Spring is here. If your dogs are tired of being cooped up in the house all winter long, they're probably anxious to get outside for some fresh air. If that's the case, you'll want to make sure they're protected against the dangers of Lyme disease. Even if you don't live in a high-risk region of the country, your dogs could still be exposed to Lyme disease, which means you'll be exposed to the dangers as well. To make sure that your dogs don't contract Lyme disease this year, here are four steps you should take now, and throughout the spring and summer.
Start with a Lyme Disease Vaccination
When it comes to protecting your dogs against the threat of Lyme disease, the most important thing you can do is have them vaccinated. Lyme disease vaccinations are the only sure-fire way to protect your dogs against the disease. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the Lyme vaccine so that your dogs will be protected before you start spending time outside.
Make an Appointment with the Groomer
If your dogs have long hair, it's a good idea to make an appointment with the groomer. Ticks can be hard to see under a coat of thick dog hair. If your dogs are going to be spending a lot of time outside, you should start the season with a hair cut. Not only will short hair make it easier for you to find ticks, but it will also keep your dogs cooler in the hot weather.
Check for Ticks After Every Walk
When you go out for walks with your dogs, they become easy targets for ticks. In fact, while your dogs are walking through thick brush or grass, ticks can be jumping on them and burrowing in. To make sure your dogs don't bring unwanted guests home with them, be sure to do a tick-check after each walk. Pay close attention to your dogs ears, the area under their collars, between the pads of their feet, and their groin area.
Give Your Dog Tick Baths
If ticks are a problem in your area, it's a good idea to give your dogs a tick bath at least once a week. Ordinary baths will not remove the ticks. For that, you'll need to use a specially-formulated tick shampoo. Place your dogs in a tub of warm water and lather them up with a tick shampoo. Leave the lather on your dogs for at least 15 minutes and then rinse them well. Be sure to go over their fur with a flea or tick comb.
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