{"id":99,"date":"2024-07-11T09:26:49","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T14:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.switzerveterinaryclinic.com\/blog\/?p=99"},"modified":"2024-07-11T09:26:50","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T14:26:50","slug":"protecting-your-pet-understanding-and-preventing-lyme-disease-in-alpena-michigan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.switzerveterinaryclinic.com\/blog\/protecting-your-pet-understanding-and-preventing-lyme-disease-in-alpena-michigan\/","title":{"rendered":"Protecting Your Pet: Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease In Alpena, Michigan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"lyme<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The approach to a pet\u2019s overall health and wellness hinges on preventing a variety of illnesses. Without prevention, pets may be vulnerable to easily avoidable parasites, contagious diseases, unwanted litters, and even permanent loss or separation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We still have many weeks of summer heat and humidity in front of us, and ticks are in full force here in Michigan. Preventing Lyme disease remains a high priority for responsible pet owners, and Switzer Veterinary Clinic is here to help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Reach and Impact of Lyme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if pets stay indoors, ticks can enter the home on human clothing, footwear, and gear. If they aren\u2019t up to date on the parasite prevention medication, pets are vulnerable to tick-borne illness. Lyme disease is a zoonotic illness and can affect both humans and animals in the home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the Lyme disease vaccine (appropriate for certain lifestyles) and\/or monthly medication, pets are protected<\/a> from tick-borne illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Lyme Disease Spreads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ticks transmit a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi <\/em>directly into their host\u2019s bloodstream after they latch onto the skin and bite. There are numerous types of ticks, but blacked-legged ticks or deer ticks, are the most prevalent in heavily wooded, grassy, or overgrown areas<\/a>. They travel on their prey, falling off when they become engorged with blood. When hungry again, they lie in wait for new prey to walk by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can take up to a full day for a tick to transmit Borrelia burgdorferi<\/em>, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in animals and humans. The immediate removal of a tick is of critical importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Look For<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lyme disease in pets may not cause immediate or obvious signs. If symptoms do appear, they may range between mild and severe. Always look for the following signs and seek help immediately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n