Lyme disease is a very complicated disease. It is rampant in New England and effects both dogs and humans. Sometimes, even though clients try their best, dogs will still test positive for Lyme disease. It is not that their efforts have failed, but Lyme is an “opportunistic” infection, and can surface when animals are sick or stressed. Below are some other factors which may influence a dog’s Lyme status. The following information was provided by Andy Eschner, DVM, a senior technical services veterinarian at Merial.
- Just as with people, dogs’ immune systems vary, and every dog will not respond to the vaccination protocol. It is very important to not lapse in maintaining an active vaccine status.
- Tick control agents must be used faithfully. We at GVVC recommend Seresto collars, Advantix, and Nexgard as our primary acaracides. Remember that you will see ticks on your pet, as the ticks need to come in contact with the product in order to be killed.
- Dogs will not test “positive” until at least three weeks after exposure; there are many dogs who are positive, but show no clinical signs.
- It is important for clients to educate themselves about Lyme exposure, not only how it relates to their pets, but to themselves as well. Keeping lawns short, avoiding areas with lots of brush or debris, using acaracides when appropriate, and perhaps most importantly, nightly tick checks.
- To summarize: tick control, education about the disease and it’s transmission, and tick control are paramount to preventing the disease.