#Middlebury #LymeDisease #Dog
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: A fellow dog owner mentioned to me at the dog park that he had given his spaniel a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease. I’m wondering if I should do the same for my dog. How old should a dog be to receive the vaccine? Does it really protect dogs? – Clint F., Saco, Maine
DEAR CLINT: While it’s known that a Lyme vaccine (there are four different vaccines available today for dogs) does confer protection against contracting the disease from ticks, veterinarians are still debating whether it’s necessary to vaccinate dogs. You can read two vets’ opinions on this in a recent issue of Today’s Veterinary Practice (todaysveterinarypractice.com/vaccinating-dogs-against-lyme-disease/), with one for vaccination and the other not so sure.
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is frequently diagnosed, and your dog loves being outdoors, you may want to consider the vaccine for your dog. If you only take your pet to the dog park and otherwise don’t spend much time exploring outside, a vaccine may not be necessary. The vaccine can be given to dogs as young as 8 to 9 weeks, and booster shots are recommended after the first shot.
Even if you vaccinate your dog, you need to continue tick and flea prevention measures. Check your dog’s coat after every jaunt outside and quickly remove ticks. Mow the lawn regularly to discourage ticks and other pests from hanging out; if they’re still a problem, treat the lawn to deal with a flea or tick infestation.
Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, but some carry other serious diseases, so keeping them off your dog and out of your home is a good idea.
Send your comments, questions and tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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