Lyme-light on Lyme disease! By: Jennifer Jones, VMD Animedic Veterinary Services

It's summer, and along with all the fun with your dog of romping through the Wissahickon or making pals at Pretzel park comes the risk of ticks- and Lyme disease. Top 5 Myths debunked here:
1. I use a tick preventative- my dog is safe! 
Not necessarily. While it is highly recommended to use a tick preventative every month, ticks are very tough and no product gives 100% protection.  
2. I have never seen a tick on my pet.  
Good, but they are probably there anyway. One of the smaller deer tick life stages is as almost as small as the ball tip of a ball point pen. You will never see it in thick fur, but it could be infecting your pet. 
3. He never goes anywhere, just my yard.
Your backyard one of the most likely places your pet may catch Lyme disease or another tick-borne Illness. 
IF you live in Roxborough, Manayunk, Mt. Airy, East Falls, Chestnut Hill, or Germantown your yard, and your pet, are at risk.
Check out this map to get an idea of Lyme cases in our area:
http://www.dogsandticks.com/diseases_in_your_area.php
4. My pet is vaccinated against Lyme disease- he's safe
He is much, much, MUCH safer with the vaccine, but it does not give 100% protection either. You can't automatically assume if he was vaccinated he will never, ever get Lyme disease. Your vet may still want to test him if he is showing signs of Lyme, even if he was vaccinated for it. 
5. He's too old/too young/his breed is immune/ his fur is too thick/his fur is so short I would see a tick/ his fur is so long a tick couldn't get in/ ticks don't like this color fur/I check him every day I would find a tick/ this herbal medicine will repel ticks/I bathe him after walks, that will wash them off

Sorry folks: wrong, wrong, wrong.  I've heard all these excuses after I have diagnosed a pet with Lyme and the owners are suprised their pet contracted the disease.

The signs of Lyme disease are varied, but generally involve limping, stiffness, soreness, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Often a high fever, shakes, and reluctance to move will be seen with more severe cases.  Sadly, a dog
with just a little limp for a day or two will seem to "get better" and not be treated- with potentially deadly consequences.  

If you suspect your pet may have Lyme, seek a veterinarian's advice right away. 
Have fun this summer, but play it safe: Use tick prevention, vaccinate your pet, look for ticks, stay out of tall grass, and know the symptoms even if you take all the right steps to keep your pet tick-free. 
Jennifer Jones, VMD
Animedic Veterinary services
www.theanimedic.com
drjones@theanimedic.com