Should I treat my pet with tick prevention in the fall?

Understanding Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease in Dogs

What are Deer Ticks?

Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), are small arachnids that can transmit various diseases to both animals and humans. They are most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas and are becoming increasingly more common in Saskatchewan. Recent evidence has emerged that shows that deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are more cold resistant making them particularly active in the fall months.

Lyme Disease Overview

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks. A tick only needs to be attached for 24-48 hours to introduce the bacterium into the bloodstream. While Lyme disease is known to affect humans, it can also impact dogs, leading to various health issues.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

Dogs infected with Lyme disease may exhibit a range of symptoms, including:

• Lameness or joint pain

• Fever

• Swollen joints

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Enlarged lymph nodes

Though many dogs can become asymptomatic carriers of the disease.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians can diagnose Lyme disease in dogs through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Blood tests can detect antibodies against the Lyme bacteria.

Prevention

Preventing Lyme disease in dogs involves several strategies:

• Using tick prevention products, such as topical treatments, or oral medications.

• Regularly checking your dog for ticks after outdoor activities.

• Keeping your yard well-maintained to reduce tick habitats.

Treatment

If a dog is diagnosed with Lyme disease, treatment typically involves:

• Antibiotics, usually doxycycline, for several weeks.

• Anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and swelling.

• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the dog's recovery.

Conclusion

There was a time when we did not have deer ticks in Saskatchewan but over the last few years they are becoming more and more prevalent and more resistant to our cold fall weather. Awareness and preventive measures are essential to protect your pet. For these reasons we recommend using tick preventative medications (such as Bravecto) from early spring to late fall to prevent the spread of Lyme disease.