Deer ticks are the types of parasites that carry Borrelia bacteria which causes lyme disease in dogs and humans. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia. A spirochete is a type of bacterium. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. The feeding tick is basically a blood sucker. It must keep its host’s blood from clotting in order to continue sucking so it is able to regurgitate assorted enzymes to keep the blood flow constantly. It is during this regurgitation process that the Lyme spirochete is brought up from the tick’s midgut to its mouthparts.

This process requires a minimum of 48 hours which means that if the tick is removed within 48 hours of attachment, the spirochete cannot be transmitted and the host will not get the disease. Once in the blood stream, it is carried to many parts of the dog’s body. It is especially likely to localize in joints. Lyme disease in dogs not only infects dogs but also infects other members of the household.

White-footed mice and white-tailed deer are the main hosts for the deer tick that is responsible for transmitting Lyme disease in dogs. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that the sesame-seed-sized pests transfer to animals, including humans, through their bites.

Lyme disease produces symptoms characterized by arthritis, though it can sometimes involve heart, nervous system and the kidneys. Lyme disease in dog includes fever, listlessness, and sudden onset of lameness combined with warmth, pain, and swelling in the joints and poor appetite. Symptoms of the disease may ranger from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis. Symptoms can include a harsh, dry coughing, retching and sneezing. Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headache, a stiff neck and muscle pain accompany the illness. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later.

Another common symptom of the disease is scratching in the air near the neck thus referred to as “neck scratcher’s disease”. A dog affected with this disease develops a thick, yellowish discharge. Contact your vet immediately as soon as you notice any symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs. Visible symptoms do not occur in the early stages of the disease, although your veterinarian can diagnose and treat this disease.

Once Lyme disease in dog reaches its advanced stages of infection, your dog may likely suffer from paralysis. If left untreated, Lyme disease attacks the front and hind limbs, and then attacks the muscles in the chest that disables the respiratory muscles, causing the dog to asphyxiate. This disease is easily cured if caught in the early stages, so it is always better to call for professional advice instead of holding off. However not all ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and it takes up to 2 days before the disease can be spread to dogs.

Even though you keep your dog restrained on a leash or in a yard, you can never guarantee he will not come in contact with this deadly disease. However not all ticks carry the bacteria that causes lyme disease and it takes up to 48 hours before the disease can be spread to dogs

To avoid contracting Lyme disease, using insect repellent containing DEET, covering up outdoors with long-sleeved shirts and pants and wearing light color to help spot the ticks. Vaccines are now available to help prevent Lyme disease in dogs. Annual revaccination is necessary. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have Lyme disease.

Diagnosis of Lyme disease in dogs is based on risk of exposure, clinical symptoms and blood testing. Only a veterinarian can make the diagnosis.

The Lyme spirochete is a bacterium, so it can be controlled by antibiotics. However, a lengthy course of treatment may be necessary to completely eradicate the organism. With early detection, dogs may experience relief of symptoms within 24 hours of treatment. Chronic cases require longer periods of treatment.

The degree of prevention for your pet depends upon exposure to areas at high risk for Lyme disease. Grooming to detect ticks and prompt removal will help to minimize the risk of contracting Lyme disease. Tick prevention and tick-killing products are available for dogs.