Canine Lyme Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and humans alike resemble those of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Indeed, Lyme disease in dogs, and more particularly in humans, as a condition has only identified in recent years, as previously it was most likely misdiagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis. In 1975, when there were an unusually high number of cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed in children in Lyme, Connecticut, further research was carried out, and a new disease was identified, and named "Lyme Disease".

Early symptoms of Lyme Disease in your dog are likely to start with a sore foot or leg. Certainly one of the first symptoms of Lyme Disease will be limping. Further investigation will then be likely to reveal lymph node swelling in your dog's affected leg, and your dog is very likely to have an elevated temperature.

If you fail to seek treatment for Lyme Disease very promptly, your dog may suffer effective paralysis due to the debilitating pain, as well as heart damage and other nerve damage. Even if treated at this stage, your dog may well suffer recurrent, or chronic Lyme Disease. This may also include permanent joint or nerve damage and damage to the heart muscle.

Treatment for Lyme Disease in dogs will consist of antibiotics. Such treatment minimizes the risk that the condition will progress to chronic Lyme Disease and/or permanent joint or nerve damage.

Ticks, Tick Repellant and Tick Removal

Ticks are creepy little insects that cause irritation and disease to both humans and animals. To prevent ticks from becoming a problem, tick repellents are widely available and very effective. In locations where ticks are abundant, see your vet and ask for recommendations on a good insecticidal bathing or dipping.

The chances of acquiring Lyme disease depends on the length of time the tick is attached to your flesh. The best way of minimizing the risk of infection is to take it immediately.

This type of tick looks very similar to a mole or a blood blister. Ticks are black and some female ticks are dark red, and all ticks turn gray and blow up when filled with blood.

To remove a tick, grab the exposed part of its body near the dog's skin with tweezers or forceps. Very gently, pull it with a smooth, steady pressure. Try not to pull the tick with your fingers because it could be carrying a disease that is toxic to you.

Do not be concerned if the tick's mouth parts or head get stuck in the dog's skin. Leftover parts will not poison your dog, although it may cause a temporary and minor irritation. Rubbing antiseptic on the bitten area after removing the tick will help prevent the inflammation. Avoid contact with the tick.

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