What's the truth about Lyme disease? Find out by learning the difference between fact and fiction below!

You may be familiar with some of the signs of Lyme disease in humans: a rash that resembles a bull’s eye expanding from the site of the bite, fever, arthritis pain and headache. But did you know that Lyme disease can affect pets, too?

Lyme Disease: Know Your Facts

True or False: Dogs don’t get Lyme disease.

False — mostly. Dogs who are bitten by a tick infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial spirochete (genus Borrelia) that carries Lyme disease, can indeed develop Lyme disease. Dogs may not show signs of disease — typically lameness, lethargy and fever — until some two to five months after the bite, so it may take some detective work to figure out the cause or to remember that your dog had an encounter with one of the nasty bloodsuckers.

True or False: Pets can transmit Lyme disease to humans.

Not exactly. Dogs and cats don’t spread Lyme disease directly, but when ticks attach to them, they can bring the bacterial-bearing monsters into your home. The ticks can then come in contact with humans and spread the spirochetes via their bite.

True or False: Only deer ticks carry Lyme disease.

False. Which tick spreads Lyme disease depends on where you live.

True or False: The ticks that spread Lyme disease come out only seasonally. 

False. That might have been the case a decade or two ago, but warmer weather in spring and milder weather in fall and winter have  expanded tick activity and habitat.

True or False: Lyme disease occurs only in certain areas.

True. Lyme disease takes its name from the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified. It is now the most commonly reported vector-borne (meaning it’s transmitted by a living organism, such as a bloodsucking insect) disease in the United States.

True or False: My dog doesn’t go hiking with me, so he’s not at risk.

Not necessarily. You can bring ticks home on your clothing, which can then make their way onto your dog.

True or False: Preventives are available to repel or kill ticks.

Absolutely true! Talk to your veterinarian about which product is best suited to your area and your pet’s lifestyle.

Now that you know the real from the rumors, you will be able to prevent Lyme disease in your doggy. Just remember to stay safe and check for symptoms in both yourself and your pooch.

For more information on Lyme disease, visit care2.