As the weather warms, dogs and their humans have something in common — that’s the threat of Lyme disease caused by bacteria spread by blacklegged, or deer, ticks.
As opposed to people infected with the bacteria — about 90 percent of whom get sick — most dogs don’t develop clinical signs. But for the five or 10 percent that do, common abnormalities include intermittent lameness, swollen joints and fever. A few may even develop severe kidney disease.
Once an infected tick attaches, it takes 24 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria. But don’t count on finding and removing every tick, since some are as small as poppy seeds. While removal helps, tick preventative is the most reliable way to go. In addition, ask your veterinarian if your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease.