BETTER BE SAFE !

Why vaccinate your dog against Lyme disease

Although few dogs exposed to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease develop this disease, Acces Vet Network veterinarians recommend vaccination for dogs at risk. Indeed, potentially fatal kidney damage can occur, especially when repeatedly exposed to the bacteria transmitted by ticks. Thus, all dogs that test positive for Lyme disease and do not show clinical signs should be vaccinated because next contact with the bacteria would become potentially dangerous.

Why vaccinate if I preventively treat my dog against ticks?
Although it is very effective and safe, preventive medication will not be 100% effective. If your dog is part of the 1% who might have a tick, the vaccination will give him extra protection to make sure he does not develop Lyme disease. As already mentioned, ticks are active as soon as the mercury climbs above 4 degrees C. Vaccination will therefore provide excellent protection during the winter days when mercury climbs beyond 4 degrees C and during which your dog does not receive its preventive treatment.

Why should my dog pass the test for Lyme disease?

A positive result on this test will indicate that your dog has been in contact with a tick carrying the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Additional tests will be offered to determine if your dog should be treated for Lyme disease or safe to wait for treatment. You and those around you should also be especially careful and do regular inspections on you, family members and your pets to quickly find a tick that would have chosen you for their next meal! Finally, because future exposures to the bacteria increase the risk of developing Lyme disease, all dogs tested positive should receive good preventive treatment and be vaccinated.

Parasite prevention, not just a dog thing!

Your cat does not need to spend its days outside to expose itself to parasites! A brief excursion to the outdoors may be enough for some parasites to contaminate him. No need to have direct contact with another animals to catch parasites. Indeed, the majority of parasitic transmissions are made through the environment. A flea does not jump from one cat to another but can transit through the environment. Obviously the risks increase if your cat spends his days (and his nights!) hunting and making the law with the neighborhood cats !

• Your cat can catch fleas or ticks even if he goes outside with a harness
• When hunting, your cat may be contaminated by intestinal parasites including tapeworms
• Cats can get ticks but are not susceptible to Lyme disease
• Most cats with fleas do not over-scratch. Only those who are allergic to flea saliva will have significant itching
• Fleas can transmit a blood parasite (hemobartonelosis) that causes life-threatening anemia for your cat
• A cat that sniffs where there has been fecal matter can become infected with intestinal parasites potentially transmissible to humans