pain, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. Unlike in people, a skin rash is rarely noted in dogs. Untreated, Lyme Disease can cause debilitating arthritis and, in rare cases, kidney failure, neurologic problems and heart disease. Fortunately, treatment with a specific antibiotic is successful in most dogs with Lyme Disease.

Preventing Lyme Disease can be a challenge since the tick is so small and can be easily missed on your pet's fur. Some of the most important ways to prevent your dog from becoming infected are by keeping your dog away from tall grass and wooded areas, carefully checking your dog every day for ticks and removing them promptly, and using appropriate tick repellants for dogs. If you find a tick attached to your dog's skin, use tweezers to grasp it firmly and with gentle continuous pressure ease the tick out of the skin. Vaccinating your dog against Lyme Disease is an option you should discuss with your veterinarian.

The most likely way for people to contract the disease is the same way your dog does - by picking up ticks while walking through tall grass, brush and woods. By understanding these basic facts about Lyme Disease, you will have the best chance for you and your dog to safely enjoy the great outdoors.

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.