In 1975 the disease was first reported in humans in the U.S. The cases were in Lyme, Connecticut, from whence it gets its name. In 1984 it was discovered in dogs. It has spread rapidly and is in almost every state, each year claiming more victims.

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites. When an infected tick bites it's victim, the bacteria is transferred into the blood of the human or dog. Clinical signs of Lyme disease in dogs are sudden lameness or pain, arthritis, fever, depression, lethargy and loss of appetite, but other symptoms may occur. It is not unusual for dogs with Lyme disease to differ in their symptoms. The same is true in humans.

After walking your dog or dogs, particularly in wooded areas or high grass, go over the dog dogs carefully and feel for ticks. For dogs with heavier coats, you will have to use a brush or comb. If you search promptly on returning home, you can sometimes find the ticks before they are attached to the animal. However if they are attached, promptly remove the tick with tweezers, being careful to remove the whole tick, including the mouth. Wash the areas with betadine and be sure to wash your own hands. If you find a small deer tick, mark the date on your calendar. Remember not all deer ticks are infected. If any unusual symptoms occur, you can report to your veterinarian the date you removed the tick.

To protect your animals, be sure to mow regularly and keep brush areas cut in your yard, trimming any long grass where ticks hide waiting for a host.

Several broad spectrum antibiotics have proven effective in the treatment of Lyme disease - such as Ampicillin, Tetracycline, ect. - which should be given as directed by your veterinarian.

Many people bitten by an infected deer tick develop a round circle around the bite mark, but not everyone. Dogs do not develop such symptoms and therefore should be watched carefully for signs of lameness, lethargy, ect.

Even following treatment for Lyme disease, when your dog is acting normally, the animal should be watched for a recurrence which happens with some dogs, but not all of them.

Ticks are active until the temperature drops below 40 degrees F. so be aware of this fact and observe your dog. Contact your veterinarian immediately should you suspect your dog has Lyme Disease or is exhibiting any unusual symptoms. The sooner the dog is treated, the treatment is usually more effective.

There is a vaccine available against Lyme Disease - recommended by some but not all veterinarians. If your dog is in a high risk area and constantly picks up ticks, perhaps you should discuss the vaccine with your veterinarian.

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