Tick awareness: How to spot Lyme disease symptoms in your dog

Tick season is in full swing, increasing the risk of Lyme disease in dogs. How can you recognize if your pet has been infected with this dangerous disease? These behaviours in your four-legged friend should signal that it's time to visit the veterinarian.

While seeing a dog running through tall grass melts every owner's heart, it often brings an unpleasant surprise in the form of a tick hidden in its fur.

It's not enough to remove the malicious arachnid from the animal's skin, as such an encounter often ends with unpleasant consequences of Lyme disease for the dog. How can we check if our pet will not suffer from unpleasant consequences after a bite?

Often, the condition of a dog infected with Lyme disease can be recognized by its unusual behaviour. What signals should be concerning?

Lethargy in an otherwise happy and energetic dog should prompt us to seek a health-related cause. Lyme disease often causes the animal to have problems walking, stagger, or be unable to stand up on its own.

We should also be alerted by the animal's higher-than-normal body temperature. Especially when this is a recurring issue, and the dog has a fever from time to time, this should not be taken lightly, and it is better to check the cause quickly.

Lack of appetite, bald patches on the dog's skin, or increased thirst leading to more frequent urination are the most common symptoms of Lyme disease. It is worth checking the pet's health and performing essential blood and urine tests.

To minimise the risk of Lyme disease, remember to check the skin after walks and use unique, child-safe, and environmentally friendly anti-tick collars during warm periods.