🌼 May Is Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Protecting Your Pet from Tick-Borne Illness
As the weather warms up here in North Carolina, we’re all spending more time outdoors—and so are ticks. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about how to protect your pets from one of the most common tick-borne diseases in our area.
🐾 What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted through the bite of infected ticks—most commonly the deer tick. Once attached, ticks can pass infection into your pet’s bloodstream.
⚠️ Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs
Many dogs don’t show symptoms right away, which is why routine testing is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Fever
- Lethargy or decreased energy
- Limping or shifting leg lameness
- Joint swelling
- Decreased appetite
In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys, which can become life-threatening.
🛡️ Prevention Is Key
The best way to protect your pet is through a combination of prevention strategies:
✔️ Year-Round Tick Prevention
Monthly preventatives are your pet’s first line of defense.
✔️ Routine Screening
Annual bloodwork helps detect exposure early—even before symptoms appear.
✔️ Lyme Vaccination
For dogs at risk in our area, vaccination provides an added layer of protection.
✔️ Daily Tick Checks
After spending time outdoors, check your pet—especially around the ears, neck, and between toes.
🌿 Why Lyme Disease Matters in North Carolina
Ticks are active nearly year-round in our region, especially during spring and summer. Even pets that don’t hike or spend time in wooded areas are still at risk—ticks can be found in backyards, parks, and even urban environments.
🩺 How We Help Protect Your Pet
At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we take a proactive approach to tick-borne disease prevention:
-
Comprehensive annual wellness testing
- Personalized prevention recommendations
- Lyme vaccination when appropriate
- Early treatment if exposure is detected
💬 When Should You Call Us?
Give us a call if:
- Your pet is overdue for annual testing or vaccines
- You’ve found a tick on your pet
- Your pet is showing signs like limping, lethargy, or fever
- You’re unsure which prevention is best for your pet
❤️ A Healthier Season Starts with Prevention
Spring should be a time for enjoying the outdoors—not worrying about preventable diseases. With the right protection plan, you can keep your pet safe while making the most of the season.
📞 Call us today or book online to schedule your pet’s wellness visit!