Lyme borreliosis, commonly called Lyme disease, is an infectious disease transmitted to both people and pets by deer ticks. Once an infected deer tick bites its host, the bacteria start making their way into the bloodstream. A tick must be attached to a host for at least 36 hours to transmit infection. Because deer ticks are no bigger than poppy seeds, though, they're easy to overlook on furry friends. Thankfully, flea and tick medicine can effectively prevent Lyme disease—as long as it’s administered properly. 

Why Flea & Tick Medicine Is Important 

Flea and tick medicine is designed to repel and kill pests that have the potential to make animals incredibly sick. Tapeworms, anemia, and Bartonella infections are just some of the complications that fleas can cause. Lyme disease, on the other hand, is one of the more serious complications that ticks can cause. 

Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include loss of appetite, lethargy, lameness, and fever. Infected dogs may also appear to be in constant pain or discomfort because of joint swelling. If left untreated, cardiac and neurological issues can develop. In severe cases, Lyme disease can eventually progress to kidney failure. Flea and tick medicine works to prevent all such complications by keeping pets from getting bit in the first place. 

How to Choose the Right Flea & Tick Medicine 

From topical ointments and activated collars to oral medications and pyrethrin dips, there are several ways to protect pets from deer ticks. The best approach depends on a variety of factors. If you have multiple pets, for example, you may not want to use topical ointments because they may lick them off one another. Likewise, pyrethrin dips should not be applied to especially young pets or nursing or pregnant animals. 

The easiest way to determine what kind of flea and tick prevention you should use is by consulting a veterinarian. After evaluating each pet, the vet will ask questions about your household, lifestyle, and budget before making a recommendation. 

If your pets need flea and tick medicine, head to Petplex Animal Hospital in Buckeye Lake, OH. This full-service facility promotes preventive pet care, allowing their patients across the region, including those in Newark and Heath, to thrive. To make an appointment so your dog or cat can get a prescription to combat insect-inducing infection, call (740) 929-3300, or go online to learn more about pet prescriptions.