For a good reason, Lyme illness has been in the headlines recently. The country’s most often spread vector-borne disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is Lyme disease. The illness affects both people and pets; if untreated, it can lead to many unpleasant side effects.

Now is the ideal time to concentrate on protecting pets from Lyme illness as spring weather intensifies. Thus, pet parents should speak with Virginia Beach animal hospital staff about Lyme disease and its prevention.

Lyme Disease in Pets

Ticks of all kinds can latch to your pet. However, black-legged bugs, commonly known as deer ticks, are the ones that can transmit Lyme disease. Although dogs are more likely to contract Lyme disease than cats or other warm-blooded animals, they are both susceptible. Many animals don’t show signs of the illness, but those that do may show fever, limping joint problems, and depressive symptoms.

How to Protect Your Pet from Parasitic Diseases?

The best approach to protect your pet from Lyme disease is to keep them on a regular flea and tick control regimen. Give your vet a call as soon as possible if you need a refill or haven’t begun your pet on a parasitic prevention plan yet.

You may safeguard your pet in other ways, too, like:

• After being outside, thoroughly check your pet for ticks, especially paying emphasis to the ears, between the toes, underarms, and root of the tail.

• Keep your dog away from shrubbery and dense grassy areas when out for a walk or a hike.

• By keeping weeds and plants pruned and discarding any heaps of leaves or waste, you can reduce the tick population on your property.

• You should also get your pet evaluated for the Lyme disease vaccine.

Tick Removal 101

Even if you take every precaution, there’s a significant possibility you’ll occasionally discover a tick implanted in your pet. To safely remove a tick from your pet, follow these instructions:

• Grab the tick’s head with tweezers as close as possible to your pet’s skin.

• Avoid spinning or bending as you slowly and steadily remove the tick.

• Use rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant safe for pets to clean the area.

• Burn the tick or submerge it in rubbing alcohol to dispose of it. If you want to get the tick tested for Lyme disease, you can also preserve it in rubbing alcohol.

Keep an eye out for Lyme disease symptoms in your pet, such as a rash near the attachment site.

Tick management can be frustrating, but by focusing on safety and prevention, we can keep our pets well even while exploring the outdoors. Call the staff at the Virginia Beach vet hospital if you have any inquiries concerning Lyme disease in animals.

The Trouble With Parasites

It’s understandable why we detest most pests after suffering a mosquito or unwanted tick bite. An itchy bite is less worrying than the more severe illnesses parasites frequently transmit.

What are parasites? Animals that live on their hosts’ bodies or on their skin are called hosts for organisms known as parasites.

There are two different species to protect your pet from intestinal parasites and exogenous parasites. Internal parasites exist within the body. Giardia, tapeworm, and heartworm are a few examples. Bugs sting the skin and are known as external parasites; examples include fleas, lice, mange, and mosquitoes.

The parasites transmit diseases and ailments, spanning from anemia and allergy to zoonotic diseases. Although a flea or insect bite may appear inconvenient but innocuous, there are several significant hazards they can pose.

Why is Prevention from Parasite Essential?

Detecting and preventing parasites is a crucial aspect of pet wellness care. e normally advise a year-round treatment tailored to fight fleas, ticks, insects, and gastrointestinal disorders because parasites are common and active all year long. Depending on the medication, your pet may get a monthly chewable and topical flea treatment.

You may buy certain preventatives online or at your neighborhood pet supply store. However, if a pet has been ill or the wrong pet comes into contact with the product, these goods could pose significant health risks. For instance, several topical intended for dogs are highly dangerous to cats.