Lyme Disease has been slowly and gradually sprawling across the globe leading to deaths of millions of dogs. In fact, now humans also don’t go unscathed ever since the population of these parasites has increased and expanded to different parts of the world. It is imperative to spread awareness regarding its prevention since the disease is now being considered an endemic. The spike in the number of Lyme disease cases thus necessitates the observance of Lyme Disease Awareness Month which promotes its prevention by encouraging people to follow the correct way of combating this tick-borne illness. The Lyme Disease Association of Australia (LDAA) organizes The May Lyme Project every year and sponsors various events especially during this month. All of these activities facilitate awareness regarding the disease and support patients who suffer from this illness.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease has been predominantly found in pets that are more exposed to the wildlife and outdoors. This disease is not locally acquired in Australia. Again the risk prevails as migrants, as well as travelers, are most likely to bring the disease along with if they carry their tick-infested pets with them.
Though travelers cannot be stopped from coming to Australia, a health check can be levied to prevent them from sabotaging the rest of the population. In addition to that, the more people would be aware of the prevention that can be fostered in advance, the easier would be the chances to eliminate the infestations.
So if you are unaware of how Lyme disease infects your pet as well as yourself, here is an insight.
Lyme Disease Symptoms
The bite of a black-legged or deer tick infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria causes Lyme disease in pets. Even in humans, a tick bite transmits this disease. General symptoms of this disease in pets include –
- fever
- lameness
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- Swelling of joints
As the disease progresses, it may even lead to kidney failure and neurological issues. In humans, a bulls-eye kind of rash indicates the presence of this disease. Moreover, Lyme symptoms also include –
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Swollen joints
- Sensitivity to light
- Neurological issues
What Can You Do To Prevent Lyme Disease?
- Tick preventatives are highly effective in treating Lyme disease. They come in a monthly pack, specially formulated to kill the existing ticks. Consumers mainly rely upon Nexgard, Bravecto, , as they are some of the most trustworthy preventatives. Using these monthly pills for the entire year helps in preventing future infestations. Besides that, you can also use tick collars and flea sprays that work effectively in eliminating ticks.
- Check your dog for ticks every time he returns from outdoors.
- Remove the ticks with tweezers. Do not twist or squeeze it. Just pull it upwards gently and dispose of it in alcohol or flush it out.
- Wash your clothes and your pet’s bedding, clothes, toys, and upholstery weekly.
- Vacuum your house every week to remove any hidden tick.
- Let the sunlight suffuse in the room.
- Maintain good hygiene and regularly groom your pet.
- Feed a healthy diet to your dog to repel parasites.
- Keep the yard clean and shaved. Remove leaf litter regularly and keep the trash bin lid closed all the time.