Spring is here … and it won’t be long before fleas and ticks are out in droves. As you may know, Lyme disease is primarily carried by ticks, which have been on the rise in recent years. This horrible disease can affect both people and pets! Here, a Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet offers some advice on protecting your canine companion from Lyme.
Parasite Control
Your best lines of defense are definitely flea and tick preventatives. These come in many different forms, such as powders, pills, and topical drops. Talk to your vet to determine which is best for you. Be sure to keep Fido up to date! Even a small lapse can give one of these tiny monsters a window of opportunity.
Consider Vaccination
There is a vaccine available to protect Fido from Lyme disease. However, it won’t work on dogs that have already been exposed to the virus. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Check Fido Regularly
We recommend checking your canine buddy daily. This is very easy to work into Fido’s usual doggy cuddle sessions! This is especially important after you and your furry bff have been out in a wild or wooded area. Look behind your pup’s ears, under his collar, and between his toes. (You’ll also need to inspect yourself.)
Plant Tick Repellants
Planting repellants can’t hurt, either. Some of these include sweet basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and marigold. These can also make your place look nice!
Keep Up The Yard Work
There are some things you can do around your property to make it less appealing to ticks. Keeping your lawn neatly mowed is first and foremost. Ticks love to lurk in long grasses! Keeping piles of brush and debris picked up is also important. If you have a garden or fruit trees, be diligent about picking up anything that’s fallen to the ground. Dropped produce can attract wild animals, which carry ticks.
Know The Symptoms
There are treatments for Lyme, but it’s important that it be caught early. Some things to look for include limping, lameness, swollen joints, lack of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. Fido may also seem tired and lethargic. Call your vet right away if you notice any of these things.
Do you require professional veterinary services for your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your trusted Rancho Santa Fe, CA animal clinic, for assistance today! While focusing on tick prevention and Lyme disease, it’s also crucial to consider other safety measures. For tips on protecting your pet from fire hazards, read our article on “Pet Fire Safety Tips.”
