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LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA DOG GUIDES

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and its founding program, Canine Vision Canada, was established in 1983. It’s the largest school of its kind in Canada with its training school in Oakville and breeding facility in Breslau.

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Lyme Disease Vaccination Guide

PROTECT YOUR BEST FRIEND

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial disease which affects both humans and animals. Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria, is transmitted by the Ixodes species of tick which acquire the bacteria when they feed on infected animals. The tick then transmits this bacteria to other animals or people when they attach and feed again.

The Life of the Deer Tick

Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) typically become infected with the Lyme-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, during their larval stage when they feed on infected white-footed mice and ground-feeding birds. The infected nymph or adult tick then transmits the bacteria to people and domestic animals when it attaches and takes a blood meal.

Signs of Lyme Disease In Dogs

The signs of Lyme disease can take months to develop and are easily mistaken for signs of flu or arthritis. The most common sign is lameness due to joint pain, but Lyme disease has also been associated with kidney problems. Only your veterinarian, using a combination of blood tests, physical examinations and patient history, can make the proper diagnosis.

Risk Areas

Deer ticks are found in grassy areas (including lawns), brush, shrubs and woodlands – particularly along trails. They prefer moist, humid areas.

Your Dog May Be At Risk From Lyme Disease

You can help your veterinarian assess that risk by answering Yes or No to the following questions.

Does your dog go to parks, or wooded and grassy areas?
Have you ever seen a tick on your dog?
Do you take your dog to the cottage, camping or hiking?
Has Lyme disease been diagnosed in your area?
Does your dog accompany you on picnics or trips to the woods or the beach?
Is it likely that you would miss seeing a tick nymph the size of a pin head on your dog?
Does your dog ever run through tall grass, underbrush or bushes?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, contact your local veterinarian to vaccinate and protect your dog against Lyme disease TODAY.

Common Questions:

Q. What causes Lyme disease?
A. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacteria transmitted by ticks. The Ixodes species of tick, commonly referred to as the deer tick, is the primary carrier. These ticks acquire the bacteria during their immature stages when they feed on infected animals. The ticks then transmit this bacteria to other animals or people when they attach and feed again.

Q. Is my dog in danger of getting Lyme disease?
A. Yes, dogs have been diagnosed with Lyme disease in the country, and human Lyme disease is now the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Canada. Research has shown that the rate of canine Lyme disease in an area is directly proportional to the rate of human Lyme disease.

Q. How can I tell if my dog has Lyme disease?
A. Most of the time, Lyme disease is very difficult to diagnose in dogs as well as people. Many of the clinical signs mimic other diseases, and it may take months for these signs to be visible. Your veterinarian can use a combination of blood tests, physical examinations, and patient history to make the proper diagnosis.

Q. What are the visible signs of canine Lyme disease?
A. The most common sign is lameness. In addition, the dog’s joints may be hot and swollen. Many dogs won’t eat, are tired, and may run a fever. But even when there are no outward signs, the disease may still lead to unseen joint damage to your dog.

Q. How can I protect my dog?
A. Vaccination is the most effective way. A vaccine offering advanced protection for dogs is available – approved for puppies as young as nine (9) weeks. Ask your veterinarian about RECOMBITEK^® Lyme vaccine.

Q. What other steps can I take to protect my family and pets?
A. Tick control is an important ingredient of a Lyme disease prevention program. Ask your veterinarian for more information.