Lyme Disease-Causing Ticks Infecting More Dogs

Lyme Disease Infect More Dogs, Pose Threat to Humans

A new report released by the Banfield Pet Hospital has revealed an increase in the number of dogs infected by bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Before you get all worried about your pet being at the risk, here’s something- researchers believe that Lyme disease-causing bacteria are more likely to have an impact on you as a human rather than your pet dog.

“Before pet owners panic, they need to realize that 95 percent of dogs that are Lyme positive don’t get sick,” professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Meryl Littman, explained. “But dogs are sentinels for the fact that humans in the same environments are also exposed to ticks carrying these organisms.”

Around five percent of dogs who test positive for Lyme disease develop symptoms such as fever and lameness, and an even smaller percentage was found susceptible to kidney problems.

Lyme Disease Infects More Dogs
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Since this condition is nearly asymptomatic for dogs, one of the best ways to keep your pet from falling prey to it is to use veterinary products that ward off ticks that could cause your dog to get infected.

The researchers also warn about other ticks, which are potentially dangerous to humans- the deer tick, which carries a bacteria known as Anaplasma phagocytophilum which causes a disease known as anaplasmosis which presents the same symptoms as Lyme disease, including fever, chills and headaches.

“The good news,” Littman added, “is that anaplasma is sensitive to same antibiotic, doxycycline, that people recommend for treating Lyme disease.”

One of the best ways to keep yourself from being affected by Lyme disease is to stay away from areas that may be breeding spots for ticks, and carefully check yourself (and your pet dog) for the presence of any ticks if you’ve been out in any bushy area.

Lyme Disease Infect More Dogs, Pose Threat to Humans