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The holiday season is almost upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their four-legged companions in the festivities. As you get ready for the holidays this year, it’s important to try to keep your dog’s eating habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, it’s important to steer dogs clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plants, and dangerous decorations. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for you and your dog during the holidays.
Make sure your Pup avoids Holiday Food
- Say no to Sweets: By now you should know not to feed your dogs chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. However, do you know the lengths to which a dog will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep dogs away from the table and unattended areas of food. Make sure to secure the lids on garbage cans as well.
- Leave the Leftovers: Did you know that spicy food is a big no-no for dogs? The same goes for anything that involves bones, your furry friend won’t respond well to these types of foods. Involve your dog in festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly vet visits.
- Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages (we both know it will), be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks in a place that your dog cannot access. If your dog accidentally ingests alcohol, be sure to get them to a vet right away.
- Special Treat Selection: If you’re looking to stuff your pet’s stockings, you’ve come to the right place. Our Keepin’ it Simple dog treats are made with all natural ingredients. We source all of our ingredients in the United States and all of our products are USDA approved. We only put human-grade ingredients in our treats. It may cost us a little extra to produce our food, however, we only want the best for your pup.
Make sure your Dog avoids Seasonal Decorations
- Oh, Christmas Tree. Oh, Christmas Tree: It’s important to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip or fall on your dog. This will also help prevent your dog from drinking the tree water, which can make them very sick. Many trees contain fertilizers which can cause an upset stomach in your dog. You need to remain that bringing a Christmas tree in your house is a breeding ground for bacteria which could make your dog sick if not properly secured.
- Avoid the Mistletoe: Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Not only that but Holly, and many other varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure if ingested. Opt for ‘just-as-jolly’ artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a dog-safe bouquet.
- Forget the Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Dog may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. If you leave the room, put the candle out!
- Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.
Plan a Dog-Safe Holiday Gathering
- Dog House: If your dog-loving guests would like to give your dogs a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
- Put the Meds Away: This is an important tip, make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors. Also, be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away as well. Dogs having access to pills is a big no-no.
- A Room of Their Own: Give your dog his own quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the party. Sometimes dogs need a safe and quiet place to relax.
- New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can be a problem for pets. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Be sure to remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe and escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
Don’t Forget to have Fun!
The most important thing this holiday season is that you and your family stay safe and have fun! The holidays are supposed to be filled with love and happiness, and happiness comes from dogs! Happy Holidays from your family at Splash and Dash!
The Holidays are a great time to get the family together to share a festive meal. The aromas wafting around your kitchen are a huge enticement for your dog. As you load dish after dish onto the table, the smell of delicious turkey and pumpkin pie can make even our best-behaved pets go into a food frenzy.
Thanksgiving for Dogs
Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Even the most strict pet owners aren’t able to resist giving their four-legged friends some food. Which is why it’s good to know the appropriate and healthy treats for our four-legged babies. Responsible pet owners should want to use good pet care to keep their dog from getting sick. Veterinarians see a spike in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and other gastrointestinal cases around Thanksgiving. Monitoring what your dog eats will keep them in good shape this holiday season.
It’s no secret that many human food ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you give your dog food that is too high in fat, toxic or has indigestible carbohydrates, this can be very harmful. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination are signs of a more severe health issue. However don’t worry, this article details the types of food that are safe for your dog and the types that you should keep them away from.
Tips to Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy
Keep your portions small and limit the introduction of new foods. Abrupt dietary changes can be unsafe on a dog’s digestive tract. Small portions help curb the possibility of danger. If a toxic ingredient is present in the food you give them, a smaller dose will help their chances of not getting sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to stomach issues, Shelties are especially vulnerable. If your dog has a sensitive stomach please use precaution.
Watch out for known common cooking ingredients that have been found toxic in dogs. Garlic, onions, and cilantro are very harmful to dogs. Also, foods that are rich–high in fat content are also not easily digested. Butter, sour cream, and bacon are often overly rich for a dog to eat. Consumption of foods like these will cause digestive irregularities and are not part of well-balanced pet care diet.
Removing any temptation is also useful for your dog in the long run. Even for the most well-behaved dogs won’t be able to control their temptation when they see a juicy turkey inches away from their nose. Make sure to push all dishes toward the middle of the table. This will curb bad behaviors like begging and scrap-stealing. It might also be a good idea to put your dog in another room or use a doggie gate while you cook and eat.
Turkey
Small portions of turkey are okay. Turkey is a protein, and in small doses will be fine for your dog. But if you decided to fry your turkey this year, you might want to reconsider. Frying a turkey drives the fat content up, which can be unhealthy for your pup.
Pet owners should remove the skin and bones before putting the turkey into a dog bowl.
Potatoes
Potatoes are also usually okay in small servings. One or two bites of potato for your dog won’t hurt them. Many premium dog foods are replacing whole grains with potatoes as a fibrous substitute. If your recipe calls for lots of butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon, you might want to consider using this dish as a treat. Give your dog a few bites before adding the toppings.
Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious treat for your dog, however, they’re best served raw. If you add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows, don’t let your dog have any. Be especially careful of ‘sugar-free’ foods. Sugar-free foods can potentially contain xylitol.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. The chemical is also common in sugar-free gum and some peanut butter.
Don’t have the time to make sweet potatoes for your dog? Try the Southern Sweet Potato flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!
Green Beans
These veggies are great for a healthy low-calorie snack. Green beans are high in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B. They also contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. For your dog, they’re best served raw without butter or fried onion toppings. Especially the onions, these are terribly bad for pet care diets.
Carrots
Carrots are also ‘all good’ for dogs. Bite-sized cooked portions without the sugary glaze and butter are the most ideal. Carrots are certainly nutrient-rich but will need to be cooked so your dog can properly digest them.
Carrots contain beta-carotene–an antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin K. The green veggies are a great side for your dog’s Thanksgiving Dinner.
Bread Rolls
Bread is one of those treats that isn’t necessarily good or bad for your dog. Dogs can metabolize some carbohydrates as long as it’s served in small portions.
Since it’s Thanksgiving the exception can be made. Although plain turkey or vegetables are probably the better options.
Hidden Spices Can Make Your Dog Sick
Pumpkin is a great treat for dogs. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be served as a puree or frozen cube. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving pumpkin, many of the canned brands and pie fillings come with hidden spices like ginger. While a little bit of these roots and spices won’t kill your dog, giving them just a little could give them an upset stomach and giving them a lot could cause grave health problems. If you plan to feed your dog pumpkin as dog food this Thanksgiving, try to keep it as plain as possible.
Don’t have the time to make your Pumpkin pie dog-friendly? Try the Pumpkin Patch flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!
Only the Best Part of Turkey as Dog Food
Turkey is an excellent source of protein for people and for dogs. In fact, it’s such a great source that it is often used as the main ingredient for some of the best dog food on the market. If you’re planning to share the turkey with your pet this holiday season, try to keep it purely white. The darker meat can have higher levels of fat that are less healthy and harder for your dog’s stomach to process. On another note, do not give your dog turkey bones. While there is the good ol’ image of a pet happily chewing away at their bone after a big meal, turkey bones can be filled with splinters that may cause internal bleeding if swallowed.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes are more great items to give your pet as dog food. However, they are also much better for your dog if they are kept in a purer form. If you plan to share the greens and potatoes with your dog, make them as plain as possible. Do not serve your dog green bean casserole in the final product as the cream and onions are bad for dog stomachs. Mashed potatoes often have butter, sour cream, and milk in them, along with various spices that are not good for pet health.
Alcohol and Sugar is Never Okay
From the funny videos and memes on the internet to make it big on America’s Funniest Home Videos, when a party erupts, many partygoers may think that a drunk dog is a funny dog. However, alcohol is something that your dog should never have in their clutches. It can cause incredible sickness which can become more severe with higher volumes of alcohol. By the same token, as much as we love the sweet pecan pie or Thanksgiving cookies, dogs must avoid sugar and fake sugar substitutes at all times. Instead of giving your dog human treats, why not cook up some special doggie biscuits that are not only tasty but healthy dog food.
Don’t have the time to make these treats? Try the PB N’ Jelly Crunch Flavor of our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats!
Have a Great Thanksgiving!
From all of your friends at Splash and Dash, we want to wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with loads of leftovers!
Halloween is a great opportunity for families, friends, and pets to dress up and play pretend in the real world. Whether you’re staying in with your pet and handing out candy or hitting the streets to get all the candy you’ll need for the next year, dog safety is just as important as safety for your kids.
Here are some of the best tips to maintain dog safety this October 31st:
1. Candies are Tasty for You but Bad for Your Pup
Whether they are chocolates or sugar-free gummies, they are equally unhealthy for your pet and can put your dog at risk. Chocolate is a known substance that is bad for dogs and may cause diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and even seizures. Meanwhile, sugar-free candies often have a substance known as xylitol which can have the same effects as chocolate on dogs. Keep dogs safe by keeping the candy for the kids.
2. Make Your Dog Feels Safe at Home
If your home happens to experience a lot of foot traffic during Halloween night, you may want to consider how your dog will respond to the sound and where they may go if they’re feeling nervous. Dog safety doesn’t just take place outside of the home, but it starts with the feeling of fear every time someone rings your doorbell or knocks on the door. You should barricade any possible access your dog has to the front door if you fear your dog running every time it makes a sound.
3. Always Supervise Your Pet
Whether someone is shooting off fireworks, egging houses, or just being rowdy tricksters, there is an increased danger to dog safety on Halloween. It’s important to minimize unsupervised outdoor play on regular days, but on nights like this, it’s best to avoid it completely as some pranks can just be downright cruel and dangerous.
4. Watch Out for Pumpkins, Corn, and Candles
Pumpkins can be particularly tricky for dogs as many treats are made with pumpkin. However, your dog can become ill from eating old pumpkin that’s been sitting outside and may be rotten. Corn is hard for dogs to digest and should never be given to dogs as food. What makes Halloween even more dangerous for your dog, is that candy wrappers can be found all over the sidewalk outside after a long night of trick-or-treating.
5. Properly Tag Your Dog at All Times
Dog collars and tags should always be worn for year ‘round dog safety. It’s particularly important on a night made popular with mischief and constantly opening doors. Before Halloween night, double check that your dog not only has appropriate, readable tags, but that the information contained on them is still accurate. Include pet name and your phone number minimally.
6. Cover Cords and Consider Decorations
While most decorations have child warnings on them, they do not necessarily take dog safety into consideration on the label. As fun as cobwebs, skeletons, and an electronic grim reaper can be, also consider where the cords may be lying and whether your dog will get into anything. If your pet is a chewer, you may want to minimize the number of decorations you set up until the chewing has passed. This way you avoid choking hazards, accidental electrocutions, or glass swallowing.
7. Dress for Success and Dog Safety
When it comes to costuming your pets, there are a few key tips to keep in mind such as never forcing a dog into anything that makes them uncomfortable or irritable. Consider the weather this time of year. If you live in a hotter or colder climate, dress your pet appropriately. If your dog isn’t used to wearing clothing, try it on and let your pet wear it around enough to get used to it in small doses before the big costume party at the end of the month.
Happy Halloween, from your family at Splash and Dash!
The holiday season is almost upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their four-legged companions in the festivities. As you get ready for the holidays this year, it’s important to try to keep your dog’s eating habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, it’s important to steer dogs clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plans, and dangerous decorations. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for you and your dog during the holidays.
Make sure your Pup avoids Holiday Food
- Say no to Sweets: By now you should know not to feed your dogs chocolate or anything sweetened with xylitol. However, do you know the lengths to which a dog will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep dogs away from the table and unattended areas of food. Make sure to secure the lids on garbage cans as well.
- Leave the Leftovers: Did you know that spicy food is a big no-no for dogs? The same goes for anything that involves bones, your furry friend won’t respond well to these types of foods. Involve your dog in festivities in other fun ways that won’t load to costly vet visits.
- Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages (we both know it will), be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks in a place that your dog cannot access. If your dog accidentally ingests alcohol, be sure to get them to a vet right away.
- Special Treat Selection: If you’re looking to stuff your pet’s stockings, you’ve come to the right place. Our Keepin’ it Simple dog treats are made with all natural ingredients. We source all of our ingredients in the United States and all of our products are USDA approved. We only put human-grade ingredients in our treats. It may cost us a little extra to produce our food, however we only want the best for your pup.
Make sure your Dog avoids Seasonal Decorations
- Oh, Christmas Tree.. Oh, Christmas Tree: It’s important to securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip or fall on your dog. This will also help prevent your dog from drinking the tree water, which can make them very sick. Many trees contain fertilizers which can cause an upset stomach in your dog. You need to remain that bringing a Christmas tree in your house is a breeding ground for bacteria which could make your dog sick if not properly secured.
- Avoid the Mistletoe: Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Not only that but Holly, and many other varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure if ingested. Opt for ‘just-as-jolly’ artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a dog-safe bouquet.
- Forget the Holiday Glow: Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Dog may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. If you leave the room, put the candle out!
- Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your dog’s mouth and digestive tract.
Plan a Dog-Safe Holiday Gathering
Dog House: If your dog-loving guests would like to give your dogs a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.- Put the Meds Away: This is an important tip, make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors. Also, be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away as well. Dogs having access to pills is a big no-no.
- A Room of Their Own: Give your dog his own quiet space to retreat to, complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the party. Sometimes dogs need a safe and quiet place to relax.
- New Year’s Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can be a problem for pets. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Be sure to remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe and escape-proof area as midnight approaches.
Don’t Forget to have Fun!
The most important thing this holiday season is that you and your family stay safe and have fun! The holidays are suppose to be filled with love and happiness, and happiness comes from dogs! Happy Holidays from your family at Splash and Dash!
With July 4th coming up, it’s easy to get yourself excited about fireworks and having a good time with family and friends. However, don’t forget about your dog and their natural instinct to be scared of fireworks. Dogs and fireworks aren’t a good combination, they are often afraid of booming flashing lights in the sky and many pet parents seem to forget how to safely protect a dog in this situation.
It’s okay for your dog to be afraid of fireworks! It’s always good to remember that dogs have much stronger senses than humans do. Don’t be surprised if a firework makes your dog panic, however there are many ways to ease the firework phobia for your pet so that you both can enjoy Fourth of July together.
Not All Dogs are Afraid of Fireworks
Just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own set of fears and personality quirks. Just as some dogs can swim and some dogs can’t, some dogs are afraid of fireworks while other dogs aren’t. For dog safety, pet parents should avoid making assumptions about how their dogs will respond to fireworks. Never force a dog to be near fireworks if you don’t know how they will respond.
However cats are a different story, it’s safe to say just about every cat is afraid of loud noises from fireworks. Your cat will probably already have that “safe space” that we’ll talk about later. However it’s always a good idea to keep extra water and food in the area that your cat usually goes to be away from loud noise.
Plan Ahead for Pet Safety
It’s always better to plan ahead for your pets safety. We talked last week about planning ahead during a natural disaster. It’s always best to prepare to plan your activities ahead of time, this way you can better prepare your dog or cat by moving them away from the loud noise. If you plan to go somewhere and bring your dog with you, it’s better to get them away from people to prevent accidental biting or nervous responses.
You should never force a dog to be in a situation they don’t want to be. This not only can be dangerous for your pet, it can also be dangerous for you and other people around you enjoying the fireworks. Most dogs are afraid of thunderstorms and with fireworks that intensity can be even worse. The reason fireworks can be worse is that they come without warning, this can be very startling for dogs.
Create a Safe Space for your Pet
The great thing is you have tons of time to prepare for how your dog will respond. One of the best things you can do for your dog or cat is to create a safe space for your pet to experience fireworks in. This doesn’t mean putting them anywhere near the fireworks, but you can create a safe space in a dim room, or one of their favorite rooms with familiar blankets and toys around them.
Having a safe space will help ease the experience of your pets negative response to fireworks while also allowing you to enjoy your Fourth of July experience. If you plan on leaving your dog at home always leave them a safe place to go and “hide” so that they can feel calm with or without you.
Communicate with your Pet
If you’re going to be with your dog during the fireworks, it’s always best to give them a calming message so that they know there is nothing to worry about. It’s good to remember that dogs communicate with energy and will look for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then your dog will be less concerned as well. When you have kids running around and screaming you can see why a dog might feel scared.
This video may help your dog relax during the fireworks!
Helping your dog relaxed with calming energy is always important during the Fourth of July. It’s always a good idea to take your dog for a long walk before the fireworks start to put them in a calm state. Don’t feel guilty by leaving your dog at home, they won’t know they are missing the excitement of the fireworks. When the big bang of July Fourth is over your dog will be happy that you made it a less stressful experience by reading our Splash and Dash July Fourth Safety article!
Intestinal parasites often referred to as “Worms” can cause severe and life threatening diseases. Much to the surprise of many pet owners, several canine parasites are transmissible to humans as well. This is why understanding these parasitic health symptoms, hazards, and treatments are important to set preventative measures for the whole household.
It is important to realize there are many more parasites other than just roundworms and tapeworms that commonly come to mind. Whipworms, Hookworms, and many other worms can cause serious life threatening complications.
How do dogs get worms?
Most tapeworms require an intermediate host, which means most of the time they aren’t passed from pet to pet. Common intermediate hosts include fleas and small rodents. It’s important to note that dogs will become reinvested with tapeworms if these hosts aren’t controlled.
Dogs can become infected with roundworms by eating worm eggs from contaminated soil or stool. Although more common in cats, dogs can also become infected by eating infected rodents.
Although human infection occurs rarely, it can cause significant health issues depending on where the worms migrate to. If you have been exposed to a pet with worms, we recommend talking with your physician to discuss any potential problems.
Types of worms
Roundworms
Usually spread in feces or during pregnancy or nursing, the roundworm causes a serious infection in dogs and puppies. The roundworm eats the food of its host and may cause diarrhea and other symptoms. It’s important to note that roundworms in puppies can be fatal. Human infection of roundworms can cause even more serious symptoms and implications.
Hookworms
Hookworms suck the blood out of their hosts, mostly in the small intestine. Mothers can infect their puppies, and adult dogs can be infected through their skin or when cleaning themselves. Infection causes many symptoms, mostly weakness and malnutrition which can lead to death in puppies. Humans can also become infected with hookworms from unwashed vegetables or by walking barefoot on sand and soil.
Heartworms
One of the most dangerous worms, heartworms are spread through mosquito bites. They can be up to 14 inches long, and commonly live in the heart and arteries. Heartworms can affect how the heart functions and can cause blood clots which are likely to cause death if untreated. Monthly heartworm preventatives are are effective and Splash and Dash recommends to use a monthly heartworm treatment.
Whipworms
Whipworms live in the area where the small and large intestines meet. Similarly to hookworms, whipworms also suck the blood of their hosts. Dogs commonly pick them up from contaminated soil or by grooming. Whipworms can be quite serious and symptoms include bloody diarrhea especially when there are a large number in the intestine.
Tapeworms
Dogs most commonly are infected with tapeworms from fleas, which carry them. Tapeworms absorb dog’s nutrients from the intestine where they often attach. Tapeworms are each about the size of a grain of rice. These are commonly passed in stool and can be seen around the dog’s anus. Humans can also get tapeworms, but can’t get them from an infected pet.
Ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm is actually not a worm at all. It is a skin infection caused by a fungus. In dogs, ringworm is often seen as a dry, gray, and scary patch. Although it may cause no symptoms at all, it is still important to take your dog to the vet if you notice anything abnormal. Humans can become infected in ringworm as well, however they usually cause a red lesion with a ring-like appearance (hence the name). Infection comes from spores which are commonly found in the soil or on cats, humans can become infected by touching an infected pet. Treatment for ringworm can involve medicated shampoos and ointments. More commonly, an oral medication will be needed for a couple of months. It is important to take extra measures to clear ringworm from the environment to prevent the spread.
How can I tell if my dog has worms?
Although there is no obvious outward signs of infection when it comes to your dog having worms, normal bowel movements don’t rule out the possibility of a parasite infection. However, when signs are present they can include diarrhea, bloody stool, mucus in the stool, change in appetite, weight loss, and vague signs of abdominal or rectal discomfort.
Other signs are abdominal enlargement, scooting of the hindquarters, and excess licking or irritation around the anus. Some parasites even can cause severe blood loss and even death, especially in young, weak, or old and malnourished pets.
Can I see worms in my dog’s stool?
One way to see if your dog has worms is examining their stool. Adult roundworms and hookworms will appear as small to large, off-white to tan, spaghetti shaped parasites. Human infection can be examined in stool as well.
Tapeworms will often appear in stool or clinging to hair around the genital area. Fresh segments will be white, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, and may expand or contract. Dry segments resemble sesame seeds or rice grains and will be darker in color.
Treatment for Worms
Tapeworms and other variations of worms are not effectively treatable with over-the-counter dewormers, which means a veterinary examination is necessary. All of us at Splash and Dash want the very best for your pet, please don’t take any symptoms lightly.
With the summer underway and deer ticks searching for hosts, dog owners will want to know how to identify symptoms of Lyme disease and how to prevent their dog from contracting the disease. Lyme disease in dogs is treatable but can be a serious issue when the infection leads to other harmful medical issues.
Lyme disease ( borreliosis) stems from Borrelia burgdorferi, a specific bacteria called spirochete which is carried by deer ticks. The disease was first diagnosed in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, but cases have been documented in all 50 states. This is most likely from people traveling to endemic areas—regions where tick populations are prevalent—and returning to their home state. There is evidence that Lyme disease has existed in the wild long before humans discovered the issue.
The eastern coastal regions that are close to densely wooded areas and have high populations of white-tailed deer have a significantly higher prevalence of Lyme disease. Upstate New York, Massachusetts, and Minnesota are states with high concentration levels of deer ticks. If your dog plays outside in the summer months, you’ll want to take extra precaution.
How is Lyme Disease in Dogs Transmitted?
The transmission of Lyme disease is dependent on the life cycle of the black-legged deer tick. The tick goes through three stages in life. In the spring, the larvae hatch from eggs and will find a host to feed on—a small mammal like the white-footed mouse. If the mammal the tick latches itself onto is infected, the larvae will also become infected.
When the cool weather comes the larvae will winter over and wait to find another host for the spring as a nymph. Once attached to another mammal, the nymph can molt and reach the final stage of adulthood. Deer ticks get their name because they are most commonly attach themselves to the white-tail deer that rub up against vegetation the ticks are waiting on. Deer ticks can attach themselves to humans, dogs, and any other mammal walking through forested areas.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs
An infected tick must be attached to a dog for 48 hours for the transmission of the disease to contract. If the tick is removed before this, the infection will not be contracted. This makes checking your dog for ticks a good practice.
Only 5-10% of infected dogs develop symptoms. Lameness, due to inflammation of the joints, is the most common medical symptom of Lyme disease. What makes the disease even more potentially harmful are the other medical complications that derive from infection.
Progressive kidney disease, nervous system disease, and heart complications can occur after transmission of Lyme disease. If you spot any of these symptoms in your dog’s behavior, please seek out veterinary services immediately. Senior dogs with Lyme disease and arthritis will be in more severe pain than younger dogs. The inflammation of their joints can impair their mobility.
Other Symptoms Include:
- Stiffness
- Arched Back
- Difficult Breathing
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Depression
- Superficial Lymph nodes around the area of the bite.
- Heart Abnormalities
- Nervous System Complications
Humans can also contract Lyme disease so if your pet is diagnosed you will also want to contact your physician. Your dog can bring in a tick from outdoors or chances are you hiked the same area of tick infested land.
How Are Dogs Treated?
Your veterinarian will administer a series of blood tests to detect certain antibodies developed by a dog infected with the B. burgdorferi bacteria. Many dogs’ blood tests come back positive even if your dog has not contracted Lyme disease. Exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi will yield a positive blood test result. Most likely the dog was exposed to the bacteria but was able to fight the infection off without treatment.
Treating Lyme disease is straightforward. Veterinarians will prescribe a tetracycline or penicillin based antibiotic. Dogs will need to take the antibiotics for at least 14 days, but a 30-day regimen is recommended to sufficiently clear the organism. There have been a few cases where after 30 days of antibiotic treatment a dog has relapsed and will never completely rid themselves of the infection. However, the majority of animals that receive antibiotics respond well to treatment.
Prevention & How to Check Your Dog for Ticks
During tick season be aware of areas that could have tick infestations and monitor your dog’s coat after hiking through thick brush.
Tick Control:
- Vaccination. If your dogs live in an eastern coastal state near the woods it might be worth getting your dog vaccinated. However, some medical experts have criticized vaccinating for Lyme disease in dogs, stating that is ineffective.
- Topical Insecticides. There are various effective insect repellents on the market like K-9 Advantix or Spot On for Dogs. Applying these to your dog will ensure that if a tick bites your dog it will die and release within 12 hours.
- Tick Collars. Using a tick collar with the active ingredient Amitraz which will repel ticks but not fleas.
After your dog adventures outside look for red irritated areas that are inflamed. This could be a possible tick bite. Check your dog’s coat by running your fingers through their coat like a comb feeling for lumps as you go. If you see any bumps, make note of its position but do not force a comb through the area. This will make the bite more painful. You will also need to check their ears with a flashlight. If your dog is showing any symptoms of Lyme disease, please seek out a veterinary diagnosis.
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- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-j-barton-622ab517
- Twitter: splashanddash4dog
2015 inc 500 America's fastest growing private companies, Splash and Dash for Dogs
Rank: #296
3 year growth rate of 1,550 %