Lyme Disease

Risks, Prevention, Information

Spring is finally here, bringing warmer weather and a whole new set of risks for pet parents to be aware of. As we embrace a more active lifestyle for the season, it's important to be cautious. With the temperature rising, ticks become active again, posing a potential threat of Lyme disease. Let's delve into this topic and understand it better! Ticks become active in temperatures starting at 4 degrees Celsius. Active ticks bring up questions about Lyme disease, so let's dig into it!

Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete organism Borrelia Burgdorferi, is a concern for both humans and animals. These bacteria are commonly carried by black-legged ticks, also known as Deer Ticks. When a tick attaches and feeds, it can transmit the infection. However, the transmission process usually takes 24-48 hours. If the tick is removed and killed before the 24-hour mark, the bacteria may not have had enough time to be transmitted.

We have tick removal tools in the clinic that we can give out to those who need them, while supplies last.

In the past, tick activity was mainly observed during the spring and summer months. However, due to climate change, ticks are now being found on patients even during the fall months. While Alberta is home to many tick species that are not known to carry Borrelia Burgdorferi, recent evidence suggests that the tick species capable of carrying the bacteria are expanding their range in Canada.

Neighboring provinces, such as BC, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and many parts of the US, have tick populations known to carry the bacteria. Therefore, we recommend taking preventative measures for patients who travel to these areas.

But what about low-risk lifestyle patients who don't travel? Should they worry about Lyme disease? While the risk remains relatively low, it's important to note that the population of ticks carrying Borrelia Burgdorferi is spreading throughout Canada. Ticks can also hitch a ride on birds and travel to other geographical areas, increasing the risk.

It's worth mentioning that Lyme disease may present differently in animals compared to humans. While most infected humans show physical symptoms, animals may not always display obvious signs. The dogs that do show symptoms usually show them months after infection. These symptoms can include joint pain, fever, kidney damage, and in some cases heart and neurological abnormalities.

Preventing Lyme disease is crucial to keeping our furry friends healthy and happy. Here are a few tips to help you in this endeavor: use an oral or topical tick-preventative medication, get your pets vaccinated against Lyme disease, and regularly check both yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks are common, such as woods, marshes, and places with tall grass.

Discovering a tick on your pet can be quite alarming and has an "ick" factor. It serves as a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant and aware, as our beloved pets can unknowingly carry ticks. These tiny pests can even drop off our pets and latch onto us, potentially leading to the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.

If you happen to find a tick, don't hesitate to bring it in! We take pride in being part of a tick surveillance study, and your submissions help us map the tick populations across Canada.

If you're worried about your pet's risk of contracting Lyme disease, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our Veterinarians. They can provide you with valuable advice and ensure your pet is protected throughout the season.