Lyme Disease

The geographic range of canine Lyme disease continues to grow every year beyond its strongholds in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Many dogs, initially or even later, do not show obvious signs of any negative health impact. When signs do occur, usually they are in the form of lameness or arthritis due to disease impact on the joints. Other signs can include fever, appetite loss and lethargy.

Lyme Disease for Dog Map courtesy of CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps.

Heartworm

Heartworm infection continues to be one of the most concerning mosquito-borne diseases in dogs, and can sometimes be fatal. The risk of infection is significant in most states, especially in southern states where mosquito season can last longer.  Despite the wide availability of preventive medicine, there are still gaps in disease prevention due to a lack of pet parent compliance in administering multi-month or year-long heartworm medications. Ongoing client education on heartworm prevention remains one of the best weapons to reduce disease incidence.

Heartworm for Canine Map courtesy of CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps.

What Clients Should Know: Canine Lyme Disease

Caused by the transmission of the spirochete bacteria through the bite of an infected tick, Lyme disease is contagious to both dogs and humans, and is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases.

Veterinarian Tips: Lyme Disease Prevention

The presence of Lyme disease was first described in canines almost a decade after it was recognized in humans. Now regarded as one of the most common of the tick-borne diseases found within North America, dogs that roam or that spend a lot of time outside of the house run the highest risk of contracting the infection.

Veterinarians: Heartworm Prevention Tips for Clients

An animal with heartworm disease is at risk of serious health complications. Clients need to understand how an animal becomes infected in order to better recognize the importance of using heartworm preventives for their pet.

Veterinarians: Talk to Clients about Heartworm

Heartworm disease is nearly impossible to detect in its earliest stages. There are few, if any, physical signs that indicate the point when a dog becomes infected.

Lyme Disease: A Pet Owner's Guide

Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is an illness that affects both animals and humans – what is known as a zoonotic disease – and is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

10 things you need to know about Lyme disease in dogs

The arrival of springtime means Lyme disease is again resurfacing as a concern on the radar screens of people across the country. So, if you go for a hike or take a walk through long grass, chances are that you'll check yourself for ticks afterward.

Lyme Disease - Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

Answers to frequently asked questions about canine Lyme disease.

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Facts About Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease

Incidence and risk of Lyme disease is on the rise.