Ticks that transmit Lyme disease can be found anywhere. So, if you say they can be found even in the backyard, playground, or simply a walking area, the answer would be yes! The worse thing is there has been an increase in the number of disease-carrying ticks this year. If not taken care of, this could lead to an increase in the cases of Lyme and tick-borne illnesses.
The goal of Pet Care Supplies for May (Lyme Disease Awareness Month) is to reach out to as many people as possible to spread awareness regarding Lyme disease. It is surprising to find how a single tick bite can have such severe impact ranging from ongoing physical symptoms to debilitating neurological impairments. And, in extreme cases, death!
This is why it is so critical to spread the prevention message. When it comes to ticks, we can’t afford to be careless because – one bite is all it takes!
History of Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Lyme disease is a potentially fatal illness caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. Moreover, the prevalence of Lyme disease is increasing due to climate change.
Unfortunately, it is mostly difficult to diagnose, making it even more important to educate people about Lyme disease. Early symptoms may include a rash, fever, headaches, and fatigue. If remain untreated, it can cause joint and heart problems, chronic pain, and cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Lyme disease treatment is more effective if it is detected early. Needless to say, this makes spreading awareness and educating people very important.
What is Lyme disease in pets?
Lyme disease is caused by infection with a bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks infected with this bacterium can infect to humans and animals by biting them.
Symptoms
Pets with Lyme disease may not show any symptoms for 2-5 months. Typical symptoms after that may include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Joint inflammation
- Reduced activity
Diagnosis
Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases can be difficult to distinguish symptomatically because their symptoms are similar. They also happen in exactly the same places around the world. To determine whether an animal has been exposed to the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, a blood test is used.
Treatment
Antibiotics are often used to treat Lyme disease. Once your pet has been diagnosed and treated for the disease, it is also important to follow a veterinarian’s advice for the follow-up treatment.
