Dog Owner Guide: Understanding Ticks & Lyme Disease in Dogs

The risk of dog ticks and Lyme disease increases in outdoor settings, and over time, ticks have become more adaptable, allowing them to spread across regions. Our detailed coverage of tick bites and diseases in dogs provides you with solid knowledge to help keep your four-legged companions safe outside. 

Understanding Ticks and Lyme Disease in Dogs

Ticks and Lyme disease are often associated with one another. Learn the different types of ticks and distinguish the exact species that carry Lyme disease. 

Different Types of Ticks

Ticks are usually found in outdoor environments, such as wooded areas, grasslands, backyards, and trails. Ticks that mostly feed on dogs can live for around two years. Some may exist for up to three years. The life of a male tick ends upon mating with a female. Some of the most common ticks that affect dogs are:

• American dog ticks: From the name itself, American dog ticks choose dogs as their preferred host. They typically live in grassy, open fields and are prevalent across much of North America. American dog ticks typically have brown bodies with white patterns spread all over.
• Lone star ticks: Their name stems from the defined white spot on their body. Most lone star ticks are aggressive, transmitting dog diseases like tick paralysis and Ehrlichiosis.
• Brown dog ticks: Unlike most ticks that dwell outdoors, brown dog ticks can live indoors. They are highly adaptive, residing on kennels and bedding. While they feed on other animals, they primarily choose dogs as their major source of food.
• Deer ticks: The black and red markings of the deer ticks make them easier to distinguish than other ticks. These small species are widely known to carry Lyme disease that can be transferred to dogs.

The Link Between Dogs and Lyme Disease

Deer ticks attach to different hosts, from birds to humans and dogs. They crawl on your pet's skin and find a spot to bite and feed on blood. While these black-legged parasites need 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease to your pet, they can still spread other illnesses at the time of the bite. 

Lyme disease in dogs occurs in various states, with the Northeast being the most prevalent region. However, with changes in temperature, these parasites have also infiltrated the Upper Midwest and Pacific Coast as well. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council forecast, the geographic distribution of Lyme disease continues to expand outside the high-risk areas.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs

You will want to watch for symptoms of canine Lyme disease so you can catch it as early as possible. Look out for:

• Infected skin 
• Swollen joints
• Fast heart rate
• Joint pain
• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite

Best Practices for Tick Prevention in Dogs

Ticks are no doubt some of the creepy crawlies that need to be away from your pets. Follow these relevant practices to fend off possible exposure of these species on your dogs:

• Stay away from tick-prone areas: Keep your dogs away from high-risk areas like densely wooden spaces or grasslands. These parasites are most likely active in summer and spring, though their questing ability enables them to thrive even during colder months. 
• Tick-proof your yard: From mowing your yard to raking leaves, it's important to create a space that is free from ticks. Set up your own sturdy fence from Easy Pet Fence in areas without ticks and promote a safe and secure environment for four-legged friends. 
• Keep the kennels and your house clean: Regular cleaning does wonders for tick prevention. Examine the kennel and vacuum the rugs for unwanted species and dirt. You can also contact a pest control company to ensure there are no traces of ticks. 
• Checking for ticks after every outdoor adventure: Ticks love to hide in fur and hair, making them undetected for a long time. Make sure to brush your dog after outdoor activities to avoid tick infestation. Examine the inside of the ears, between the toes, under the tail, and all over the body. 
• Remove ticks safely with a tweezer: Avoid direct contact with ticks using a tweezer and some disposable gloves. Pull the tick as close to your pet's skin to keep it intact. Disinfect the bitten area and dispose of the tick using alcohol. If you plan to take the tick to the lab for testing, keep them inside a sealed container. 
• Follow a regular routine with medication: There are several types of medications for your dogs that can help prevent both ticks and fleas. Durations between doses will vary, so check the instructions. However, routinely administering this medication can help deter ticks from getting onto your dog. 
• Talk to your veterinarian: There are no specific vaccines for most tickborne diseases. If you're planning to get a vaccine for your pets, seek veterinary help for the best recommendation. 

Taking the Bite Out of Lyme Disease

Lyme Prevention for dogs is always better than cure. Prioritize your dog's health against ticks, preventing lyme disease in dogs. Take a look at our dog fence options today to create a safe place for your pet to enjoy the outdoors.