Canine Lyme disease is all too common, but it’s also very preventable.
If you have had a chance to read our last blog, then you already know what Lyme disease is, how it is spread, what the symptoms are and how it is treated. Our veterinary clinic in North Merrick also talked about how Lyme disease in dogs is on the rise. Luckily, Lyme disease in dogs is preventable. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from contracting Lyme disease:
#1. Check your dog for ticks every day.
It’s important to carefully check for ticks on your dog on a daily basis, but especially if you have been in a wooded area, where ticks are common. Ticks tend to hide between toes, inside ears, under the chin, around the neck, near the groin and in the armpits, so be diligent about checking those places on your dog for ticks.
#2. Make your yard less habitable for ticks.
Keep ticks out of your yard by keeping your grass short and raking your lawn regularly. Click here to learn more about tick prevention in your yard.
#3. Ask your veterinarian about tick prevention products.
There are many tick prevention products that can help to keep the ticks away from your dog. Ask your veterinarian which one he or she recommends.
#4. Get your dog tested for tick-borne diseases.
Regardless of if your dog has symptoms or not, it’s smart to have your dog tested every year for tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease.
Do you have any questions or concerns about Lyme disease prevention? If so, contact us today.