Why You Need To Screen For Lyme Disease

 
Tick-borne Disease

Ticks carry a variety of potentially deadly diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia.  Of these, there is only a Vaccination for dogs for Lyme disease.   These diseases are becoming an increasing threat in our area, as ticks are turning up with greater and greater frequency.  Did you know that up to 1 in 12 dogs in our area test positive for Lyme Disease?  To protect your pet, keep up with preventive screening, get the Lyme Vaccine, and use Tick Prevention to help reduce disease transmission.

The myth that ticks are found only in the county or the woods no longer holds true because ticks are now commonly found in suburban & urban settings.  Ticks are highly mobile and can hitch a ride on a bird, squirrel, or even you!   In response to the ever increasing positive test results, disease screening for Lyme Disease, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia is automatically included with our canine annual Heartworm Test.  Early detection, before symptoms occur, is critical.    In addition, it is very important to protect your pet with a Tick Prevention Medication .  Because Ticks are hardy, they can be present any month of the year in which temperatures are above freezing. With this in mind, we recommend using prevention throughout the year. 


Make A Plan To Stop Lyme Disease

Stay safe.  Look for ticks on your pets.  Vaccinate for Lyme Disease.   Screen for Tick-borne Disease along with your dog's annual Heartworm Test.  Stick with a tick prevention plan.   Stay informed.  If you have questions, please Contact Us at 651-452-5156 to speak with a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Other good resources are the online pet database The Pet Health Network, The Lyme Disease Association, and also the Dogs and Ticks Website which includes interactive maps of disease prevalence in your area.

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