On this Lyme Disease Awareness Month- May 2019, here's an insight into how can we become aware of Lyme Disease in our pets and make them immune to this deadly disease. Let's follow these simple tips to protect our pets from Lyme Disease.

1. Lyme Disease Awareness Month – What You
Need To Know?
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. Since this
disease is becoming an endemic now, it is imperative to spread awareness regarding its
prevention. 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.
Lyme Disease in Pets
Lyme disease has been predominantly found in pets that are more exposed to the wildlife
and outdoors. Though in Australia, this disease is not locally acquired but the risk does
prevail as migrants and travellers are most likely to bring the disease along if they carry
their tick-infested pets with them.
Though travellers cannot be stopped from coming to Australia, a health check can be
levied to prevent them from sabotaging the rest of the population. Other than that, the
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2. 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 and you, here is an insight.
How Is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
Lyme disease is generally caused when a black-legged or deer tick which is infected with
Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria bites the pet. In humans also, the disease is transmitted
through a tick bite. General symptoms of Lyme 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, it is usually marked by the presence of a bulls-eye kind of rash. Other 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 and are specially formulated to kill the existing ticks. Nexgard,
Simparica and Bravecto are some of the most trustworthy preventatives that
consumers rely upon. Using these monthly pills for the entire year helps in
preventing future infestations. Besides that, you can also use collars and sprays that
work effectively in eliminating ticks.
 Check your dog for ticks every time he returns from outdoors.
 If the tick is located, remove it with tweezers. Do not twist or squeeze it. Just pull it
upwards gently and dispose of 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.
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3.  Feed a healthy diet to your dog so he doesn’t attract parasites.
 Keep the yard clean and shaved. Remove leaf litter regularly and keep the trash bin
lid closed all the time.
 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, and Simparica, 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 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.
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