Pets are valued members of the family and need proper pet care to keep them happy and healthy. As spring and summer arrive, one threat to their health that should be watched for is Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection spread by outdoor ticks. May is both National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and a time of the year when ticks are most active. This list will help you know how to prepare for May and keep your pets safe from Lyme disease.

How Can You Keep Pets Safe From Lyme Disease?

1. Get Vaccinations

In pet care, you can preemptively stop an illness by having your pet vaccinated ahead of time. Ask your veterinarian about tick control and if your pet can receive a preventative shot to keep them safe. Many vets will recommend getting a vaccination if your pet lives in a high-risk area known for spreading ticks. 

2. Know the Symptoms

Part of the reason Lyme disease is dangerous is that bites and rashes aren’t as visible on animals as they are on humans. This means that if a pet has contracted Lyme disease, its symptoms may not appear for weeks or months after the initial infection.  

Watch out for changes in your pet’s behavior. If they have a loss in appetite, seem to be depressed, or start limping, these may be indicators that a dog or cat has caught a disease. Lyme disease can lead to kidney failure and heart disease, so check to see if your pet is drinking and urinating too frequently and if it is hesitant to move anywhere. If you have concerns, take your pet to a veterinarian promptly.

3. Be Careful Outside

Going outside regularly is good for animals' mental and physical health, but be cautious when going to certain locations. Ticks live in shady and bushy areas, so they can usually be found in forests, meadows, and marshes. If you live near an environment like this, be attentive if you let your pets outside or take them for walks, because that will be a good opportunity for ticks to find them. Ticks also live in tall grass and fallen wood, which can be found on most properties. Regularly mow and snip your lawn, and move woodpiles far away so ticks are less likely to come near the yard.

Keep your four-legged friends in great shape with quality pet care from Animal Care Center PLLC in Princeton. For over 25 years, this animal hospital has served the pets and pet owners of Mercer County, Virginia, and West Virginia with 24/7 emergency care, special preventative treatments against parasites, microchipping, bathing, and boarding. They always have an on-call doctor ready for you, as well as vets who will give your pet compassionate care at every stage of its life. Visit their website for more information, or call (304) 425-7387 to speak with a team member.