Hey, I can understand your concern for your pet contracting Lyme disease especially because it is widespread.
The cause
The Lyme disease is caused by a parasite called Ixodes scapularis (or) more commonly known as a tick. The tick lodges itself on the canine's body and sucks blood and in the process, the remnant saliva makes a good breeding ground for a bacterial infection. A tick bite is an elevated red spot on the dog's skin with higher than normal temperatures.
The symptoms
If your dog's body is battling an infection, the lymph nodes swell up. If your dog starts limping without any sensible explanation, check for lymph node swelling. The location of the lymph nodes is near the leg, when swollen, does not allow normal gait.
Spots that look like bee bites
Vomiting, anorexia, decreased urination are some symptoms. A swollen abdomen, funny smelling breath. A temperature of 103 degree F. If the above symptoms persist, take your dog for a simple blood test called 3Dx test
The Medication
Generally one course of Doxycycline antibiotics is administered to the dog during primary infection. Secondary/prolonged infections may require longer treatment (generally thirty days)
The prevention
Vaccinate your dog. These are easily available at your local vet. (Recombitek Lyme by merial)
Check and Pluck out ticks as soon as spotted. If not, take the canine to the vet. They will know how to remove a tick
Unfortunately Lyme disease is endemic to temperate areas in the United states and other parts of the world and May to August is the period when Lyme disease spreads most.
Try and avoid taking your dog to places with tall grass during monsoon/wet seasons.
Coat your dog with anti tick solution
Lyme disease also can afflict humans. So do be careful where you tread. Hope this answers your query....
