Local vets send out a warning to pet owners about a disease that is rising sharply as the population of a parasite increases. There are not only more ticks, but more different types of ticks than ever before in this region, and many carry Lyme. disease. “They are bloodthirsty creatures, they feed on blood,” said one pet owner. Vets are seeing many more cases of Lyme disease in dogs and even some cats. “Ticks live in the grass. So that’s where it can be, anywhere, in backyards, anywhere,” said Dr. Bridgette Wilson, a veterinarian and owner of Pet Wellness Group. Wilson said the number of Lyme disease cases is increasing dramatically. about double or triple where we used to be a few years ago,” Wilson said. The migration of disease-carrying ticks is causing the problem for pets. “It was all the ticks that came from the northeast. So, it used to be thought of as a disease in the Northeast, but now it’s come to our area,” Wilson said. Veterinarians tell pet owners to be aware of the symptoms. Joint problems are an important sign, so if your pet is limping or appears to have joint pain, that could be an indication of Lyme disease. Kidney disease is also an indicator. Look for plenty of drinking water, frequent urination and if your pet acts lethargic. There is another reason to worry. “If a dog has a tick and it falls off in the house, then the family is now exposed,” Wilson said. Pets can be treated with antibiotics and there are vaccines available for animals.
A warning for pet owners comes from local veterinarians about a disease that is rising sharply as the population of a parasite increases.
There are not only more ticks, but more different types of ticks than ever before in this region, and many carry Lyme disease.
“They are bloodthirsty creatures, they feed on blood,” said one pet owner.
Vets are seeing many more cases of Lyme disease in dogs and even some cats.
“Ticks live in the grass. So that’s where it can be, anywhere, in backyards, anywhere,” said Dr. Bridgette Wilson, a veterinarian and owner of Pet Wellness Group.
Wilson said the number of Lyme disease cases is increasing dramatically.
“It’s probably doubled or tripled from where we used to be a few years ago,” Wilson said.
The migration of disease-carrying ticks is causing problems for pets.
“It was all the ticks that came from the northeast. So, it used to be considered a disease in the Northeast, but now it’s come to our area,” Wilson said.
Veterinarians tell pet owners to watch for symptoms.
Joint problems are an important sign, so if your pet is limping or appears to have achy joints, that could be an indication of Lyme disease.
Kidney disease is also an indicator. Look for plenty of drinking water, frequent urination, and if your pet acts lethargic.
There is another cause for concern. “If a dog has a tick and it falls off in the house, then the family is now exposed,” Wilson said.
Pets can be treated with antibiotics and there are vaccines available for animals.