Leptospirosis & Lyme

About Leptospirosis.

  • Lepto can be found anywhere!
  • Lepto is spread through urine from infected animals.
  • The bacteria can survive in warm areas, such as puddles, ponds, slow moving rivers, stagnant water as well as ditches. Dogs are susceptible when they come in contact with these infected areas; but it must be direct contact, such as drinking from the areas listed above; lepto bacteria is spread through damaged skin or mucus membranes. Lepto can even affect humans as well.
  • Common carriers of Lepto are Racoons, Skunks and Rats.
  • Vaccinations are very important; this vaccine can help protect your pet against this serious life threatening disease. The vaccine protects a year-round coverage.
  • Leptospirosis can have devastating consequences for both pet and human.
  • Treatment is difficult and can be costly, while prevention through a vaccine is safe and effective.
  • Early symptoms of Lepto appear to be flu-like symptoms, fever, lethargy, joint pain, vomiting and frequent urination.

Take this survey to find out if your dog(s) could be at risk: Just answer yes or no to each question.

  1. Does your dog(s) have access to any standing water? (Lakes, ponds, puddles, etc.)
  2. Does your dog roam rural areas or new residential developments near woods or farmland?
  3. Do you live in an urban area where rats, racoons and skunks exist?
  4. Do you live near an area that accumulates water after heavy rainfall?
  5. Are you in a newly developed area near woods or farm lands?
  6. Do you kennel your pet?

About Lyme

  • Lyme disease is transmitted through infected ticks; one bite is all it takes.
  • Ticks are an all year problem, if it is above 4 degrees Celsius, they can still be lingering in the grass.
  • Ticks are a growing more rapidly and are spreading to new areas; they are not just found in the woods, they can be found in your own backyard!
  • There are a few preventative options for your pet; a vaccine, parasite control chewable tablets, and topicals.
  • Lyme vaccine is a yearly vaccine your pet will receive based on regions where ticks are most common, but also depends on the lifestyle you have with your pet. (If your lifestyle includes: Hiking, walking or camping, talk to your veterinarian) Bravecto is a chewable tablet that provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. This is a very popular product and a very safe one.
  • Cat Bravecto is a soon to be introduced product to veterinary clinics; this product is a topical and provides the same length in protection but for your cat! Advantix, THIS PRODUCT IS TOXIC TO CATS, this product is a topical and protects monthly against ticks and fleas some intestinal parasites if you use this topical product make sure that you keep your cat away from your dog for a minimal of 12 hours so the product can dry completely. If this product is not ideal for you if you own cats, try Bravecto for extra protection!

About Ticks

  • Ticks are an eight legged parasite, which feeds on the blood of your animals as well as people, to grow and reproduce.
  • The Lyme vaccine is safe and effective, and also provides a year round coverage for your pet. They can also live anywhere. Ticks prefer moist, humid environments. Ticks lay their eggs on the ground, and their usual habitat is forests and fields. They are most active when the weather is cool, and damp like spring and fall months.
  • Lyme disease in dogs can cause lameness, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes. Some of these signs can appear months after your pet has been in contact with an infected tick.
  • TIP: Use a lint roller after any activities where you may find yourself and your pet in fields or woods. Just simply roll the lint roller all over your pet and the tick can get stuck to the tacky paper, ticks are very small and can look similar to moles be sure to fully feel your pet over for any lumps or bumps.
  • We also have tick twisters, stop by our clinic where you can pick yours up!(Tweezers are not an effective way of removing ticks, the tick twister provides a crowbar like action where you scoop under the tick by the head twist and pull up, this was you could ensure that you have successfully removed the whole tick and not leaving behind the detached head)

If you have any further questions about the topics listed above, please contact your veterinarian for further information!

Written by Laura Critch