Paw’s Corner: What happens when my dog gets Lyme?

Dear Paw’s Corner: I want to take my 2-year-old dog Halley on hikes this summer, but I’m terrified that she will get Lyme disease. What will happen to her? – Jim T., Hyde Park, NY

Dear Jim: I commend you for being concerned about the risk of contracting Lyme disease. However, I don’t want you to change your hiking plans with Halley. As with any jaunt outside, preparation and awareness are the key to keeping your dog healthy.

Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites, with the deer tick as the biggest culprit. The tick latches onto the skin and can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme in 12 to 24 hours. A Lyme-infected dog may show symptoms immediately, or months after the bite. Lameness that goes away and returns is a key symptom that Lyme is affecting their joints. Dogs may also run a high fever, be lethargic, lose weight due to appetite loss or vomit, especially if Lyme is affecting their kidneys.

Prevention is important. Here is what to do:

• Treat your dog with a topical or chewable flea and tick preventative on schedule.

• Keep your dog on a sturdy leash at all times when hiking.

• Avoid walking through tall grasses or past low-drooping trees. If that’s unavoidable, run your hand along your dog’s coat as soon as you’re clear of the area to brush away any crawling ticks. (Yes, it’s icky. Just do it.)

• After the hike, thoroughly check your dog’s coat and skin for ticks. Remove any latched-on ticks with a tick removal tool and monitor for symptoms.

• If your dog begins showing symptoms, get testing and treatment immediately.

Lyme is treatable with antibiotics. An annual vaccine is also available through your veterinarian. And a vaccine for humans is currently in development. So don’t change your plans – just be prepared.

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