Compared to the same time period in 2010, we saw a 34% increase in the number of Lyme positive dogs this year. Unfortunately, we anticipate this percentage to increase as we had a
number of clients report finding ticks on their pets this fall, when ticks are quite active. Testing for Lyme disease needs to be done about 6 weeks post exposure so many of these dogs are still in the waiting stage.

If you have found ticks on your dog, please call and schedule an appointment to check for Lyme and other tick borne diseases. The deer tick that carries Lyme disease is very small and
may be easily missed, especially on heavy coated dogs. Consider having your dog tested, even if you didn’t find ticks. This is a simple blood test that we perform here at the hospital with results in about 15 minutes. If your dog tests positive, he will be started on a course of Doxycycline antibiotic to help prevent the disease from progressing.

Ticks are active any time the temperature is 40 degrees or above and there have been many such days this fall. We are recommending you continue to use a tick preventative until there is a good snow pack on the ground and to start up again as soon as thawing begins in the spring. We also recommend having you dog vaccinated against Lyme disease in February or March to make sure he has that extra layer of protection when the ticks start moving again. If your dog has not been vaccinated before, he will need a series of 2 vaccinations, 3 weeks apart , and a booster every year. If you dog has been vaccinated, remember to get the booster each year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding ticks and Lyme disease, give us a call.